Keyboard LEDS

[ComputerWizKid]

I just bought a (Well I had a broken KB And Logitech gave me a whole new set and only wanted the KB back so I went on Ebay and bought a KB for to replace the one I sent out, In other words Logitech rules and I now have two functioning sets) LX 710 with the keyboard and mouse and it has no LEDS (Except for the Useless Connect LED) And I was wondering my MB has an extra PS/2 port since the LX 710 is USB can I pull apart a spare KB I have and just use the LED Panel? I have taken many Keyboards apart to clean/change the LEDS before and I was wondering if it would work if I just use the LED/KB Controller board and disconnect the actual keys (Or the key matrix as it's often called) I know I could just install the software but I want actual LEDS not an on-Screen indicator.
I would probably just install the LED board in a RadioShack (Excuse me ! The Shack) project case I have meant to use for a project that never happened. I just want an opinion of what I am doing and if it will work before I pull apart a spare KB (Since I am running low on spares).
Thanks
and sorry for the long post

 

[soccerballtux]

Text, lol

 

[chorb]

I think you're asking if you can use a keyboard hack up the board and selectively turn on and off the Scroll Lock, Caps Locks LED indicators via USB?

 

[ComputerWizKid]

No I am asking if I could disconnect the key matrix from the keyboard PCB and use just the LEDs. I just want to know if the LEDs would still function without the actual keys present as my keyboard and mouse set does not have actual indicators (Just through software that I hate, Setpoint)

 

[Aluvus]

IIRC, this should work, although it's possible that the ripped-apart keyboard needs to be USB. Pretty simple test: connect the soon-to-be-gutted keyboard to your system, and hit the lock keys on your existing keyboard. LEDs change as expected? Then it will work.

You will of course need most or all of the gutted keyboard's control hardware, which may or may not be in the same vicinity as the lock indicators.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I know that with multiple keyboards connected to a PC, Windows syncs the keyboard LEDs on all of the keyboards.

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: ComputerWizKid
No I am asking if I could disconnect the key matrix from the keyboard PCB and use just the LEDs. I just want to know if the LEDs would still function without the actual keys present as my keyboard and mouse set does not have actual indicators (Just through software that I hate, Setpoint)

Depends on the design. Cheaper keyboards just have the membrane attached to a small circuit board, where the LEDs and cable are attached. If the design is like that, it's fine.

 

[Colt45]

Should work alright, as long as the keyboard controller has internal pullups or something... else it might decide to print gibberish with floating inputs.

 

[NeoPTLD]

It depends on the complexity of the device. If it's like a decent LED matrix display, then a driver/device firmware is going to be an issue. Please concisely state what your problem is, objective, and post pics to help us better understand your project.