IBM Beamspring model 3278 A02 / 3279 2C top panel controller

[DeusLb]

Hello there,

I’m pulling this request because I’m kinda stuck with my current project.

I just got a Beamspring model 3278 A02 witch has a top panel with 3 buttons and 5 diodes and I’m looking for a solution to connect them to the main pcb and/or use it.

someone already did it but I have no idea how ... https://youtu.be/_UmhT_NL8Jo

Thank you in advance :) and happy new year !!

[purdeaandrei]

Hey!

Nice beamer!
I have no idea how it's done on that video, and also i'm not familiar with any external conversion options that may or may not exist. I've seen this on ebay, but don't know anything about it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/PCkbd-3278-USBC-Converter-for-IBM-Beamspring-3278-Keyboard/164310011368?hash=item2641a3cde8:g:uRYAAOSwhele5CYq
And I especially don't know if it supports or not the extra switches and lights.

When it comes to internal conversion, you could do it with one of the pro micro-based newer xwhatsit converters by soldering directly to unused pro micro pins, and then writing custom C code. (either this Compact Beamspring controller project will do, or the TH controller https://github.com/listofoptions/TH-XWhatsIt. I still have 5 compact beamspring converters in stock if you're interested. This is the related discussion forum by the way: https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=24512 ) And you will also need a separate solenoid driver.

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More Options:
Another option would be a DMA Commonsense controller, but I can't help you with that.

Also it would be technically possible to use an original xwhatsit beamspring controller as well, either by soldering directly to the SMD TQFP chip pins, (which is very fine pitch, so fairly hard, depending on soldering skills), or by using some kind of IO extender circuit on the expansion header.
)

[DeusLb]

Hi !

Thank you very much for your reply.

So, in order to make this work, I need more entries in order to connect the top panel's PCB to the main PCB correct ? Since I only have a "standard" controller, I'll need another one that gives me the opportunity to get more entries like the TH controller or the Compact Beamspring controller ?

Thank you again,

Happy new year ;)

[purdeaandrei]

What do you mean by 'standard' controller? Do you have one of these?:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=58138.0;attach=64349;image

[DeusLb]

Yes this is the one, got it from Orihalcon on eBay