no spaces ....

[Gary Kline]

On Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at 08:16:13AM +0100, Polytropon wrote:
> On Sat, 30 Oct 2010 23:58:31 -0700, Gary Kline <kline at thought.org> wrote:
> > Looks like the spacebar on my clicky keyboard is busted.  Same thing
> > on FBSD as on the desktop [[ubuntu]]].  I'm typing this on my
> > laptop.  Seems like every other key works.  
> 
> You can remap one of the unused advertising keys (those that
> are for "Windows" to be an additional space key.
> 
> The keycode should be 115 or 116 or similar. I can't check as
> I do not own ANY keyboard with "Windows" keys on it. You can
> easily find it out by (installing and) running
> 
> 	% xev
> 
> and pressing those keys - the number will then be displayed,
> and by default, a key symbol should be assigned. Here's an
> example:
> 
> KeyPress event, serial 27, synthetic NO, window 0x1200001,
>     root 0x73, subw 0x0, time 18453834, (43,160), root:(203,623),
>     state 0x10, keycode 115 (keysym 0xffe7, Meta_L), same_screen YES,
>     XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
>     XmbLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
>     XFilterEvent returns: False
> 
> KeyRelease event, serial 27, synthetic NO, window 0x1200001,
>     root 0x73, subw 0x0, time 18453902, (43,160), root:(203,623),
>     state 0x18, keycode 115 (keysym 0xffe7, Meta_L), same_screen YES,
>     XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
>     XFilterEvent returns: False
> 
> This is the left Meta key on the Sun USB keyboard I'm currently
> using: Its keycode is 115, the symbol currently assigned is Meta_L.
> 
> If you would want to make that an additional space "bar", create
> ~/.xmodmaprc and code
> 
> 	keycode 115 = space
> 
> Your X startup file (~/.xinitrc or ~/.xsession) should load this
> file if present:
> 
> 	[ -f ~/.xmodmaprc ] && xmodmap ~/.xmodmaprc
> 
> This would be a simple workaround for nonworking keys.
> 
> 
> 
> > Another thing is that the ctl key seems not to work.  IF I type
> > A ^c I get c.  ^D yields simply d. 
> 
> Same here, 
> 
> 	keycode 115 = Control_L
> 	keycode 116 = space
> 
> could be a temporary solution.
> 
> 
> 
> > Is here any chance this can be a 
> > software glitch? 
> 
> Could be possible - I've experienced something similar with a
> nonworking left shift key, or keys stuck in "control mode".
> A bit "hammering" on the keyboard and some focus-shifting
> solved the problem. It does happen once a few months and is
> not predictable. Maybe some USB issue? Polling?
> 
> 
> 
> > Can't see how tho since I can KVM button from 
> > a konsoleon tao [desktop] to an xterm on ethic....  No spacebar.
> 
> So switching over from one system to another does keep the
> problem... maybe a mechanical or electrical problem caused
> by the keyboard?
> 
> 
> 
> > Suggestions?  This might be time to buy a USB "clicky" kybd.
> 
> In any case, try to check with "xev" and see what - IF - really
> happens when pressing keys.
> 
> I can recommend the Sun USB keyboard (I have model 6 here, but
> model 7 should be fine, too). It's not IBM clicky quality, of
> course. It's not clicky at all. But it's very comfortable and
> feels still good in use. The 2x5 plus 1 extra keys on the left
> and the 4 on the right are wonderful add-ons - fully programmable
> and usable (I use them for window sizing, rolling, focusing,
> and starting programs, as well as for volume control, lock
> session, log out and shutdown); Compose is also a nice feature,
> as well as the real Meta keys. You can get them for cheap
> via eBay, for example. Pay attention to get a USB model - you
> won't be able to use the regular serial ones (with the round
> plug) on a PC.
> 
> This is the only USB keyboard I have. All other systems use
> PS/2 IBM keyboards intendedly. Never had a problem with them,
> even after Cola shower and disassembly. :-)
> 

	It  _was_ the kybd; fortunately, being  a packrat, i still have
	the 2003  Dell, *and* since it has a PS/2 plug, it fits my
	temporary  adaptor.  ___WHEW___  

	I have the "click" part of the driver working, but that's  all.  
	``xset x 50'' never has worked under BSD [ ditto linux ] ...
	soo I'm stuck with buying the click-type keyboards.  Why this
	is such a big deal, I have 0.0  clue.   Given that we do have
	people more familiar with hacking drivers.  Oh well.

	gary

	PS:  xev.  Couldn't remember that, tho I've used it pretty
	often.


> 
> 
> -- 
> Polytropon
> Magdeburg, Germany
> Happy FreeBSD user since 4.0
> Andra moi ennepe, Mousa, ...

-- 
 Gary Kline  kline at thought.org  http://www.thought.org  Public Service Unix
    The 7.90a release of Jottings: http://jottings.thought.org/index.php
                           http://journey.thought.org