Keyboard Mapping of C64/VIC-20 on Raspbian

Keyboard mapping of the C64 Maxi keyboard.

After I integrated a Raspberry Pi 4 into a C64 Maxi, I wanted to start actually using it. Once I got my fingers onto the keyboard I realised that what is printed on the keys is not what would appear on the screen. Here is what is printed on the keys:

The layout of the C64 keyboard does not follow the ANSI standard. It even has some keys that related back to programming in BASIC, such as RESTORE and RUN STOP. Here is what a typical 60% keyboard would look like:

The difference between the two is market here:

Some keys produce the expected result while other have a very different function. Here is what the actual input is when you press the keys in Raspbian using the ANSI 104 (US) keyboard layout in the settings:

It would be great if there was an easy way to re-map the keys but this would require a little bit of work on the command line and in several configuration files. Still, it would be great to have an actual Cursor UP and Cursor LEFT key. I will look into this.

Using Windows Keyboard on Mac OS X

There are some beautiful and useful mechanical keyboards on the market but only a few of them are made for Mac. Matias Keyboards have a Mac layout and they also sell mechanical keyboards. But their keyboards are not illuminated. Das Keyboard has some Mac models but they also do not come illuminated. I could not find a Mac layout mechanical keyboard that has not just illuminated keys, but keys for which their colour could be adjusted. Most modern gaming keyboards offer this function.

 

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Visual Design Course

Visual Design is a fundamental skill for Industrial Designers. It is important for the design a graphical user interface, to communicate their ideas to a customer and create visual appealing products. The recent developments of computers and software enabled the designer to express his or her creative ideas faster and more precise, given sufficient knowledge about the software tools and techniques. The students shall develop a visual sensitivity that enables them to perceive and create visual designs. This includes awareness of colors, typography and composition. At the same time they should learn the technical foundations that enable them to use visual design tools effectively and efficiently. The activities include the creation of several visual designs, such as a product information flyer, a report and a magazine article. In a final bigger design the students will demonstrate their visual design skills. More details will be available at the start of the assignment. A sequence of obligatory discussion sessions will accompany the assignment. Continue reading “Visual Design Course”