16-10-2020, 08:06 PM
Hi All.
Microbee Technology is about to release some keyboard replacement kits for Premium series Microbees, and for Bees without the arrow keys.
There will be 2 separate kits (Premium / Non-Premium) which include the following items:
Keyboard frame adapter plate : Sits on top of the original keyboard frame to adapt it to the smaller form factor key switches.
Keyboard PCB : a complete PCB that sits under the original keyboard frame that the new key switches solder in to.
Key switches : The same ones used in the Premium Plus model.
Mounting screws etc : to attach the keyboard frame adapter plate to the original keyboard frame.
Pin strip : 0.1" pin strip to cut up into individual pins that help support the Keyboard PCB and connect it to the baseboard.
Switching Regulators : These are small TO-220 shaped 7805 regulator replacements that will solder directly to the baseboard and run cooler.
Premium Kit : includes a 20 way pin header that connects the required signals between the baseboard and the new keyboard PCB.
Non-Premium kit : 2 flying lead connectors to wire in the signals from the new keyboard PCB to the baseboard.
Sockets for these are provided on the new keyboard PCB.
To simplify the keyboard matrix connections between the baseboard and the new keyboard PCB, the keyboard scanning circuit has been
duplicated on the new keyboard PCB. In the case of the Premium keyboard kit, the new keyboard pcb plugs straight on to the baseboard, whereas
the non-premium version has 2 connectors with the flying leads - a 4 pin and a 6 pin lead give all the signals, power & ground required.
The scanning circuitry is all low profile surface mount assembly on the underside of the new keyboard PCB, and has been done for you.
I'll post some photos below.
Microbee Technology is about to release some keyboard replacement kits for Premium series Microbees, and for Bees without the arrow keys.
There will be 2 separate kits (Premium / Non-Premium) which include the following items:
Keyboard frame adapter plate : Sits on top of the original keyboard frame to adapt it to the smaller form factor key switches.
Keyboard PCB : a complete PCB that sits under the original keyboard frame that the new key switches solder in to.
Key switches : The same ones used in the Premium Plus model.
Mounting screws etc : to attach the keyboard frame adapter plate to the original keyboard frame.
Pin strip : 0.1" pin strip to cut up into individual pins that help support the Keyboard PCB and connect it to the baseboard.
Switching Regulators : These are small TO-220 shaped 7805 regulator replacements that will solder directly to the baseboard and run cooler.
Premium Kit : includes a 20 way pin header that connects the required signals between the baseboard and the new keyboard PCB.
Non-Premium kit : 2 flying lead connectors to wire in the signals from the new keyboard PCB to the baseboard.
Sockets for these are provided on the new keyboard PCB.
To simplify the keyboard matrix connections between the baseboard and the new keyboard PCB, the keyboard scanning circuit has been
duplicated on the new keyboard PCB. In the case of the Premium keyboard kit, the new keyboard pcb plugs straight on to the baseboard, whereas
the non-premium version has 2 connectors with the flying leads - a 4 pin and a 6 pin lead give all the signals, power & ground required.
The scanning circuitry is all low profile surface mount assembly on the underside of the new keyboard PCB, and has been done for you.
I'll post some photos below.