Need keyboard for Mega STe, what can I use?

[Randy]

Is there a replacement keyboard or fix, or am I stuck with having to find a real Mega STe keyboard to use the Mega STe?  Thanks

[ParanoidLittleMan]

Can use some ST or STE keyboard, but it needs adding  some components for resetting IKBD chip at start, cable with phone connector .

I use my Mega STE with it, since original keyboard went total useless.

[larrylaffer]

Or if you don't want to make something handmade as PLM suggested, you could use a mega ST keyboard. They are expensive but cheaper than the mega STE ones. 

[snarkdluG]

Or just get an Eiffel interface and use a PS/2 mouse and keyboard. 

[Randy]

24 minutes ago, larrylaffer said:

Or if you don't want to make something handmade as PLM suggested, you could use a mega ST keyboard. They are expensive but cheaper than the mega STE ones. 

Thanks, so that means I can use a Mega ST keyboard as a direct replacement for the Mega STe keyboard, correct?

 

[larrylaffer]

12 minutes ago, Randy said:

Thanks, so that means I can use a Mega ST keyboard as a direct replacement for the Mega STe keyboard, correct?

 

Correct. They have the same internals as far as I know, and I have been using my mega ST keyboard on my mega STE for a while. 

 

Eiffel is also a good option if you don't mind mixing non-Atari peripherals with your Ataris.

 

In fact in my setup I have a KVM with a PS2 mouse and keyboard connected to my Atari st(e)s and Amigas using small modern interfacing gadgets that translate PS2 to Atari/amiga mouse/keyboard interfaces. 

[Randy]

Thanks Larry, I was thinking about getting one of the Best Electronics Mega keyboards, not cheap, but a complete rebuilding and working Mega ST keyboard.

[ParanoidLittleMan]

Yeah, Mega ST and Mega STE keyboards are replaceable, and basically same.

Internals are actually same by all keyboards in ST-TT-Falcon machines - same IKBD chip, keys (except language differences), key scan codes.

What differ is connection. Separated Mega ST, Mega STE keyboard has only 4 line cable, so it needs little plus electronic for resetting chip at power on.

[Goochman]

15 hours ago, snarkdluG said:

Or just get an Eiffel interface and use a PS/2 mouse and keyboard. 

I didnt need a replacement keyboard but got an Eiffel and it works great - I put my mega keyboard away.

[Randy]

3 hours ago, Goochman said:

I didnt need a replacement keyboard but got an Eiffel and it works great - I put my mega keyboard away.

Is that Peter Goochman of DCaudioDIY?

[Goochman]

If he's rich and there is an inheritance then yes!  Otherwise no

[Randy]

haha, don't think Dr. Goochman is rich, but he's doing OK!

 

Peter. thanks for the info, that would certainly be the least expensive way to go by using a ST keyboard and wiring it up.  The Eiffel sounds good but I hear there are some issues with it, but may have to give that a closer look as well.

[MasterMotorola]

Randy, are you missing the keyboard or does your keyboard just not work?  The most common problem was the cable would get damaged.  You can replace it with a standard telephone cord as long as it is the RJ12 6P6C (6-position type rather than the more common 4-position).

Edited May 30, 2020 by MasterMotorola
RJ12, not RJ11

[Randy]

Hi Master, I am missing the keyboard, the mega STe did not come with one : (

[tjlazer]

You missed out on all the keyboards being sold on eBay a few months ago!  For around $100, in good/mint shape too.

[Randy]

If "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts, we would all have a Merry Xmas!