> add a hc148? is this good?
 > 

This would allow encoding up to 7 buttons onto 3 pins.  Actually it
encodes upto 8 lines but after encoding it is difficult distinguishing
between button 0 and no button pressed.  Think there is a similar part
that will do up to 15 buttons to 4 pins.  But I haven't looked for it.

 > I have fireware that read 3 keypad as 5 keys.
 > But problem is I can find 3 or 5 keypad.
 > 

Huh?

 > I wonder if there is such possibility?
 > We form a group, to order 1000 or 2000 3/5
 > mambrane keybad, with back glue, reflexible
 > cable, plain apperance. This type is the best
 > to use, but $5/each at 100 order quantity.
 > I need 200 piece, at price 1$/each.
 > 
 > The mark of 3 keys for my ready act as 6 keys'
 > firmware could be simply:
 > "+" "-" "fun".
 > For 5 keypad "+" "-" "<" ">" "fun", capability to do
 > 15 keys input.
 > 
 > I think every body who do pic need some keypads like that.
 > We also can agree on one best firmware.
 > 
 > Any one, who need and care about price, want to
 > do it?

I'd say unmarked keytops.  No matter how they are marked somebody won't
like it.  Everybody can mark their own, or mark the case adjacent to
the key.

No firmware. Just bring the signals to a connector.  And everyone does
their own firmware.

I'm looking at a prototype run of 5 units.  Quickly ramp up to small
production runs of 100.  Won't have budget of 1000s for a while.

I'm guessing an appropriate keypad module will be cheaper than rolling
my own with separate buttons, if I can find the part.

Drew
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