Spare/replacement XEGM/S keyboard?

[Rex Dart]

Hi all,

 

I'm trying to get into the A8 games and need a system. I've found I can get the keyboardless XEGM cheaply enough, but I do want a keyboard. Where can these be found? Are any other keyboards compatible? I have no idea. Thanks!

[mimo]

Myatari.com or best electronics

[Rex Dart]

Excellent, thank you. $25 isn't too bad.

Are there any other keyboards that can be used with the XEGM? Maybe an adapter?

[mimo]

I believe that you can install one of candles IO boards, then you can use a PS/2 keyboard.

or the AKI (atari keyboard interface) if anyone is actually making them

http://spiflash.org/block/12.html

ftp://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/mirror/www.atari.cuprum.com.pl/aki.htm

[Rybags]

In theory you could "build" an XEGS compatible keyboard using one from another Atari but you'd need to add the multiplexor ICs and other associated stuff that's normally inside the Atari (except on the XEGS).

 

Also I remember years ago seeing a project to add a generic keyboard to an Atari 400 - I don't think they had to do any rework of the matrix. Problem is, such keyboards probably date to the early 80s at most and are probably harder to find than Atari ones.

[WizWor]

How cheap is the XEGM that the cost of a that plus a keyboard would be less than an XEGS?

[Rybags]

They're the same thing. We generally refer to it as the XEGS, whether or not a keyboard is attached to it.

[sloopy]

also keep a lookout for XEGS's, i picked up my last one, non-functional, but complete for $35 including shipping, and the KB worked fine. this will also get you some replacement parts when you need them... or you might get fortunate and get a working one that cheap...

 

sloopy.

[+orpheuswaking]

or this

 

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 290534873248