geekhack Community > Keyboards

Keyboard adapter for IBM 5160 XT

(1/1)

SexieWASD:
I just picked up an old IBM 5160 xt with no keyboard. Before I go buying a 40 year old keyboard on eBay, does anyone know of any projects to adapt a modern preferably usb keyboard to be used on an XT? I know there are adapter projects for going the other way, using XT keyboards on modern computers

kbd0:
This guy made one for PS/2:
https://www.mattmillman.com/building-an-at2xtkb-at-to-xt-keyboard-adapter-on-prototype-board/

I'm sure the folks over at vcfed have figured this out as well

As this is geekhack I have to recommend getting the original Model F keyboard, arguably one of the best keyboards ever

SexieWASD:
It looks like I will end up getting a model F, it's 3x the price of the computer it came with 😆, nevermind trying to get the original monitor!

wjrii:
If the goal is simply a working keyboard, search ebay for XT 5-pin din keyboards.  There are some 90s membrane boards that can be had for fairly cheap, though shipping can be annoying.  If you see one that's XT compatible but has a PS/2 connecter, a passive adapter should work.

raffas:
I don't have specific knowledge about this one, but when it comes to these really old keyboards and adapting them back and forth to newer standards, people usually make their own custom solutions using different controllers and whatnot. You might Google around to see if there's a way to DIY a converter for this if you can't find a ready-made one to purchase.

Navigation

[0] Message Index