PPI & Full Size Matrix Keyboard

A full size keyboard kit for your RC2014 system, for use with 5 pin Cherry compatible switches.

PPI & Full Size Matrix Keyboard

A full size keyboard kit for your RC2014 system, for use with 5 pin Cherry compatible switches, giving your kit that perfect clicky keyboard.

With diodes associated with every switch, it possible to identify all multi key press combinations - no ghost keys.

Key Features

Bill of Materials

Count Name Designator
5 0.1uF PPI-C1,C3,C4,C2,C5
1 1N4148 PPI-D1
1 EXT-BUS PPI-J1
1 M1-WAIT PPI-J2
1 MSX-KYB PPI-P1
1 82C55 PPI-U1
1 74HC138 PPI-U2
1 74HC00 PPI-U3
1 74HC153 PPI-U4
1 74HC74 PPI-U5
1 Right Angle 20x2 Header PPI
1 Right Angle header 1x20 PPI
2 14 POS IC SOCKET PPI
2 16 POS IC SOCKET PPI
1 40 POS IC SOCKET PPI
1 PCB PPI
2 0.1uF KEYBOARD-C1,C2
81 1N4148 KEYBOARD-D1-D81
3 3mm LEDS KEYBOARD
1 IDC Socket KEYBOARD-P1
3 470 Ω KEYBOARD-R2,R3,R1
1 10k Ω x 8 KEYBOARD-R4
73 switches SW1-SW73
2 74HC138 KEYBOARD-U2,U1
4 2U key stabliser KEYBOARD
1 6.25U key stabliser KEYBOARD
1 keycaps set KEYBOARD
1 PCB KEYBOARD

Using the keyboard on RomWBW

Although this kit is designed to work under MSX’s software, it can be used in a stock RC2014 system with a correctly configured RomWBW ROM image.

See RomWBW for details on configuring and building a version of RomWBW for keyboard function.

What’s included

This project includes both the keyboard kit and the PPI interface board kit.

Please note, this kit does not include switches and keycaps. You can choose to source these yourself, or purchase the Keyboard caps here and compatible switches here

What else do I need to make this work?

Assembly Notes

My personal recommendation is solder all the passive components first, then the sockets and IDC connector.

You will certainly want to solder the diodes on the keyboard before doing the switches.

Mount the switches last – you should get a satisfying click as you push the switch into the board - but be careful that both pins have come thru cleanly. The pins are fairly thin and easy for them not to align and to be bent.

Start with just one or two switches first – push in, then check pins, then solder. Move onto a next set of switches. Once you are more comfortable, go for bigger batches - just keep on eye on the pins.

Once all the soldering is done, you can move onto mounting the stabilizers.

Assembling the stabilizers

To assemble the stabilizers, you can use the following images to get an idea of how they go together.

Line up the housing and insert as shown. Note the orientation of the items.

Stabilizer housing and insert
Stabilizer housing and insert
Stabilizer housing and insert


Next, insert the bar as shown:

Stabilizer housing and insert fully assembled Stabilizer housing and insert fully assembled


And finally, carefully clip the bar into the mounting as shown:

Stabilizer with bar inserted


The insert should be able to move up and down as the bar is rotated.

Repeat for the other side of the bar and for the rest of the stabilizers.

Once the stabilizers are assembled, you can now mount them on the PCB as shown below. The insert should be able to be moved up and down freely.

Assembled Assembled


The following images show the space bar and other stabilizers mounted onto the PCB

Assembled Assembled



Fully Assembled

Assembled

(with V1.6 of PPI)

PCB

Assembled

(with V1.4 of PPI)

Schematics

Disclaimer

Please note that this is a kit, produced by a non-expert (me) for hackers, DIYers’ and retro lovers, to tinker with. Please exercise caution and follow good safety practices. You will be working with sharp knives, a hot soldering iron, and small metal components. Be mindful of the risks involved in the build process. I will do my best to answer any questions you may have.

This kit is provided as-is, with no guarantees or warranties. By assembling and using this kit, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. The creator cannot be held responsible for any damage, injury, or loss that may occur during the assembly or operation of this kit.