Digital Finds

Onsite data entry: FreeRunner + USB keyboard

This keyboard is great; it's a roll-up rubber affair that can be used underwater and was designed for hazardous environments. We had a batch specially made for us by Hela with a USB mini-b connector for use on the FreeRunner without any adapters. I've just updated the instructions on the wiki, it's all much simpler than we were previously led to believe. We shall be releasing a "push button" application that switches between modes from the application menu.

The keyboard works much better than I was expecting, both mechanically and within the Openmoko environment. I've successfully used it draped over a rubbish covered desk and expect that it will work very well in the field. As far as software goes, it does a lot. Not only do all the keys do what you'd expect, but you can do simple, yet wonderful, things, such as use the up and down arrows to navigate through the installed software tab. Nothing, however, beats using the terminal with a real keyboard.

This keyboard will undergo site trials soon and will likely be made available as part of OA produced digital solutions based upon the Openmoko platform.

Posted at 03:49PM Jul 16, 2008 by Joseph Reeves in OLPA  |  Comments[8]