[Elecraft] P3 USB Keyboard

[Matt Zilmer]

A BIOS-based keyboard doesn't take any special device driver, and it
is recognized by the BIOS at the time a PC boots up (rather than
later, after its device driver is loaded by the operating system). The
P3 requires this type of keyboard because it isn't designed to support
non-mainstream I/O devices via drivers - which it can't load or use.

There are VERY few non-BIOS keyboards out there.  For some reason,
people keep returning them or using them for target practice.  Maybe
this has something to do with the fact that this type of keyboard
cannot be used to configure the BIOS itself, at boot time.

Paul's recommendation of the Logitch K360 wireless keyboard is well
put.  That is what I use here.  

73,
matt W6NIA

On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 20:16:24 -0700, you wrote:

>I have a USB  keyboard that I use with my WIN XP laptop that works just fine with the laptop but my P3 doesn't recognize the keyboard. How do you tell the difference between a PC bios type and a non-PC bios type?
>
>73, Richard N7NT
>
>
>On Feb 13, 2014, at 2:58 PM, Paul Saffren N6HZ <pauls at elecraft.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi Tom, 
>> 
>> It sounds like your keyboard is not a PC bios type keyboard.  The USB
>> keyboard interface on the SVGA only works with this type of keyboard.  Most
>> PC USB keyboards are this type and will work with the P3/SVGA.  I am
>> currently using a wireless Logitech K360 which works great.  Unfortunately
>> due to the sheer number of various keyboards on the market it's impossible
>> for us to test every single one.  My advice would be to try another
>> keyboard. 
>> 
>> 73, 
>> 
>> Paul
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
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Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
www.elecraft.com
831-763-4211  x129
Skype: matt.zilmer