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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: GlennL42 on Fri, 27 April 2018, 10:19:15

Title: Plausibility of soldering PS/2 cable directly onto a Model M
Post by: GlennL42 on Fri, 27 April 2018, 10:19:15

Hi guys. So I’ve picked up a Model M 1391401 recently without its cable and the frustration of unable to use it is getting on my nerve, I planned on getting a cable for it but the price of even the most rudimentary SDL cable are ridiculously expensive, even without factoring in the shipping cost it entails. So naturally I look around for some cheaper alternative and read from somewhere where someone actually recommend removing (de-soldering) the original SDL port and solder in a PS/2 cable directly onto the controller itself (can’t remember where I read it though), the pin (http://www.kbdbabel.org/conn/kbd_connector_ibm_m.png) out (http://www.pcassistant.net/images/soyo2.gif) for both connectors seems to suggest this is actually plausible, but so far I haven’t seen anyone actually doing it, let alone posting the end result of this conversion. So, my question is whether this is an actual solution to my current conundrum or is it just bogus? And is there any hazard involving in this particular conversion? Really wished this would work out as I really don’t want to spend a small fortune just to get a cable for my Model M.

Thx in advance guys

Title: Re: Plausibility of soldering PS/2 cable directly onto a Model M
Post by: Tactile on Fri, 27 April 2018, 10:48:29

There's no reason not to. You could solder the cable wires to the  left over holes after removing the SDL receptacle. I've not done it because I had no need but it should be a very easy mod.

OTOH, someone here will probably offer an SDL cable to you for cheap or free. I have no spares but lots of people here do.

Title: Re: Plausibility of soldering PS/2 cable directly onto a Model M
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 27 April 2018, 14:04:26

You can, but make sure to insulate and tie the wire internally so nothing crosses.

Title: Re: Plausibility of soldering PS/2 cable directly onto a Model M
Post by: kmnov2017 on Sat, 27 April 2019, 13:34:56

Did you manage to do this in the end ? If yes, post a pic.

Title: Re: Plausibility of soldering PS/2 cable directly onto a Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 27 April 2019, 14:01:56

If you live in the US a replacement cable should be relatively easy, but/and if can spend ~$37 you should contact Orihalcon for one of his great USB converter cables.

Title: Re: Plausibility of soldering PS/2 cable directly onto a Model M
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 12 May 2019, 21:53:42

I have done both - soldered a replacement cable (sourced from an old rubber dome keyboard) on, and also purchased one of Orihalcon's cables.

Both keyboards and cables still work fine, several years later.

Title: Re: Plausibility of soldering PS/2 cable directly onto a Model M
Post by: Leslieann on Sun, 12 May 2019, 23:12:40

Not just ps2 cables, people have wired bluecubes (ps2 to usb) converters inside as well.