Denial

Hi!

I want to buy VIC20 and I'm active on C128 computer and scene.
I want to ask if is possible to connect C128 or C128D keyboard to VIC20 by internal keyboard connector.
Sure is that I don't know what a connector has VIC20 internal keyboard.
Some non-drastic changes I know to do.
Why: I want to use single keyboard for both computers by switcher - really has C128 and C128D keyboard DB25 (Parallel like) port.
I know that it is possible to use only VIC20 keys - maybe mapping will require mod - but nothing impossible.

What a connector has VIC20 and is this possible? Or if not - exist any other way?

Thank you for help, I'm on VIC20 beginner.
Miro

I don't have the pinouts handy at the moment but it's pretty easy to find online.

One thing to consider (other than having to route the cable through the case because the C128 keyboard will not fit) is that the extra keys like the external keypad, etc. will not have address lines in the VIC. Which is why they don't work in C64 mode on the C128.

So my question is, why would you want to use a C128 keyboard on a VIC-20?

Yes you can, you can also connect a SX-64 keyboard to a VIC-20. I don't have the cabling info right now.
But it is important to understand that only the keys common to a 64 and VIC and 128(D) will work, as pointed out already.
The extra keys go to lines that don't exist on a VIC or 64.
But you could write your own software to read these keys with the right cabling.

I'd like to see a KVM switch that could handle THAT combination...

Of course I know that only common keys will work.
But it needs to say that in C64 mode of C128 is possible easy to make them active and working.

Ok, pinout I'll find - I needed to know if is it possible.

KVM switch - I was using for C128 and C64 simple parallel port manual switch - nothing more. C128D and even C128 keyboard has the same connector.
Of course I don't want to touch original VIC20 case, I want to wire it simply out, not mount to VIC20.
This way I will have single keyboard and more place on desk 'cause I'm balancing about idea put VIC20 MB into C128DCR case with or without mounting.

Thank you for help.
Miro

I believe that the pinout is identical to the C64, that should mean this circuit is suitable

https://ist.uwaterloo.ca/~schepers/MJK/ ... board.html

The first 20 pins of the SX, the 128, and 128D are the same as pins 1-20 of the VIC/64. Just wire them up, pin to pin.

Jim

Thank you. Useful.

Miro