Keyrah! Wait, what?
So, what’s this?
If you answered ‘Commodore 64’, you’re close, but wrong!
This arrived in the post this morning:
The USB lead is a subtle clue as to what it really is…
It’s a handy device you can buy which converts most Commodore 8-bit computers into fully functioning USB keyboards. It even has two 9-pin joystick ports!
I have a few (*cough*) dead commodore computers & planned to turn one into a HTPC at some point, so it didn’t take long to open that up & screw this in.
Put it back together and it does exactly what it says on the tin: The donor C64 is now a USB keyboard which works anywhere that you can normally plug in a USB keyboard. In these pics, it’s connected to a Linux box where most of my emulator games live.
The joystick ports work by simulating keys, which means they work great with emulators (where most people will want to use these things). I guess they’ll also work with most PC/MAC games that work with keyboard input too, if you’re tempted to try your old joysticks with new games.
The switch alternates between two keyboard/joystick modes. One setting is meant for people who want to use their Commodore as a regular(ish) PC keyboard, while the other is meant for emulators.
I’m very happy with the quality of it. If you’re tempted, you can find your own here: http://www.vesalia.de/e_keyrah.htm
… But of course you’ll have to supply your own C64/C16/Vic20/C128/Plus4.
