Sources for 8b TTL keyboards (Keytronics)

[Alexandre Souza]

> It's weird, that... I suspect I could rustle up something 'traditional' 
> around
> a Z80/6502, ROM, RAM and some decoding - but my brain just doesn't cope 
> well
> with single-chip 'black boxes' such as PIC-based widgets. I really don't 
> know why!

    Jules, I work developing hardware for a living, and I'll tell you 
something: If you are used to Z80, you'll have a hard time using a PIC. But 
an AVR will be easy to you to swallow.

    When I began with microcontrollers, I used 8751. It was a more-or-less 
easy transition, since they just looked like any intel assembly you are used 
to. BUT when progress came, and I had to use a PIC, I spent **MONTHS** 
trying to swallow the different approach of PICs. I was saved when I found 
the AVR that is easier to program and prototype. One of the many things that 
appeals to me is that a 74'244 and a parallel port is all you need to 
program ANY of the AVR lineup in circuit (and even debug it using JTAG) and 
every program you make is a 5-minute-work to convert from a higher AVR to a 
lower one. Take a look at the ATMEGA 32, you'll have lots of fun with that.

    Alexandre