Operating Modes
There are two major modes that you can use with
the PAK-VI. The default is cooked mode. This
provides the keyboard input as ASCII. Special
characters (like function keys) appear as special
characters above $7F.
If you want more control, you can switch to raw
mode. Raw mode sends you every byte the
keyboard generates. There is no ASCII
conversion, nor does the PAK-VI automatically
track the shift, caps lock, or other state keys. This
mode provides the ultimate flexibility, but
requires more work to use.
In raw mode, you may get several bytes for each
key pressed. Most keyboards start in mode 2
(although you can change the mode on many
keyboards). In mode 2, each key emits at least
one scan code for a make (key press) and at least
two codes for a break. For example, the space bar
emits $29 for make, and $F0 $29 for break. Some
keys, particularly extended keys, have more
codes. For example, the home key that is not part
of the numeric key pad is scan code $E0 $6C and
the break code is $E0 $F0 $6C.
Important Note
Not all keyboards are the same. Raw mode will
work with any standard keyboard, but your
keyboard may not support all features that other
keyboards support. By the same token, your
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