CBM MX Keyboards Project Steve J. Gray

This is a project to create replacement keyboards for CBM Machines using standard MX keyswitches. The first goal is to create direct replacements that fit standard CBM cases (if possible).

KEYBOARDS

Keyboards are identified by a string in the following format:

KB-Vn-Rn

where: KB is the keyboard name Vn is the version#. This is a unique design/layout of a specific keyboard. Rn is the revision#. Generally updates to a specific keyboard version.

So, take the PET "B" keyboard. V1-R1 is the first design using pcb cutouts to allow the keyboard to be mounted higher. When this was awkward a R2 revision was done to eliminate the cutouts and reduce the pcb size. However this requires a 3D printed bracket to mount it. Since both keyboards use the same switch and keycap layout both are V1. If a new version is designed that say uses a different sized spacebar or has significant changes then a V2 would be made. With the CLCD keyboard there are two versions. V1 has a layout using the diamond arrow cursor keys. A V2 version instead uses an inverted-T cursor layout.

Examples:

   "B-V1-R1" is the PET/CBM "B" (Business) keyboard, Version 1, Revision 1
   "N-V1-R2" is the PET/CBM "N" (Normal/Graphic) keyboard, Version1 , Revision 2

Keyboards In Development:

N    = PET/CBM Normal/Graphic Keyboard (4032)
B    = PET/CBM Business Keyboard (8032, SuperPET, 8296 etc)
CBM2 = B128, CBM128-80, 5x0, 6x0, 7x0,P500 etc
V364 = TED series prototype with numeric pad
CLCD = Laptop prototype
CSX  = C128+SX64 customizable design

Planned: C64 = VIC-20, C64, C16 etc C65 = C65 with cursor keys etc B64 = PET "B" with C64-style layout

STICKERS

Artwork for labelling keycaps is in the STICKERS folder, since that is the most likely way to label the keys. However, stickers is not the only possibility... see webpage for more details.

SCANS

Original kecap scans are in the SCANS folder. These are scanned with a flatbed scanner, either the entire keyboard (stiched if required) or individual keycap top and front.

WEBPAGE

For more information please visit the project webpage. Comments and feedback are welcome!

http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/projects/mxkeyboards/index.html

HISTORY

KEYBOARD DATE PCB? STATUS

B-V1-R1 2020-07-01 YES Built and tested. Electrically working but requires pcb mounting hole modifications N-V1-R1 2020-12-17 YES Built and tested. Electrically working but does not fit in N keyboard case due to measurement error. B-V1-R2 2020-12-18 NO Design phase. Smaller simplified PCB. N/B 2021-02-10 - Add keyboard labelling stickers for both N and B keyboards on one page. N-V1-R2 2021-03-31 - Add Gerbers B-V1-R2 2023-03-21 YES Built and tested. CSX-V1-R1 2023-09-01 YES Testing... CSX-V1-R1 2024-02-25 YES Released. Built 3 configurations. Basic functionality is working but more work is needed to fully test. V364 2024-02-25 YES Released. Built and tested.