Modiyfing a Famicom keyboard to USB?

[nihonmasa]

Hi there,

First message here. I am an avid collector of Famicom stuff, and especially accessories and stuff related to the FDS!

I come with a kinda stupid question; does anyone have an idea on how to proceed to turn a Family Basic keyboard to USB?
Why? Cause I think it rocks and is pretty neat, so I'd like to modify one (have 2) so that I can take it to work and use it there :-D (at least until they get fed up with it's mechanical noise!)

So far I've only thought about it and 2 main ideas came up:
- find adapters from Famicom to USB, as seen on ebay. => pretty sure it won't work with the keyboard, and do not have the knowledge to write a driver... If anyone tried, please share your experience!
- scrap it, and replace the contacts and board with a modern mechanical keyboard, while keeping the casing and keys from the family basic. Would be expensive and need to find a keyboard with very close dimensions...

Any idea on how to achieve this are welcomed!

[HVC-Man]

I think you should get an IBM Model M keyboard and call it a day.

[famifan]

no way. Sounds like you need to built custom USB keyboard controller for fami keyboard.

any MCU with (or even without) USB support will be enough.

and do not have the knowledge to write a driver...

if this is a case, then you could take a look at some docs, eg: http://www.ti.com/lit/an/slaa514/slaa514.pdf

perhaps, you should stick with the more familiar MCU type. 8bit bare AVR Arduino maybe? i don't know what you prefer.

it won't be so easy, but still possible. at least, you was given a tutorial 

there's a dozens of tutorials how to use Arduino as USB keyboard, just search on internet and you will probably find something appropriate for you.

[nihonmasa]

HVC: I really want to use the look of the Family Basic keyboard

Famifan: arduino is a very good idea! Might be the right way to go. I'll research it. Thanks!