>
> I would like to build a PIC based device to "trick" a laptop into thinking
> an AT style keyboard is plugged into it's external keyboard port on power
> up or on wake-up from standby.

Not difficult at all. In fact my project this weekend is to build an AT
style keyboard using a miniature 5x8 keypad. I need it for my new Toshiba
pen top.

>
> Does anyone have any code, or pointers to help me with this.  I don't need
> to send any key's, just have it behave as if it's there.  A keyboard
> "ghost".  I know a company that makes a device to do this, but I'd like to
> make one myself.

Go out on the web and check out this URL:

http://www.paranoia.com/~filipg/HTML/LINK/PORTS/F_Keyboard_FAQ.html

It has everything you want to know about PC keyboards.

Bottom line you need a PIC to:

1) send the POST OK byte (AA) on power up.
2) Provide a clock to the host upon request because a PC keyboard is
   bi-directional and stuff like typematic rate and setting the LEDs.
3) Send proper acknowledge if host request a command.

The data format, commands, and response can be found at the web page above.
You can even get power from the keyboard port.

>
> Thanks VERY much in advance for any help.

Well I hope this helps, I'll let you folks know how the mini keyboard is
going...

BAJ