Help: Hardware for a project, keyboard input

Projects General Guidance
1

I am working on a project soon and need a little help getting pointed in the right direction regarding hardware.

The project will either be using the Arduino Uno or the Barebones Board. I am no stranger to programming with Arduinos but I don't know how to connect a USB keyboard to an Arduino so it can read the inputs.

Essentially, this will be a CW Transceiver that can either read or send in Morse Code. My goal is to use a simple Keyboard and have the Arduino translate for me.

What type of parts do I need so an Arduino Uno can read inputs from a standard keyboard?

2

Well you can get a usb shield but I'd suggest going for an old PS2 (or the old 5 pin din plug) type keyboard. It's uses a kind of synchronous serial protocol that is pretty unique to these keyboards and mice that have the same connecton.

I'm pretty sure I've seen a library available for just this purpose.

Edit: Here's one

3

Hmm.....

So where would I find the hardware I need for this. I think I still have a keyboard like this but no idea how to make the port.

4

So where would I find the hardware I need for this

As you have not bothered tell us your location, all I can suggest is your local electronic components store.

5

mackaywarrior:
Hmm.....

So where would I find the hardware I need for this. I think I still have a keyboard like this but no idea how to make the port.

Port? It's just connected to pins on the arduino. No other hardware required.

6

Grumpy_Mike:
As you have not bothered tell us your location, all I can suggest is your local electronic components store.

Lol, could point. I am in an area with Radioshack but I was looking for online links. Sorry for not being specific.

And thanks for the help! Hardware is never easy.

7

I get most of my stuff here:-

8

You CAN do it "the hard way"... but there are so many fun things out there, waiting to be done, why not, just once, use the easy way?....

http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-host-mini?keyword=usb%20keyboard

USB kbd -> stream of Arduino friendly serial data.

Note: You have to use the "pull down" to "set" the order to "USB keyboard".

£14: About $22.

If you haven't used external sources of serial input to the Arduino before, this might be useful...

(Don't worry overmuch about the "RS232 and serial are not the same" warning in that. The hobbytronics device is Arduino friendly, although if you have a 3v3 Arduino, you may need the usual resistors.)

9

tkbyd:
You CAN do it "the hard way"... but there are so many fun things out there, waiting to be done, why not, just once, use the easy way?....

http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-host-mini?keyword=usb%20keyboard

USB kbd -> stream of Arduino friendly serial data.

Note: You have to use the "pull down" to "set" the order to "USB keyboard".

£14: About $22.

If you haven't used external sources of serial input to the Arduino before, this might be useful...

Arduino: How To Receive Data from IDE, simple answer- art4SeSimpFrmIDE

(Don't worry overmuch about the "RS232 and serial are not the same" warning in that. The hobbytronics device is Arduino friendly, although if you have a 3v3 Arduino, you may need the usual resistors.)

That part is exactly what I am looking for. How do I integrate it with the Arduino Uno?

10

How do I integrate...

That question is answered in the second page cited... I hope. That page TRIES to answer that, anyway. That's what that page is about.

11

Ah okay. I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Thanks!