Hi guys. I am thinking of askingn a Chinese contact I have about making a proper style keyboard that clicks to the base of the Athena/Ameo/X7500 just like the crappy standard one. It will have proper style keys miniature but much better than the flat ones that come with it.
What do you guys think of the idea? would it sell well? How much would you be willing to pay etc? I have to look at the logistics of it. Also is there akeyboard on an existing PDA that you think would be a good template for the new one?
Also anyone know what the pinouts are on the connector on the keyboard?
You may not break even if it is only for ameo, and so simple
Actually I am thinking now a mini-usb keyboard... so less drain than bluetooth, with mini usb, and normal usb adapter -
I use the keysonic keyboard from maplin, its only about 10 inches long and very compact, usb though, I find somthing you can have some distance from the screen a lot better for typing. I personally dont have a problem with the Ameo KB. it does the job, "two finger typing" but if I was sitting writting shed loads an external would be preferable. like victoradjei said, dont think it would be profitable, to much of a nich market. Also somthing else to carry about. I now just leave my keyboard in the car, and to be fair I havnt even needed it for a while. okay, ive used it once since i got it, another £30 waisted.
I don't see the point if you can use a Bluetooth wireless keyboard
Well the thinking behind it is to REPLACE the crappy keyboard that comes with it..
Bluetoooth keyboards are fine but they drain a lot more power than a hard wired one.
I'm thinking that a keyboard that has decent keys and fits in the space and size ofthe old one woudl be cool. I had a Psion 5 and that keyboard was AMAZING compared to the Ameo and it was tiny, but still had real keys. There must be enough market for stuff for the Ameo/Athena etc otherwise why would people make cradles and other stuff for it?
johnwalk - I have the Keysonic too - great keyboard but too big to bung in a briefcase to use with the Ameo - if i want to look 'cool' with my device in a meeting or something I would need something at least half the size, and foldable to stick with the form factor of the Ameo itself.
PSION 5 keyboard rocks!
Yeah i had a PSION 5 and that keyboard was amazing i have to admit, along with the Universal Keyboard, miss that to!
Its a toughie as i dont carry my keyboard about, yet I prob would pay around £30 to have a decent keyboard that I could use with my Ameo.
I find the one that was with it very unusable and now i use HappyTappingKeyboard decent on screen keyboard app and im finding more and more reasons not to use an external keyboard.
Will keep my eye on this topic tho as Id be interested to see what happens.
Mmm, bluetooth keyboard????? Stick to direct replacement
Also i dont think the Bluetooth Keyboard would be a good idea.
Mainly because of the draining power issues, but also because most people use their bluetooth headsets with their device so pairing and using both would mean alot of messing about.
A direct replacement keyboard for the device would be great.
Just my 10cents worth!
ok I see what your trying to do now. what about trying to get something to unfold to make bigger, maybe disguised as a case or would that start to get complicated.
new keyboard feedback...
Here is what I like and don't like about the default keyboard:
Likes
- Thin.
- Easily removed/attached.
- No wires.
- Magnetic.
- Easily stored away as it doesn't take up too much space.
- Not BlueTooth.
Dislikes
- (This is a like and dislike feature)Has a powerful magnet and I'm hesitant about putting it next to my MP3 or PVR player because I don't want it wiping the hard drives. I just want to throw it in my bag but then think twice about it. I guess I need to find a compartment in my bag away from my storage devices. I don't have a problem with it next to my laptop since the HD on the laptop is shielded.
- Key feel, they seem sluggish and not firm.
- No click when pressing keys, like Universal.
- No back light.
- No option to used detached or with extension cable.
- Keys too spread apart and not easy to get to, which causes typing errors
- Easily scratched.
- No row for number keys, but I can live with this since the phone I used before the Athena was the TyTn/Hermes.
- Scratches case when in closed position.
Combining the Universal keyboard with the benefits of the Athena keyboard would be ideal, in my opinion.
I'll update my post if anything else comes to mind.
OK, I will concede the bluetooth issue, even though the 750x has a huge battery.
The best keyboard I had was the Sony KB100 for the Sony Clie series. It was a folding keyboard, with scissors action keys (like a laptop) and it connected to the unit via the charger.
It would be nice if we were to get a folding KB with magnetic attachment.
Yep yep, id have to agree
ltxda said:
Here is what I like and don't like about the default keyboard:
Likes
- Thin.
- Easily removed/attached.
- No wires.
- Magnetic.
- Easily stored away as it doesn't take up too much space.
- Not BlueTooth.
Dislikes
- (This is a like and dislike feature)Has a powerful magnet and I'm hesitant about putting it next to my MP3 or PVR player because I don't want it wiping the hard drives. I just want to throw it in my bag but then think twice about it. I guess I need to find a compartment in my bag away from my storage devices. I don't have a problem with it next to my laptop since the HD on the laptop is shielded.
- Key feel, they seem sluggish and not firm.
- No click when pressing keys, like Universal.
- No back light.
- No option to used detached or with extension cable.
- Keys too spread apart and not easy to get to, which causes typing errors
- Easily scratched.
- No row for number keys, but I can live with this since the phone I used before the Athena was the TyTn/Hermes.
- Scratches case when in closed position.
Combining the Universal keyboard with the benefits of the Athena keyboard would be ideal, in my opinion.
I'll update my post if anything else comes to mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say youve got all the points spot on, completely agree with you. I would take my keyboard about if:
1- It was a decent one
2- It didnt scratch the main unit.
Hi Guys. Sorry for the lack of replies I've been in Barcelona! I'm seeing what I can find out about that connector on the Ameo keyboard but so far running a blank.... if i want to match up an existing keyboard matrix somehow i need to know what the Ameo matrix is like (and hopefully the connector will tell me something!)
Also investigating some small USB keyboards and wether they could be adapted some way to use the proprietry connector directly. I used to have a PDa keybaord that used IR and that folded - was cool but a bit 'clacky' in feel. I'm trying to get my hands on a Psion 7 keyboard and 5 one too, plus one from the Revo to see what can be done there. If anyoe has any other ideas I'd be open to suggestions!
If its not possible to get the keyboard to use the connector under the Ameo would people be ok with one that attaches the unit via a magnet but plugs into the connector on the side?
If it could connect up using the standard connector thats already there then thats def the way to go, there must be a way.
Otherwise having a cable coming out and plugging into say the USB connector may be ok, but def not the preferred option.
Good luck!
OK Guys - a question....
Has anyone got a spare Athena keyboard? It can be scratched or bent or whatever as long as I can dissasemble it and get to the route of those connections!!
Then I can get my contacts in China to see if they can marry it up to a decent mini keyboard matrix....
No one got a keyboard they dont want? Even broken would do!! Come on guys this would maybe allow me to connect a real one up!
I would love to have a keyboard as similar to the universal as possible that clicked on just like the original.
It would need to be backlit, either by manual turning on, or even whenever activated, no need for fancy lightsensors.
Definitely would be a must to have the numbers on seperate buttons.
Wouldn't mind if it became somewhat thicker, if the above improvements were available.
I certainly would buy one if it became available.
Well I've got three lines of thinking:
a. A keyboard that fits the original space but has 'keys' like the the Psion 5/Revo
or
b. A very small usb keyboard that plugs into the '16 pin proprietry' plug on the Athena, or uses the connector on the base of it.
or
c. A USB to 16 pin adapter - a small and single one like the USb to PS/2 ones.
So I have 2 problems....
1. Need pinouts for the connector on the lower edge of the Athena
Note* The smallest USB keyboard I have found so far is 215mm * 110mm * 11mm, which is VERY small indeed but still bigger than the Athena... I'm going to get one anyway as I would carry it in my bag anyway.
and/or (i think 'and' as I'd like to offer both types of keyboard)
2. Somewhere I can get theh pinouts of the 16 pin connector on the side of the Athena and where to buy a plug!
Come on guys, let's make this brilliant PDA just a little bit better!
Willing to send keyboard, if...
Hi adamelphick,
what would be the adress where I would have to send the original ameo keyboard to? Would you give me one of your new keyboards when they are ready?
Best regards,
Hamartia
Any news from this project?
Hi,
I am getting a Tilt next week, shipped from the USA to Singapore, and found the keyboard's numerics rather - peculiar. I decided that swapping it with a normal TYTN II keyboard would be more aesthetically pleasing.
After searching, I found the replacement HERE.
After searching the forums, I could not find any detailed how-to guides for the keyboard and only some for the LCD screen.
Can anyone provide me with detailed instructions and if possible, pictures, on how to replace my keyboard?
And by doing so will I have to peel off any warranty sticker and void the warranty?
This is a very complex procedure IMO since I am not very technically inclined.
It would be very much appreciated if someone could help me with this.
Thanks!
is that just the keypad or the entire keyboard?
i noticed that the keys are in different locations for the tytn and the tilt. wouldnt that cause conflict? for example, the wifi is in different location, and a bunch of the symbols are in different locations.
I'm not too sure what the difference is but I wanted to change the rubberish keypad, the one that has the silver keys?
The conflict part should not be a problem since I plan to flash other ROMs onto it.
http://xdafiles.100webspace.net/970787
This procedure actually modifies the screen to sit more upright... but goes through the removal of the keyboard.
Good luck. Looks like open heart surgery to me...
My gosh this is totally not what I expexted.
To put it crudely, I don't have the balls to do it. I am not going to risk spoiling my $450 device just to make it more "aesthetically pleasing".
Is this the only way to change the keyboard?!
soooo, not to start a new thread... but is it easy replacing the tilt's keyboard? my S key flew off, and i want to replace the keypad, but before i buy one, i wanted to know how easy/hard it is... any advise?
so awhile ago i cracked my lcd...bought a new one...took the tilt apart..replaced the lcd...everything works fine exept now there are five keys on then keyboard that do not work...R T G V and Y...its in the shape of a T on the keyboard..lol...every other butotn works fine..ii took the phone apart twice and checked the connections...and everything seems fine...
what can the problem be? am i going to have to replace the keyboard? if so where can i find a cheap one? is there anything else i should try?
thanks in advance!
anybody?....
I think I has to be a cable issue. Is it possible there is a little tear in one of the ribbon cables? I have seen replacement keyboards for sale before. I can't remember the website but think ccn is on it's name.
Jeff
I was wondering how hard it is to actually perform a keyboard replacement. There is nothing wrong with the actual keys of my Tilt but the buttons underneath don't always register, particularly the "H" and the "E". I was looking over the replace pictures for the keyboard here:
http://www.mikechannon.net/PDF%20Manuals/Replacing%20the%20LCD%20on%20a%20Kaiser.pdf
Doesn't seem toooo bad. I build computers on the side and have most of the tools. Whats the actual part under the keypad I should be asking for? "Keyboard PCB"???? Anyone have a reputable place I can buy it from? Do I need to reload any CAB files after this install?
I figure since I am taking it apart I should replace the touch screen. Theres nothing wrong with the LCD itself as I have never dropped it (knocks on wood) its just the top mylar protective screen that a bit scratched up. What is that part called?
How many have replaced these parts? What the rate of bricking my Tilt after I attempt this? Do you regret doing it (even successfully) and wish you had just sent it in to a professional service shop and paid the dough to have it done?
From searching this forum, I can tell that others are having the same issue I am having. It started out with just a couple keys and now about 50% of my keys require me to push really hard for them to type. It is not a lag issue as covered by another thread. It just feels like the there may be dirt or something under the keys that makes it harder to type. This issue also is not ROM related as I have flashed my device with several ROMS with the same result.
Has anyone had any luck taking apart the keyboard and cleaning underneath the keys? If so -- maybe post some tips on what worked or not.
Thanks.
I'd vote for compressed air
I agree. You might be able to disassemble the phone and take the keyboard out and use compressed air. That would make certain that all the dirt is really out of the board...
A work mate of mine did this the other day. He took it fully apart and cleaned it out with contact cleaner. Ill ask him wether it worked or not but I think it did because I saw him using the phone today.
contact cleaner
I've never heard of contact cleaner. I'll have to try that. After looking at this video for disassembly, it doesn't look like you can get underneath the keys. How did your co-worker do it? Pop off the keys like a laptop keyboard?
I guess some older thread on how to replace Kaiser keyboard will be useful.
Found this
About screen, but went through keyboard also ..
anagarika said:
I guess some older thread on how to replace Kaiser keyboard will be useful.
Found this
About screen, but went through keyboard also ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I found that as well and it was not of much use. The problem is not removing the keyboard from the phone. The problem is getting underneath the keys. You can see the keyboard front/back removed from my attached image. According to this other thread #119, #126, #127 they say it is impossible to get at the keypad underneath.
I might just take a can of compressed air and spray on top of the keys as best I can to see if it helps.
mwoelmer said:
Yes, I found that as well and it was not of much use. The problem is not removing the keyboard from the phone. The problem is getting underneath the keys. You can see the keyboard front/back removed from my attached image. According to this other thread #119, #126, #127 they say it is impossible to get at the keypad underneath.
I might just take a can of compressed air and spray on top of the keys as best I can to see if it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, seems that no other way but perhaps replace the keyboard ..
You cant get under the "actual" keyboard without breaking it off the housing. The keys can be pulled off from the top, but the actual buttons are sealed below.
For what little it cost, just replace the whole thing and problems are solved. Just did my son and daughters couple weeks ago.
Im foolish I forgot to ask him about it. Thinking back he may have damaged it lol. He does kind of charge into things and then realise he cant fix it.
Agree with carhigh, just replace the whole thing. Kaiser parts not that expensive nowadays. Just need time to open it up.
I have the same problem. Tried blowing compressed air from the top, but didn't have much success with the keys. I'll probably get a new keypad and replace it!
Sorry if this is a common question but where do people recommend getting kaiser parts? My N key and spacebar dont work without pressing it really hard and it's doing my head in!
Cheers.
Dommo said:
Sorry if this is a common question but where do people recommend getting kaiser parts? My N key and spacebar dont work without pressing it really hard and it's doing my head in!
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your problem will slowly get worse. More and more keys will require extra pressure. Not sure where you could buy a replacement now (the phone is kind of old). After attempting to clean the keyboard, I gave up. I am just using onscreen keyboard program that is included in TPC's ROM. I think it is called finger keyboard. After a little practice, I am actually faster typing on that than I was with sliding the keyboard.
Try this guys - worked for me in fixing my S key:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=431925
Ah. Did not realize the keyboard did not come out of the housing...