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Magnetic Keyboard Mount

Creator: Matt
Date: 2004-04-30
Rating: 
 

Description

When I built the MurksBox2003 at the end of 2002 its controls were cumbersome because the keyboard and mouse cables weren't very long. The easiest solution was the purchase of a wireless keyboard and mouse. I was then able to control the box from my bed or chair but a new problem appeared: The keyboard and mouse were lying on the floor, got covered in dust or almost even scrunched. It was clear that I needed something to mount them. At the end I decided to attach a metal plate to the chair and equip the input devices with magnets.

keyb_magnet01.jpgA first sketch of the mod. The plate should be affixed under the chair's cloth covering. The keyboard should be fastened with harddisk magnets since they are pretty strong. For the mouse some kind of basket was planned because a magnet could not be directly attached.
keyb_magnet02.jpgI was convinced the mouse basket wouldn't need an entire harddisk magnet so I sawed one into two pieces.
keyb_magnet03.jpgOne half of the magnet. The most difficult part was to wipe the chipping away :)
keyb_magnet04.jpgI used part of a Milka easter egg that was lying around in my room as a mouse basket. To attach the magnet I "drilled" two holes with the soldering iron.
keyb_magnet05.jpgIt was easier to mod the keyboard. I attached the magnet with a power strip, which can carry at least 1 kg.
keyb_magnet06.jpgI wanted to use the cover of an old PC case as mount. To test the magnets's strength I created an experimental build-up in the basement.
keyb_magnet07.jpgThe keyboard seems to stick to the case
keyb_magnet08.jpgIt's getting serious now! The metal plate was cut out with a cutting-disc. I wasn't sure where I could place screws to attach the plate I tried to duct-tape it to the chair first.
keyb_magnet09.jpgA bit more duct tape, and it actually kept its place!
keyb_magnet10.jpgFinished! The keyboard and the mouse stuck to the chair. Unfortunately the covering was too thick so they began to slide down very slowly. I added more magnets later which solved the problem.

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