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Apple IIe Hardware: Dvorak Keyboard Layout

Revised: 5/25/89

Security: Everyone

Apple IIe Hardware: Dvorak Keyboard Layout

This article last reviewed: 8 November 1988

The Dvorak keyboard layout, an option available on the Apple IIe and Apple III, is popular with many typists.

Apple IIe:

The Dvorak keyboard layout is available on the revision "B" Apple IIe main logic boards. If the user prefers the Dvorak layout over the standard QWERTY, a minor modification can be made to the logic board.

The first--also the most versatile--method is to solder the main logic board "X3" jumper located at board coordinate B14, tying the character generator select line to the annunciator #2 address. The system follows the Dvorak layout until the QWERTY layout is invoked with POKE 49244,0 (annunciator #2 off). To revert back to the Dvorak layout, POKE 49245,0 (annunciator #2 on) or press CTRL-RESET. At power-on, the system defaults to the Dvorak layout.

Alternatively, jumper the "J19" solder pads together; this method, however, prevents you from toggling to the QWERTY layout. If, instead, you solder a two-pin Molex connector (available from electronics parts stores) at J19, a shorting block, similar to the one used on the Apple IIe Extended 80-Column Text Card, could be used to switch from the Dvorak to the QWERTY layout.

After making the modification of your choice, remove the video ROM (location F4) from the main logic board. Bend pin #18, then re-insert the ROM, with with pin #18 sticking out to the side instead of into the socket..

All of these modifications may void your warranty if a problem occurs as a result of improper modification--that is, poor solder job, pins bent on the wrong chip,