CompuServe Thread

#Northgate Keyboard

14 messages in this thread
#167776From: Brian BartlettOct 14, 1994 1:41 AM
Ed, I run with dipswitches 1 and 4 down, the rest up. The only other thing I do different is that I use a custom keymap, written by myself, which enables the extrakeys to send Emacs key sequences, but that shouldn't make a difference in your case. Even with the default keymap, it should at least read the normal keys. One thing you might try is to disassemble the keyboard and make sure that there is no dust, cat hairs, or other gunk in there. Also press down on each chip to make sure that it is firmly seated. I did have one pop out all on its lonesome here, which created similiar symptoms. I hope this helps. To paraphrase a line: "You'll pry this keyboard out of my cold, dead fingers." <BG>
#167802From: Paul IdolOct 14, 1994 7:13 AM
Brian- Where can an Amiga-ready Northgate be found? Paul
#167904From: Denny AtkinOct 15, 1994 1:18 AM
Paul, On the used market. Northgate is now in the same financial state as Commodore.
#167959From: Paul IdolOct 15, 1994 12:28 PM
($#$ 98(* (@#&&#*&_0- !!!! Do you suggest I advertise here, or somewhere else? Btw, got your book in the mail recently – very entertaining as well as lots of good tips! Also, I see you have good taste in writing music. <G> ————-TIME LAPSE————– Wait a minute. I just got their number from Brian Bartlett, and called it, and got a canned announcement saying they're opem from Monday to Friday. Are we talking about the same company? Paul
#168092From: Denny AtkinOct 16, 1994 7:46 PM
Paul, Northgate's assets were purchased by another company… Perhaps they're keeping folks around to sell the remaining stuff? That would be cool… Glad you like the book! (RE: Writing music… Lemme guess… Did I mention Pink Floyd, perchance? I had just separated from my darling ex when I got into finishing the book, and there's nothing better for making your own life seem not too bad than listening to Roger Waters complain. 🙂
#168237From: Paul IdolOct 18, 1994 8:33 AM
Your last words in the book were about Pink Floyd, as I recall! <bg> As to Northgate, I called, and left a message with their keyboard sales division. Supposedly all operators were busy. So I'll call again, maybe they'll call, and I'll post what happens so we all know. Paul
#168282From: Steve SetzerOct 18, 1994 4:41 PM
Paul, Could you repost that Northgate number? I had it `held' and a system glitch lost it. 🙁 After talking of getting one for 2 years I am finally going to break down and order one. Thanx …Stebe Cruising on Autopilot from beautiful Coastal South Carolina
#168293From: Paul IdolOct 18, 1994 5:59 PM
Sadly, they are no longer offering an Amiga keyboard. In fact, they haven't for over 2 years now, or so they tell me. :(=========== However, for your mosochistic pleasure, here it is: 800-526-2446 Paul
#168321From: Doug PartridgeOct 18, 1994 11:42 PM
I just called Northgate today and talked to a keyboard salesman. I just told him that I was interested in the keyboard that would work on the Amiga as well as the an IBM. He called it a 'F something or other' and asked if I wanted the Amiga key caps. So it sounds like they still have them. The prices quoted were: Keyboard $129.00 Key caps $ 10.00 S/H $ 6.00 Hope this helps. Doug
#168339From: Mike SchillerOct 19, 1994 2:48 AM
Paul: While they may no longer claim that their keyboards work with Amigas, that's not the case. I own several Northgate keyboards, 2 Omnikey 102's , and an Omnikey Plus, and all of them have been on my A3000 at one time or another. They do have 2 different models of 102's tho, the newer one which is about 1.5" deeper than the older one, and has the DIP switches below their nameplate on the top of the keyboard, and the older one which is shorter, and has the DIP switches on the rear of the keyboard. I think I still have the manuals to both models that have the proper settings for the Amiga, and I also have a set of Amiga keycaps that I'm no longer using since my A3000 died. If you need any info on setting up the KB, or are interested in buying the keycaps, let me know. -Mike Schiller
#168343From: Howard WootenOct 19, 1994 3:53 AM
Hi Mike, Last year I found an older (smaller footprint) Northgate OMNI Key 102 in a used computer shop for $15. The keyboard is new but did not come with a manual. Are you saying this keyboard, with the correct dipswitch setting will work with my 3000. If you run across the manual I'd appreciate it if you would post the Amiga settings. Also, If Paul isn't interested in the keycaps, I am. Thanks… howard – via Nada!
#168364From: Paul IdolOct 19, 1994 11:52 AM
Mike- I'd definitely be interested in the caps if I can get hold of a keyboard. What's the difference between the two models of 102s and the Plus? And what happens with the Amiga keys and such? Paul
#167914From: Brian BartlettOct 15, 1994 2:19 AM
Paul, call Northgate at 800-526-2446. That is their keyboard sales number. BTW, the keyboard is not Amiga specific, it can operate on a clone or the Amiga, depending on a dipswitch setting. However, if you order one, don't forget to get the Amiga specific keycaps. They do make life easier for anyone that doesn't have the keymap completely memorized <g>.
#167991From: Ed VishootOct 15, 1994 5:12 PM
Brian, Thanks for the tip on the "unseated chip" theory! This may very well be the problem as the Northgate supposedly worked fine before it was shipped to me. Besides, mystical chants are much harder than unseated chips to deal with <grin>… Thanks again. EdV