Dan-Mar Company Inc.

Danmarco®

10319 Wikel Road  Huron, Ohio 44839

Phone 419-433-4479  Fax 419-433-5726

E-mail Sales@danmarco.com


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Custom Keypad Encoders and Keypads

Dan-Mar designs and manufactures Custom Keypad Encoders and Keypads for IBM compatible computer applications. The  encoder, along with a custom keypad, provides a fully operational keyboard.  Encoders can be  programmed to fit your specific application and supplied with or without keypads.

Dan-Mar can design and manufacture a keyboard system specifically to fit your application. Please allow us to quote your requirements.

ENCODER FEATURES

The custom keypad encoder will support up to 128 keys arranged in an 8 x 16 matrix. It supports the standard PC-AT keyboard scan codes and communications protocol, and allows a custom keypad to be used like a standard PC keyboard. It is powered from the PC's keyboard port. The encoder debounces switch inputs and can support up to 3 simultaneous key presses*. It can also be programmed to block simultaneous key presses. The encoder will support typematic repeat of a held key if desired.

Options include an input for a standard PC-AT keyboard, and up to 7 extra output connections that can be programmed for special functions such as backlighting control, keyboard status (Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock), LCD driver (4 data lines) and relay drivers. Not all options are available simultaneously.

Additional value-added circuitry can be added to the keypad encoder to process data from the PC for display and to control peripheral devices. 

*For simultaneous key presses, the matrix must be arranged to prevent a "phantom" key with each group of 3 desired keys. The encoder does not support the PS/2 extensions to the AT protocol. The encoder will not work with an XT type computer.

Keypad Encoder with 6 pin right angle mini-DIN host computer connector, right angle keypad connector  and single row straight special functions connectors.

Keypad Encoder and additional circuitry to process data from the PC parallel port. 

ENCODER OPTIONS

Note: not all options are simultaneously available.

 

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Up to 128 keys standard. Additional key inputs available.

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Connectors:
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Host computer:
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5 pin right angle DIN.

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6 pin right angle mini-Din (PS2).

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1 x 5 straight or right angle 0.100" header.

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2 x 3 straight or right angle 0.100" header.

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Keypad:
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1 x 28 straight or right angle 0.100" header. 

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PC-AT Keyboard:
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6 pin right angle mini-DIN (PS2).

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Output functions:
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1 x 5 and 1 x 14 straight or right angle 0.100" header.

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2 x 7 straight or right angle 0.100 " header.

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Simultaneous key presses:
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Specific keys.

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Block simultaneous key presses.

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Typematic repeat:
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Standard 500 millisecond delay / 100 millisecond rate.

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Non-standard timings.

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Keyboard input:
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Accepts a standard PC-AT keyboard.

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Output functions:
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Three open collector transistor outputs, 0.1 ampere maximum current each.

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Seven logic level outputs.

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Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) driver, 4 data and 3 control lines.

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Additional outputs are available if fewer than 128 key inputs are required.

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Size:
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3.25 x 3.30 in. (8.26 x 8.38 cm.) with a mounting hole in each of the four corners.

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Custom PCB layouts (including surface mounted components) are available. 

A sample keypad must be provided for testing the firmware for each application. A prototype must be tested with the end use computer to ensure compatibility. While not every keyboard or encoder will work with every computer, it should be possible to resolve any compatibility problems for computers of the same make and model.

KEYPAD FEATURES

Custom keypads are designed to meet customer's specific requirements. They may be any shape or size and can be illuminated with embedded LED's or with fiber optics driven by a variety of light sources, including LED's. Display windows with various gray and colored filters may be an integral part of the keypad overlay. Encoders can be provided to interface the keypad to an AT computer. The encoder may be unattached, attached to the back of the keypad or be a value-added subassembly if a printed circuit board (PCB) is already a part of the keypad. Also, other electronic circuitry may be added to the keypad PCB or to the encoder PCB  thus lowering overall costs and providing one source procurement. 

Membrane keypads are versatile, offering multi-color graphic overlays, display windows,  unusual key shapes and sizes and long life.

Silicon rubber elastomer keypads are especially suited for harsh environments. Their key action resembles conventional computer keyboards. 

Custom membrane keypad, encoder, LCD and stainless steel bezel.

Custom membrane keypads for use with Keypad Encoders.

 

Custom silicone rubber elastomer keypads, one with a powder coated aluminum bezel (left), for use with encoders.

FULLY OPERATIONAL  KEYBOARD

 
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QWERTY layout.

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Sealed Membrane embossed keys.

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Encoder for standard PC-AT keyboard scan codes and protocol.

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ABS enclosure.

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12.5" x 6.5" x 1.5"

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Choice of many colors and options.

KEYPAD OPTIONS

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Membrane keypads:
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Tactile keys.

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Non-tactile keys.

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Polyester snap domes.

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Metal snap domes.

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Variety of switch forces.

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Multi-color graphic overlays.

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Lenses

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Insertable legends, factory or field installed.

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Embossed keys.

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Hard-coating for scratch resistance and anti-glare coatings.

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Aggressive adhesives.

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Variety of shapes and sizes.

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Mylar or polyester backed (flexible).

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Printed circuit board backed (may contain value-added electronics such as a keycoder or other circuitry).

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Silicone Rubber Elastomer keypads:
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Tactile keys.

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Non-tactile keys.

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Conductive rubber contacts.

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Membrane contacts.

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Metal dome contacts.

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Illumination:
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Individual keys using LED's.

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Fiber optics backlighting using a variety of light sources including LED's.

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LED status indicators.

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Hidden or secret switches.

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Shielded

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Sealed and water resistant.

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Bezels.

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Enclosures.

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