So, apparently TI did something nice by accident. It just so happens that the nspire has 20 data pins in its keypad connector. Right now, they are occupied with detecting keys, but I think that could easily be reduced, leaving lots of room for modifications!
The easiest method of reduction, of course, being a PS/2 keyboard slot. that only takes 1 data pin, leaving 19 more. (And think of how much easier it will be to type on!)
Now, it's a given that those pins are hard to reach by any standard with a keypad in, which limits their usefulness, so I was thinking of this: Instead of using the connectors with a current keypad, what about modifying it so that it has these features built in? It could include various things, such as:
PS/2 Connector (obviously )
SD card slot
84+ link port
Audio port
Joystick port (maybe with an included ADC for the analog)
Plug-in Leads (like your voltmeter's)
And, of course, .1" pin headers to the surface for the rest, or including above
I was thinking of these replacing the keypad front face. That way your calculator pad isn't simply empty: It has the feel of another keypad option!
Also: The CAS touch's pad isn't different from the regular nspire's in any way, it's just got a different shaped, completely unnecessary lip on the top. remove the lip and they're interchangeable.
I am also aware of the fact that the OS will not recognize a PS/2 keypad without modification (like ndless can achieve)
The easiest method of reduction, of course, being a PS/2 keyboard slot. that only takes 1 data pin, leaving 19 more. (And think of how much easier it will be to type on!)
Now, it's a given that those pins are hard to reach by any standard with a keypad in, which limits their usefulness, so I was thinking of this: Instead of using the connectors with a current keypad, what about modifying it so that it has these features built in? It could include various things, such as:
PS/2 Connector (obviously )
SD card slot
84+ link port
Audio port
Joystick port (maybe with an included ADC for the analog)
Plug-in Leads (like your voltmeter's)
And, of course, .1" pin headers to the surface for the rest, or including above
I was thinking of these replacing the keypad front face. That way your calculator pad isn't simply empty: It has the feel of another keypad option!
Also: The CAS touch's pad isn't different from the regular nspire's in any way, it's just got a different shaped, completely unnecessary lip on the top. remove the lip and they're interchangeable.
I am also aware of the fact that the OS will not recognize a PS/2 keypad without modification (like ndless can achieve)