IBM Model M NEW 6ft SDL 6 Pin to USB Converter cables and adapters available

[orihalcon]

Hello everyone! 

I sell 6ft IBM Model M SDL 6 Pin to USB converter cables eBay and have had several satisfied buyers suggest that I post in these forums to let other IBM Model M keyboard enthusiasts know about them.

These cables will not drop data, do allow for high current draw, do not timeout after periods of inactivity, and do not require drivers for any modern operating systems including Windows 2000 and up, MacOSX, any recent version of Linux or Unix, etc.

These cables work only for keyboard functions, meaning that they will ignore trackball or other pointing devices that a few models of IBM type M have built in.  You can check out my ebay auctions includings pictures by searching ebay for: IBM SDL USB cable.

If you’re interested in these, I can sell them through direct paypal invoice @ $35 each.  I also have 6 inch PS2 to USB adapters that use the same chipset available @ $13 each.  All prices include shipping to the USA.  International shipping will be calculated based on location.  I can also do bulk discounts on orders of 10 or more.  If interested, PM me with quantity of each you want and include your paypal email address and I’ll get a paypal invoice sent.  I can also make the 10ft USB converter cables shorter at no additional charge, but they’ll be 10ft unless you let me know otherwise.

Here are a just a few feedback comments I’ve received on ebay from buyers that purchased these cables:

“Very good product, custom length just as I requested, recommended”
“Excellent hard to find item. Works exactly as described. Speedy delivery.Thanks.”
“Fantastic! Wish I could write more. 10 year problem is solved. Works perfectly!”
“Excellent product, and shipped literally minutes after payment. Wow!”

You may return these to me for a full refund if you are unsatisfied for ANY reason.  If you are unsure if they can handle any specific key combinations where other PS2 adapters have failed you in the past, just let me know, and I’ll test it with my IBM Model M keyboard and let you know if it works.  I haven’t come across any yet.

I can also make other custom cables using brand new SDL 6 pin connectors, so let me know if you’d like other custom SDL cables made.   Please ask any questions you may have!

[tsangan]

Welcome to Geekhack!

I have one of your cables en-route me as we speak

[Ascaii]

Hi there!

quick question...how is the price for international shipping. I would be interested to know the price including shipping if I order one, two, or 10 cables. I live in germany.

thanks,
Chris

[jwaz]

Who wants to do a GB ??

[bazemk1979]

GB would be nice,planning on getting IBM with the grey logo/detachable cable.

[Ascaii]

I have ordered a cable. Will review when it gets here.

[jwaz]

Sweet, if it works well I'll start a GB in the classifieds.

[tsangan]

I have one already, it's amazing

Beats the heck out of using a Blue Cube every time, or doing a USB conversion mod

[DanGWanG]

tsangan convinced me to buy one, so i did.

[jwaz]

Dammit you guys. Whatever I'll try anyway in a few weeks...

[rknize]

Going to give one a try too.  If it works, it will be perfect for SSK laptop use!

[ed_avis]

Looks great but what about later Model Ms that don't have the removable cable?  Is it possible to mod them with an SDL socket so this cable can be used?

A pity that mouse functionality isn't included, otherwise the cable would be a lovely companion for the M4-1.  I'd buy three such for $40 each, but I appreciate the market for kb+mouse cables is smaller than that for just keyboard.

[rknize]

He offers a PS/2 to USB version of the same thing for about half the price.  See the original post.  That will take care of the non-removable cable keyboards.

[DanGWanG]

Just got mine.  One word:  sweet.

[bazemk1979]

sent OP/seller PM on ebay about if he wants me to run interest check for his cables, not experienced with it so I guess all would be payed to him directly and told him to give me price incl shipping on dependable of how many cables will be ordered,lets see what he thinks.

[jwaz]

I bought a ps2 to USB cable from him, super quick shipping. Testing tonight.

[rknize]

I've been using mine for about a week now.  The SDL version seems solid.  I've been using it on my main machine for work and a bit of gaming.  No issues to report.

I've also been using the PS/2 version with a Cherry keyboard on my MacBook Pro via a KVM.  The only issue there is when I am using it on the PC that its also attached to the same KVM.  When it's still running from BIOS, each key press generates multiple presses.  This is seen in the bios and in the bootloader menu.  It works fine from the OS (Windows and Linux).  It might just be a bios quirk, but my other adapter didn't do this.

[KylJoy]

I just bought one.  I had already bought one of his SDL to PS2 cables and it worked great.  It is very nice that these are being made and offered.

[jrockroll]

yap works like a charm

[rknize]

I should mention that the adapters don't work any better on my KVM with a Model M on the other end.  I know it's the KVM that is not able to supply the current, but I just thought I'd mention that.

[Autolyze]

I ordered one of the SDL to USB cables and a PS/2 to USB adapter from orihalcon, and they're both great so far. Back before I went keyboard crazy, I was fine with just leaving a PS/2 keyboard plugged in all the time, but now I really appreciate being able to hotswap boards easily.

[Ascaii]

I have received my cable and it is great to use. Using it on my SSK for the past week, no problems at all. Go for em, guys!

[rknize]

I hope this isn't considered thread-crapping for divulging this here.  The PS/2 version is available elsewhere, but the OP is selling it at a very good price and obviously he is the only one setup for installing SDL connectors.

The chipset is "Celectronic GmbH" (0x154a), but the manufacturer appears to be ID Innovations.  They show the PS/2 version right on their website.  The 6" version is USB-UA-001.  They have other lengths too.  I'm guess the OP is getting a custom length and cutting-off the PS/2 connector.  

ID markets it as a high-end point-of-sale adapter, which may explain why it works well for Model Ms.  It explicitly doesn't support remote wakeup (the attribute is not set), so the host won't put it into low power.  Not something you'd want in a normal USB device (especially when attached to a laptop), but it's exactly what we want in a high-performance keyboard adapter.

Anyway, that's the skinny.  It's a good product.  I just got 2 more.

[purpletiesto]

Are you still selling these?

[MMB]

Are you still selling these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270955553909?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[Elrick]

I have received my cable and it is great to use. Using it on my SSK for the past week, no problems at all. Go for em, guys!

Worth it's weight in GOLD......bought 2 for my old Model M's.

[AKIMbO]

I have received my cable and it is great to use. Using it on my SSK for the past week, no problems at all. Go for em, guys!

Worth it's weight in GOLD......bought 2 for my old Model M's.

Ditto.  I love mine.  It's a much more elegant solution than those clunky AT adapters-->PS/2 to USB converters.

[fohat.digs]

When I ordered, he was only selling the 6-footers.

Did anybody here get a 10-footer, and did you have a problem with it?

[jkercado]

Wow, how did I miss this? I'll be ordering one for my old (new) '89 Model M! Fantastic solution!

[rknize]

Yes, I have one and yes it has issues.  It works except for the LEDs.  They flash and then never work again.  The keyboard works fine otherwise, though.  There must be a current surge at powerup that sags too much over the long cable or maybe the lines are too noisy (needs pull ups in the keyboard).  I also have a 6 and 3 footer and they are fine.

If you need a long cable, use a USB extension instead and get the short version.

[fohat.digs]

Mainly I was curious, mine is long enough.

I have a couple of powered USB hubs, so I assume that they provide some extra juice.

Are there any issues with connecting through them? I am not a gamer so minor speed reductions do not bother me.

[purpletiesto]

Are you still selling these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270955553909?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

sweet as thanks bug

[Grond]

I use the cable with my ssk and it's flawless, I would recommend it.

[mushupork]

I have a 10' USB cable and my numlock light does not work.  Mine has been in a box for months though so I just discovered the issue.

I already PM'd to see what I can do about that.

[rknize]

I was probably going to cut and splice the cable shorter.

[mushupork]

The cable looks so good though ... the converter just makes the the USB connector is bit longer than normal.  It looks like a typical USB cable.  If I splice it myself it will look ... bad.

[TacticalCoder]

These cables looks great: much more modern than the "good old" grey coiled original cables.

However I remember one issue about the old Model Ms and the PS/2 plug not working in every motherboard.  So "just in case" I did buy two "blue cubes" PS/2 -> USB adapters (as a side-benefit USB is hot-pluggable without risking to damage the motherboard).

I also remember something about not every PS/2 -> USB adapters being compatible with every motherboard.  Hence all the rage here around the famous "blue cube" adapters.

What about the cables here?  Isn't there potentially an issue on some motherboards where they wouldn't work (and where a PS/2 -> USB "blue cube" would work)?

[rknize]

Yes, the Blue Cube is an adapter that is known to work with the power hungry Model M's.  This adapter is another one.  There is also the USB to PS/2 version.  I posted the technical details in a previous post.

[mkawa]

just chiming in (again?) to say that these are awesome, and that i much prefer them to the grey coils + blue cube. hoping orihalcon comes back to vend on geekhack (i hate ebay with a passion  )

[rayuki]

just brought one to go with the model M i just brought can't wait.

[wogdog]

Received mine in the mail last week. Been using it since then. It works as advertised. Nice finish on the cable. Recommended.

[czarek]

Hey, I've got one few months ago and using it since then with no issues. Great deal.

[mistakemistake]

Nice and welcome! For those who bought a sleeved sdl to USB cable or USB with ps2 conversion, I got the cable from this guy!

[Hellmark]

Were the price on these raised? I'm now seeing them sell for $40 from him.

[mr_schnrub]

Yep, $40. Looks like the price has gone up.

These do look quite schmick but I still love the ol'skool curly cable...

[esoomenona]

I wonder why the price went up. The price of his PS/2 to SDL cables remained the same price...

[Hellmark]

Seems like I see price hikes when ever it is payday...

[fohat.digs]

He had to buy something like a huge case of SDL connectors, which was probably pretty pricey, and he is building them himself.

Assume $10+ for parts and materials, $10+ for labor, and $6+ for shipping, and that is not a tremendous amount of profit.

I have 2 of these and they are very handsome and  well-made. They have always performed flawlessly as well.

And, unless you can use multiple Model Ms simultaneously, you only need 1 per user.

[Hellmark]

Oh, I know. Not saying that it isn't worthwhile, just my luck. I had just looked a couple days ago, and they were still the old price. Today is payday, and going to go grab one, and new price.

[Mr. C]

I got one about a year ago for my SSK. Works fine, not that I use that keyboard much. He ships very fast. Great service. I  thought about getting a couple more for the model Ms in my closet, but I'm not likely to use those much either.