USB Typewriter

Jack is almost done making a USB Typewriter, which is a hack of an antique manual typewriter that allows it to operate as a computer keyboard. The goals of the project include:

• Typewriter emulates a standard HID USB keyboard, and be recognized by any PC or Mac (who cares about linux?)
• In addition to letters, numerals, and punctuation marks, the shift key, control key, and spacebar operate correctly.
• The typewriter has a calibration mode which allows the user to map typewriter keys to letters/numbers etc.
• The project is written for the Arduino Diecimiela, using inexpensive peripheral hardware.
• The key-sensing hardware is dead-simple to install and should be adaptable to many typewriters without design changes.
• All boards are two layers or less (except the Arduino board)

Currently (3/1/10), the typewriter project is almost complete.

• Hardware, including sensing strip and USB interface board, have been prototyped using point-to-point wiring.
• Hardware+Software prototype completed and operated correctly over Arduino's serial monitor (not USB)
• USB functionality now being added
• Sensing strip PCBs have been designed but not ordered

Still to do:

• Apply for patent?
• Order sensing strip and USB boards to interface with an Arduino Diecimiela
• Complete USB integration
• Test USB functionality on multiple platforms