|
Post by Jeff Ledger on Apr 6, 2006 11:07:13 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Golan Klinger on Apr 6, 2006 12:25:40 GMT -5
I gotta ask, why is everyone so excited about the Keyrah? I can understand its appeal to a heavy user of emulators but if you use actual Commodore 64s, why would you want to use a keyboard from one connected to a PC? The C=Key, on the other hand, makes sense to me as it can be used to mate a 64 keyboard to a DTV.
|
|
|
Post by Jeff Ledger on Apr 6, 2006 13:20:50 GMT -5
I don't always have my own 64's (or other retroboxes) setup because of a lack of space in my shop. When work floods in, I several spots on my bookshelf where the units are bagged and stored when not in use. The idea of being able to quickly replace my PC keyboard with a 64 unit w/joystick ports appeals to me because I can go from "shop mode" to "game mode" in a couple mins. Jeff
|
|
|
Post by thurstan on Apr 6, 2006 16:04:22 GMT -5
I like the novelty of it and would love it even for occasional emulator use. If there is a dead C64 it will be a good way to make use of it.
I have placed an order for one.
|
|
|
Post by Leif Bloomquist on Apr 10, 2006 8:50:01 GMT -5
Golan, did you mean DTV?
Can't you use a USB to PS/2 adaptor to use the Keyrah with the DTV?
I would use the Keyrah on my PC just because I like the C64 keyboard so much, and for the novelty value (which would probably run out quickly, to be honest).
|
|
|
Post by Golan Klinger on Apr 10, 2006 9:49:03 GMT -5
Whoops. Yeah, that's what I meant. I suppose you could although it would be best if someone with a Keyrah could test it to make sure. The C=Key does the same thing directly which makes more sense to me. I'm eagerly waiting for someone to mod a DTV into a 64 case with the original keyboard. That would be neat. It seems like there's a land-rush lately to adapt everything and anything to a 64 and vice versa even if the applications aren't immediately obvious. I think thurstan hit the nail on the head. It's a novelty.
|
|
|
Post by thurstan on Apr 10, 2006 14:11:24 GMT -5
mine is on the way so now I need a c64 to butcher! bet i wont be able to find a broken c64 on ebay now!
|
|
|
Post by David Murray on Apr 10, 2006 16:32:14 GMT -5
Just find one of those that says "Don't know how to test" or "don't have the ability to test." You can bet it is probably broken as it doesn't take a rocket scientist to test a C64.
|
|
|
Post by Golan Klinger on Apr 10, 2006 21:49:02 GMT -5
Joe Palumbo ( www.jppbm.com/) has stacks of 64 keyboards (amongst other things) so contact him if you need one. Also, I think he'll be attending the C4 Expo (see c4expo.org/) so if you're going and you need anything, contact him in advance and he'll bring it along.
|
|
|
Post by thurstan on Apr 11, 2006 4:40:12 GMT -5
am in the UK so will miss out on the expo. Well checked ebay and for the first time every single c64 on there has actually been tested!!!
the hunt continues
|
|
|
Post by thurstan on Apr 13, 2006 14:28:48 GMT -5
well it arrived today and must say its a very nice engineered piece of hardware. shame to put it inside a case! though still cant find a broken c64 for sale might try a car boot sale hunt this weekend
|
|
|
Post by thurstan on May 2, 2006 14:56:53 GMT -5
Well finally managed to pick up a non working C64 for a measly 99pence off ebay. The keyrah is very easy to fit and am using it to type this! only took 10 minutes.
Definitely feels cool using it, but its not exactly a great keyboard for typing quickly!! Will give it a week of use to see how I get on with it. Though I think it will be mainly used for emulator use. Hmmm wonder if I dare use it to play Battlefield 2? . . . .
|
|
|
Post by Jeff Ledger on May 2, 2006 15:17:44 GMT -5
Curious,
As I understand it, there are two joystick connectors on the side. Do they work well for gaming?
Jeff
|
|
|
Post by thurstan on May 3, 2006 4:31:00 GMT -5
yes there are two joystick connectors. the metal bracket from the C64 fits over them nicely with the USB connector poking through the power connector hole.
I have not tested the ports yet, will do that when i get in from work today and let you know.
|
|
|
Post by thurstan on May 3, 2006 17:18:22 GMT -5
okay plugged in an old competition pro joystick and fired up winvice and it works fine! it seems to map the joystick directions to the cursor keys and the fire button to the space bar. So you need to configure the joystick and away you go!
|
|