HP SmartCard reader in Logitech UltraX Flat Keyboard

"Boredom is the mother of geeky invention."

Mounting a HP smartcard reader inside a keyboard wasn't really hard as there was just enough free space inside. I had to do a bit of soldering - removing unnecessary connectors as they were to big to fit inside. Cutting out a nice hole required some skill, too.

The 'two cables' solution is ugly, I'm working on it. I could either incorporate a USB hub inside the keyboard (but then I couldn't hook the keyboard up to a KVM) or use Ethernet cable (but I'm not sure if USB can operate without proper shielding). I guess I will live with it for now (read: forever :P).

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• hp
• smart
• card
• reader
• logitech
• ultrax
• flat
• keyboard

[ralienpp]

Very nice, I'm impressed.

P.S. Cherry offers keyboards with built-in smart card readers out of the box.

[kosma1337]

Well, except that they don't have that sexy feel the Logitech ones have. ;)

[kosma1337]

One more thing - I remember some latches holding the top part of the keyboard (the narrow pieces of plastic between function and number keys) and the 'core' of the keyboard. They can be loosened with a pair of tweezers.

[triggerhurt]

Yea, that's my problem. Those narrow pieces just wont give up. I thank you for your tips and try it out as soon as possible :)

[kosma1337]

Just don't break them or your keyboard will look a bit ugly. ;)

[triggerhurt]

nice mod :)

how did you manage to open this keyboard? I tried opening mine but it's glued or something. Can't find any extra hidden screws :p

[kosma1337]

Mine didn't have any glue, only latches on the edges of the keyboard. Try putting a flat screwdriver between the black and silver parts of the case (at the bottom) and you will see the latches.

[deadpeng]

i prefer this tool over expensive keyboards for gaming

[GUIT4RHER04LYF]

i just got a del key doard with a card slot what is the card for?