Model: KE24
Programmable PS/2 keyboard encoder with 24 pin interface header and RS-232 serial port!
Use the KE24 to interface your switches or keypads to your computer’s keyboard input or to an RS-232 serial port. Any of the 24 I/O pins on the interface header may be configured as a Row or Column in scanning a matrix, or as an individual input. Use the RS-232 port to translate serial data into computer compatible keystrokes. The KE24 can be used with XT/AT, PS/2, and all other compatibles. An external PS/2 keyboard may be used as a pass through to maintain full use of the computer’s keyboard in addition to the KE24 input actions.
The inputs from the scanned header are debounced by the KE24 to assure ultra-fast and accurate responses from the inputs. The .100” centered pins on the input header accept most membrane switch tails directly as well as a wide variety of standard connectors. The ability of each pin to be configured as a Row or Column in the matrix eliminates the need for any special wiring between a keypad and the KE24 header. The KE24 has the capability to scan any size matrix up to a 12 Row x 12 Column for a total of 144 inputs. Any header pins that are not used in scanning a matrix can be used as individual inputs.
Each switch position can be programmed to emulate any standard keystroke, or a macro sequence of keystrokes from an input activation. The macro sequence can be up to 16 keystrokes when activated and up to 16 keystrokes when deactivated. When using macro sequences, a programmed response may be sent when an input activates, deactivates, or on both actions.
The serial port on the KE24 has several uses. RS-232 information received on this port may be used to generate PS/2 keystrokes on the target computer’s keyboard port. The PS/2 keyboard pass through may be set to send RS-232 responses instead of passing through the keystrokes to the PS/2 port. Switches and/or keypads connected to the KE24 input header may be programmed to send their responses to the RS-232 port instead of the computer’s keyboard port. The KE24 uses 8-bit characters, no parity, and one stop bit. The unit has selectable standard speeds from 300 to 19,200 Baud.
Three status LEDs are present on the KE24 which reflect the PS/2 computer’s current state of the Num, Scroll, and Caps Lock status.
The KE24 can be programmed directly via the PS/2 keyboard port or RS-232 serial port of the computer. Once programmed, the configuration is stored on the KE24 in non-volatile memory.
All power for the KE24 is taken directly from the computer’s PS/2 keyboard port, no additional voltage supply is needed. Because the KE24 emulates a standard PS/2 keyboard, no special drivers are required.
The KE24 will work as the only keyboard on your computer or in addition with other USB keyboards, PS/2 keyboards, or other devices attached to your computer.
A standard six-foot Male to Male 6 pin miniDIN (PS/2 style) cable to connect to the computer's PS/2 keyboard port, printed user manual, and disk containing computer applications to configure the KE24 are provided. Configurations developed using the included programs may be saved to the unit as well as to the computer. The programming application is a quick and easy way to set up the KE24 for a specific application.
Have an application with special requirements such as extended key sequences, or other needs? Please contact us, we can quickly and cost effectively create a customized version of the KE24 to meet many specialized options.
KE-MM6-mini – Male to Male 6 pin miniDIN (PS/2 style) cable to connect from the KE24 to the computer's PS/2 keyboard port. Length = 6 feet.
Included with your KE24 Keyboard Encoder purchase!
KE-DB9MF - DB9 Male to Female straight through RS-232 serial cable to connect from the KE24 to the serial port of a computer or other serial device. Length = 6 feet.
*MTA100-13-12 – A Female 13 wire cable harness set that attaches to the KE24 input header, providing 12 inches of loose wire for each input pin. Length = 12 inches.
*Custom lengths up to 10 feet are available. Please contact us for pricing!
Hagstrom Electronics, Inc. designs and manufactures products which allow customers to interface with their computer's Keyboard, Mouse, USB and Serial inputs in a multitude of ways.