Beware, this is not a straightforward and pretty involved method of connection and requires a few uber hacking skills to complete from the look of it. But if you fancy giving it a go, a guy at AwghBlog demonstrates how this PS/2 keyboard to an iPhone connection works and how to set it up in detail with step-by-step instructions.
To complete this hack, you will need a jailbroken iPhone. Since Apple’s official SDK doesn’t allow access to the serial port, you will also need an Arduino Diecimila, an iPod Breakout board, a female PS/2 keyboard connector, one 500k resistor, wire, and a soldering iron and solder… phew.
Understanding the Components
The Arduino Diecimila is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega168. It has 14 digital input/output pins, 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. The iPod Breakout board is used to interface with the iPhone’s dock connector, allowing you to access the serial communication pins. The female PS/2 keyboard connector is necessary to connect the PS/2 keyboard to the Arduino.
The 500k resistor is used to ensure that the voltage levels between the Arduino and the iPhone are compatible. The wire and soldering iron are essential for making the physical connections between the components.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Jailbreak Your iPhone: Ensure your iPhone is jailbroken. This is necessary because the official SDK does not allow access to the serial port, which is crucial for this hack.
2. Set Up the Arduino: Connect the Arduino Diecimila to your computer and upload the necessary code that will allow it to read input from the PS/2 keyboard and convert it to serial data.
3. Connect the PS/2 Keyboard: Solder the female PS/2 keyboard connector to the Arduino. Make sure to connect the data and clock lines correctly to the appropriate pins on the Arduino.
4. Interface with the iPhone: Use the iPod Breakout board to connect the Arduino to the iPhone’s dock connector. Ensure that the serial communication pins are correctly aligned.
5. Add the Resistor: Place the 500k resistor between the Arduino and the iPhone to ensure that the voltage levels are compatible and to prevent any potential damage to the devices.
6. Establish Communication: Use a VNC server on the iPhone to pull the data from the Arduino. This step involves configuring the VNC server to read the serial data being sent from the Arduino.
The Arduino reads input from the keyboard and converts it to serial, then the iPhone pulls the data via VNC. Like we said, a little roundabout, but we love the amount of ingenuity involved.
This hack is a testament to the creativity and technical prowess of the hacking community. While it may seem complex, the detailed instructions provided by AwghBlog make it achievable for those with the right skills and determination.
For more information and a complete guide, you can visit the original post on AwghBlog. This project not only showcases the versatility of the Arduino platform but also highlights the potential for integrating older technology, like a PS/2 keyboard, with modern devices such as the iPhone.
Via iPhone App Advice Via Hack A Day
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
