[Coco] Opinions on using fake CoCos

[RETRO Innovations]

On 1/5/2021 7:53 AM, Lee wrote:
> Would it be feasible to split the CoCo keyboard connector internally so it
> connects to the CoCo main board, but also splits to a cable coming out the
> back that connects USB to a PC with a switch so you could switch it between
> the CoCo and the PC?  This would let you type on the real CoCo when needed,
> or use the real CoCo's keyboard to type on the PC.  This is just a wild
> uneducated idea, but figured I'd throw it out there.
>
> -----
> Lee
>
You can't just split it passively (Y cable style), but you can do what 
your describing, as I am working on a project like that for another 
platform.

The KB connects to a small controller, and the controller polls the KB.  
The controller then interfaces to a "crosspoint switch", which emulates 
the KB, and that switch is connected to the CoCo (CLoud9's KB controller 
uses a crosspoint switch in this way). In your use case, the controller 
would also send the keystrokes to a USB or PS/2 output to a PC. Paul's 
USB KB adapter could be easily extended to support this construct, just 
by adding the crosspoint switch and the code to drive it. Then, pressing 
an 'A' key on the KB would "close" the respective crosspoint switch 
*AND* send out an 'A' via USB to the PC.

Jim

-- 
RETRO Innovations, Contemporary Gear for Classic Systems
www.go4retro.com
store.go4retro.com