The MSX platform has a wide variety in form factor, where brands like Philips and Sony manufactured systems with an external keyboard. While the connections of such keyboards are proprietary and divers in layout, a Dutch MSX hardware developer managed to get the Philips NMS series to work with a modern USB keyboard. The interface is now available.
Most MSX models are a uni-formed, or compact systems where every piece of hardware is included in one big chunk of computer galore. A system as a whole, without extensions. While the Philips VG series of MSX computers adheres solely to that format, some NMS (New Media System) series have external keyboards. These keyboards are connected using a typical Philips 26 pins connector. Shopping for a replacement of that keyboard might end in disappointment. Fear not, there's a solution.
Recently MRC user Jeroen Taverne developed a USB keyboard interface for Philips NMS8250, NMS8255, and NMS8280 MSX machines. The interface plugs right into the Philips NMS keyboard connector with an USB connector in front for any USB keyboard to connect. It comes with extra function-keys, a build-in help page, and debug features. The firmware is upgradable on PC, MAC, and Linux. It currently supports Dutch (US layout), German, and French machines and keyboards. Italian, Spanish, and perhaps Russian will follow soon.
Jeroen mentioned that he is looking into the Sony external keyboard connections too, you know the ones that came with the famous HB-F700 series.
If you are interested in a copy, send Jeroen a PM at his Facebook page or drop an e-mail at him. The interface will cost you 40 euros ex shipping costs.
Now, go and plug your favorite mechanical board to you favorite system. Type on, bro!
relevant link: MSX keyboard USB interface
relevant link: More information on our forum
20220306 update: Jeroen now has the USB keyboard interface for Sony machines available too.
Commentaires (29)
Par aoineko
Paladin (890)
28-12-2021, 16:17
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
28-12-2021, 17:26
Par ray2day
Paladin (731)
28-12-2021, 20:59
Par aoineko
Paladin (890)
29-12-2021, 00:25
Par hamlet
Scribe (4105)
29-12-2021, 13:27
Par enribar
Paragon (1206)
29-12-2021, 14:51
Par TheKid
Paragon (1238)
29-12-2021, 15:07
Par hamlet
Scribe (4105)
03-01-2022, 14:15
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
30-12-2021, 12:01
Par SkalTura
Champion (399)
31-12-2021, 08:28
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
01-01-2022, 01:28
Par AxelF
Champion (395)
01-01-2022, 02:59
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
02-01-2022, 11:48
Par Haze
Master (149)
05-01-2022, 00:08
Par poke-1,170
Paragon (1783)
18-01-2022, 20:21
Par Samor
Prophet (2165)
22-01-2022, 19:52
Par tfh
Prophet (3316)
22-01-2022, 22:24
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
24-01-2022, 15:57
Par tfh
Prophet (3316)
02-02-2022, 20:47
Par jbikker
Rookie (24)
04-02-2022, 09:07
Par tfh
Prophet (3316)
04-02-2022, 20:06
Par Samor
Prophet (2165)
04-02-2022, 22:59
Par tfh
Prophet (3316)
04-02-2022, 23:08
Par Samor
Prophet (2165)
04-02-2022, 23:58
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
05-02-2022, 07:17
Par alexito
Paladin (761)
13-02-2022, 20:39
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
24-02-2022, 21:24
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
05-03-2022, 19:39
Par JeroenTaverne
Resident (46)
06-04-2022, 15:13