www.gkos.net 
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GKOS Projects

Full QWERTY capabilities with 6 keys on the back!

Build a small infrared remote control for the PC replacing the mouse and keyboard. There are many options from the remote below to a tiny matchbox sized device. See the demo!

Check also the new GKOS project, the Universal GKOS IR Keyboard: Several applications, e.g. operate your MiniDisc player and enter song titles (no mouse).


This website has been set up for those familiar with soldering and wishing to experiment with the new GKOS keyboard open standard (character set). Make a GKOS keyboard and connect it to your PC either using IR link or cables. Mouse functions are included.

  There are two main alternatives (with without the PIC):


1. The Quick and simple one
- Parallel port interface (just 6 diodes + 6 keys)

A full-featured keyboard of only 6 keys on the parallel port:

Schematic and software -


A GKOS keyboard connected directly to the printer port of the PC (Windows 3.1/95/98 only). A quick way just to test the GKOS keyboard concept. No pointer control. Braille mode.


2. More to do
- PS/2 connector interface with an optional infrared link (see figure below) using the PIC microcontroller

A full-featured keyboard of only 6 keys connected to the PS/2 (mouse+kbd) connector or a complete infrared remote control including mouse and keyboard:

Schematics and software
- Remote 1 (GKOS+TrackPoint) or
-
Remote 2 (GKOS+Joystick)  - Option 2 (same wiring and software)
and
- PS/2 connection (to replace US and FIN/SWE PC keyboard versions)
- GKOS IR Comminicator pair (***ONLY HERE***)


Building hardware description and the GKOS character sets


A GKOS keyboard connected to the PS/2 keyboard/mouse connector of the PC, using the popular PIC 16F876 microcontroller. Braille mode is not implemented yet. An infrared link can be used instead of the cable to have a remote control for the PC using a cordless pocket sized GKOS keyboard + mouse (see example in the figure above). Remote 1 uses a TrackPoint mouse. Remote 2 is much simpler to build and it uses a low-cost game control stick. The TrackPoint control has a much nicer touch but it is more tedious to build.

 GKOS keyboard and PS/2 interface
A small infrared remote control (keyboard only but including 'keyboard as mouse' operation) and the interface to the PC PS/2 mouse/keyboard connector. The interface can handle both mouse and keyboard signals for all types of GKOS remote controls. See the demo movie.


MORE:   See also gkos.com to learn more about the GKOS keyboard concept.
FORUM: Visit the discussion forum on GKOS concept and the projects.


...and maybe later instructions for this:


Seppo Tiainen 12 Sept 2002   -  gkos@gkos.com

 Edited 30 March 2004, 30 December 2006 and 10 February 2010