Matrix Orbital LK162-12 Legacy - Manual (Page 7)

LK162-12 rev 4 7
1.6 Trying out a Keypad
Since a number of different keypad types can be connected to the LK162-12, the results you get may be a
little unpredictable. At this point all we need to do is make sure that your keypad and interface work, and
possibly generate an ASCII map for your programming needs.
The keypad interface on the LK162-12 converts a row/column connection to an ASCII character. By default,
a keypress is transmitted as serial data immediately. Keypad buffering can be selected using the appropriate
commands.
1.6.1 Here's what to do:
1. Your PC should be running a terminal program, such as Hyperterm (make sure hardware flow control is
turned off).
2. With the LK162-12 connected to the PC, plug in your keypad. If your connector has fewer pins than the
one on the LK162-12, center it as well as possible.
Note 1: The keypad connector must be wired with columns on one side and rows on the o ther side of
the center of the connector. If your keypad isn't wired this way you will need to make an adapter or
rewire the connector to meet this requirement.
Note 2: The connector is reversible. Reversing the connector will not damage the keypad or the LK162-
12, but it will change the ASCII character map.
3. Press a key on the keypad. An upper case ASCII character (A -Y) should appear on the PC screen.
Different keys should generate different characters.
If you want to experiment, reverse the connector and see if it generates a more logical set of characters.
Ultimately, the program in your controller will have to "map" these characters to the ones marked on the
keypad, which will likely be different.