Keyboards Faq's

 

If your question relates only to the pointing device installed with your keyboard, please see the pointing device FAQ.

 

Question 1: The intrinsically safe keyboard / pointing device does not work or works intermittently when connected through the I.S. barriers (this may also occur after a computer upgrade with an I.S. keyboard that worked normally with the previous computer). What is wrong?

 

Possible Problems/Solutions:

 

Barrier Impedance Issues
Computers using PS/2 interfaces are designed to work with off-the-shelf PS/2 peripheral devices connected through a standard cable. However, the methods and circuitry used for the PS/2 interface vary by manufacturer. Some computers are sensitive to changes in the impedance associated with the insertion of the intrinsic safety barriers in the interface line. Fortunately, this can usually be overcome by simply adding pull-up resistors in the barrier circuit. We have provided drawings indicating the proper installation of these barriers for downloading from this web page. Click here for those drawings. If you have questions regarding this procedure, or if this does not solve the problem and you have eliminated other possible sources of the failure, please call technical support at 717 932-9999 extension 222.

 

Connectors Not Making Contact
Ensure that all connectors are plugged in and firmly seated. It is also possible that the internal connectors were loosened by improper handling during shipping, or may not have been reconnected during an upgrade. First, ensure that the appropriate cables are connected to the keyboard and mouse ports on the computer/electronics. If these connections are properly seated, follow these cables back to the external connectors. In many Daisy Data Displays systems, there is an intermediate set of connectors that mate the external connectors to the internal cabling (to facilitate upgrades and repairs). If these "subpanel connections" exist, ensure that they are also seated correctly.

 

 

Question 2: I am concerned that the chemicals or solvents in my environment may be damaging to my Daisy Data Displays keyboard. What is the chemical resistance of your keyboard line?

 

Answer: Detailed chemical resistance charts are available on the membrane keyboard specification sheet, the elastomer keyboard specification sheet, and the FlexKey specification sheet. Generally, the membrane keyboard is resistant to most industrial chemicals and solvents. The elastomer keyboard, though resistant to many industrial chemicals, is somewhat less resistant than the membrane - the surface of the keyboard is fabricated from a silicon rubber elastomer, so chemicals known to degrade that material should be avoided. The FlexKey is resistant to dust, water, and mild household cleaners; it should not be exposed to solvents or concentrated cleaners.

 

 

Question 3: I would like custom programming and/or legends for my Daisy Data Displays keyboard. Is that option available?

 

Answer: Custom programming is available for all Daisy Data Displays keyboards - most often, it is implemented on our 60-key membrane line. Custom legends are readily available on the 60-key membrane model, as well. Custom legending for Daisy Data Diplays other keyboard lines may be available, depending on your exact needs. Please contact Daisy Data Displays sales at sales@d3inc.net or by phone at 717 932-9999 extension 227 for more information. The 60-key membrane keyboard's legend can be changed by the end user. To change legends:

 

1. If the keyboard is a desktop unit, remove the back of the keyboard enclosure, being careful to retain all of the screws and washers for reassembly.

 

2 . If the keyboard is a rack or panel mount unit, remove the aluminum box covering the keyboard electronics, being careful to retain all of the screws and washers for reassembly.

 

3. Remove the printed circuit board from the back of the keyboard by removing the 6 standoffs. Ensure that you do not accidentally disconnect the keyboard cable from the printed circuit board. Also be careful to retain the standoffs (screws on desktop units) and washers for reassembly.

 

4. Remove the keyboard from its enclosure or panel, being careful to retain all of the nuts for reassembly.

 

5. The legends are long strips of printed material. The ends of these strips extend out of the top of the keyboard. Gently and slowly pull on the exposed tabs to remove the legends. You can use these legends as a template to create your custom legend. Note that stiffer material is better for the legends, as it is easier to insert in the keyboard.

 

6. When you have prepared your new legends (taking particular care that the strip widths are the same as the original legends), carefully insert your new legends in place of the old ones.

 

7. Replace the keyboard in the enclosure or panel. Using the original nuts, tighten to 5 inch-pounds.

 

8. Replace the printed circuit board, being careful not to disconnect the keyboard cable. Affix in place using the original inner-tooth lock washers and standoffs (screws on desktop units). BE VERY CAREFUL not to overtighten the standoffs, as the threads will strip if tightened excessively.

 

9. If the keyboard is a rack or panel mount unit, replace the aluminum box over the keyboard electronics. It is easiest to start each of the six screws first, to bring the standoffs into alignment with the box's holes. Do not forget to use the inner-tooth lock washers. BE VERY CAREFUL not to overtighten these screws, as the threads in the standoffs are subject to stripping at high torques.

 

10. If the keyboard is a desktop unit, replace the back of the keyboard enclosure. Use the original screws and split washers to affix the back. NOTE: if a screw starts to bind before it is fully inserted, immediately remove the screw and clean its threads. The gasketing on the keyboard can get caught in the screw's threads, causing them to bind - if a screw is forced in these circumstances, cross-threading, striping, or screw shearing may result.

 

 

Question 4: Which Windows driver do I use for my Daisy Data Displays keyboard?

 

Answer: Use the "Standard 101/102 Key Keyboard" driver.

 

 

Question 5: I need to use my keyboard / pointing device at some distance from the base computer, but I don't want to use a KVM extender system. How long can the cables be and still work?

 

Answer: Standard keyboard and PS/2 pointing device cabling can be run up to 20 feet from the base CPU. Serial pointing devices can have cables up to 100 feet long.