PPI & Full Size Matrix Keyboard

PPI Code: DB308
Keyboard: DB309

Assembled Profiled

A full size keyboard kit for your RC2014/RCBus system giving your kit that perfect clicky keyboard.

Key Features

Images


PPI PCB Front

PPI PCB Back

Keyboard PCB Front

Keyboard PCB Back

PPI Fully Assembled

Keyboard Assembled (with switches & key caps)

Closeup of Keyboard and PPI connected

Base Kit Parts

Optional MSX Wait State Generator Parts

Optional MSX Slot Selector Parts

PPI 8255 PPI Chip

Bill of Materials

* Self Source Reference are supplied as a guide only. Please double check, in case of typo or errors in listing.

PPI & Keyboard Module

Count Name Self Sourcing*
5 0.1uF Ceramic Capacitors Mouser: 594-K104K10X7RF53L2
DigiKey: BC5137-ND
2 IDC Connector (No Clamps) DigiKey: 2057-BHR-16-HUA-ND
81 1N4148  
3 470 Ω  
1 10k Ω Bussed (8) Mouser: 652-4609X-1LF-10K
DigiKey: 4609X-101-103LF-ND
3 74HC138  
1 74HC00  
3 3mm LEDS  
2 Right Angle 2x20 Header Mouser: 649-68020-140HLF
DigiKey: 2057-PH2RA-40-UA-ND
1 14 POS IC SOCKET Mouser: 571-1-2199298-3
DigiKey: 2057-ICS-314-T-ND
3 16 POS IC SOCKET Mouser: 571-1-2199298-4
DigiKey: 2057-ICS-316-T-ND
1 40 POS IC SOCKET Mouser: 571-1-2199299-5
DigiKey: 2057-ICS-640-T-ND
1 16 Way IDC Cable  

Optional MSX Slot Selector

Count Name Self Sourcing*
1 0.1uF Ceramic Capacitors Mouser: 594-K104K10X7RF53L2
DigiKey: BC5137-ND
1 74HC153  
1 16 POS IC SOCKET Mouser: 571-1-2199298-4
DigiKey: 2057-ICS-316-T-ND

Optional MSX M1 Wait State Generator

Count Name Self Sourcing*
1 0.1uF Ceramic Capacitors Mouser: 594-K104K10X7RF53L2
DigiKey: BC5137-ND
1 1N4148  
1 74HC74  
1 1x2 HEADER  
1 Shunt 1x2  
1 14 POS IC SOCKET Mouser: 571-1-2199298-3
DigiKey: 2057-ICS-314-T-ND

82C55 PPI Chip

Count Name Self Sourcing*
1 82C55  

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?

This module can work in a standard RC2014/RCBus RomWBW bootable system.

It is required for a MSX configured system.

Operation

Jumpers

J2 - M 1 WAIT STATE GENERATOR

When shorted, a WAIT signal for 1 clock cycle is generated when the Z80 fetches a instruction. This is only required for MSX software compatibility. Short for MSX compatibility, leave unconnected otherwise.

When in MSX configuration or paired with the Turbo CPU, this jumper should not be shorted.

The MSX Turbo CPU modules also include a M1 Wait State Generator. Having the wait state generator of the PPI active, will cause the Turbo CPU to have additional unnecessary wait states.

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.

Rainbow Cable types

Its important that the correct rainbow 16 IDC cable is used. It needs to be a ‘straight thru’ type - as per image below.

Closeup of rainbow 16pin IDC cable


Schematics

Key difference with Yellow PPI/Keyboard

Description Yellow MSX Version Green Stegosaur Version
PPI PCB Height 8.0 cm 5.5 cm
IDC Connector with locking clamps without locking clamps
Slot Selector Included Sold separately
M1 Wait Generator Included Sold separately
82C55 PPI Chiip Included Sold separately
Backplane Requirement 80 Way RCBus or RC2014 via external Jumpers Wired permanently to 80 Way RCBus ‘User’ lanes (37-40, 77-80)
Colour Yellow Green

Assembly Guide

General guidelines

Soldering item order

Generally, you want to solder items from lowest height to largest height. Review the components you need to solder, and note their progressive heights.

  1. Resistors.
  2. Small ceramic capacitors.
  3. Any other low height components.
  4. The right angle headers (these headers are slightly lower in height than the IC sockets).*
  5. IC sockets, ensuring the sockets are fully flat (solder one or 2 pins first, and visually check its flat before soldering their other pins).
  6. Electrolytic capacitors (note the correct orientation).
  7. Larger connectors, and any other remaining items.

* Note the right angle headers are position correctly and lay flush and at right angle to the main PCB.

Specific Notes

Please note the following specific points regarding this module:

NOTE 1

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

NOTE 2

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 an eye on the pins.

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

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



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.