Author Topic: [IC] PS2 to USB adapter (Read 14991 times)

dorkvader · « **on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 18:02:00 »

I found an excellent PS2 to USB adapter, and want to run a GB for it. I actually hadn't heard of it until recently, but I've spoken with some people who have used it and love it.

I know the blue cube is the go-to, but I really don't like the form factor. The Belkin one has a good form factor, but finding the one belkin one that's good in really difficult (I have three belkins that are terrible)

This is a cable-type adapter, and the electronics are housed in the back of the USB plug. Here's a picture:

Also included in this (as an option) will be SDL to PS2 cables, so you can plug in your unicomp or model M.
Here's a link to unicomp's page: http://pckeyboard.com/page/Cables/1395110
Update: it might come from Mkawa's box of real, live, SDL cables.

Final pricing, payment, shipping, packing and distribution are still TBD, though I do have some ideas in the works for getting this done quickly and easily.

MOQ is 50 for this to happen
Please fill out the form
(Thanks to samwisekoi for making the forms. I will be keeping track of interest)

Ballpark cost: $13-$20 for Q50, possibly lower if there are higher price tiers.

These weigh 19 grams, or about 0.65 Oz.
It will cost $6.55 to ship internationally (any county, as far as I can tell)
Domestic shipping sholud be under $3. I'm getting about $2.07 for a 2 Oz package.

This might not be definite at all, depending on who does all the shipping.

dorkvader · « **Reply #1 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 18:02:34 »

Order totals (Updated 2-19-13)

(1+ is counted as 1, for now)

PS2 to USB adapter
46+

SDL cables form unicomp
10

metalliqaz · « **Reply #2 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 18:05:48 »

I don't understand SDL to PS2... that's what all Model M's come with already!

dorkvader · « **Reply #3 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 18:07:16 »

Quote from: metalliqaz on Mon, 28 January 2013, 18:05:48

I don't understand SDL to PS2... that's what all Model M's come with already!

If you need a spare, or have started a project that involves them or something. I imagine most people will need 0. It was included by request.

r3dx · « **Reply #4 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 19:55:38 »

submitted.

reaper · « **Reply #5 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 19:58:47 »

Same here.

rknize · « **Reply #6 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:00:14 »

I have one of these and they work great. GLWIC.

phetto · « **Reply #7 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:02:52 »

Form filled, thanks

jcrouse · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:09:42 »

If phetto is in, so am I.

John

phetto · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:14:18 »

John, we need to get them professionally sleeved as well.

Leslieann · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:26:42 »

What is the base price on these? Or at least a ballpark figure? I have seen some pretty insanely priced adapters is why I ask.

By the way, the only thing special about the blue cube is that it passes a higher amount of current than most, something the Model M requires. A bit of wiring magic and you can up the amperage on many of the others as well. As for form factor, I built mine into the housing, but these look good.

boost · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:28:55 »

form filled for 2 ps2 and 1 sld.

Lets get this going!!!

edit: 4000 post ^_^

rknize · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:38:18 »

Quote from: Leslieann on Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:26:42

What is the base price on these? Or at least a ballpark figure? I have seen some pretty insanely priced adapters is why I ask.

By the way, the only thing special about the blue cube is that it passes a higher amount of current than most, something the Model M requires. A bit of wiring magic and you can up the amperage on many of the others as well. As for form factor, I built mine into the housing, but these look good.

This adapter sacrifices efficiency for compatibility, which is why it works well for the Model M. It does not support remote suspend, for example.

mkawa · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 23:30:54 »

these are bar none the best adapters for model Ms and other finnicky devices short of a teensy-based adapter with soarer's firmware (the benefit of these adapters, however, is that they cost half as much as a teensy).

the specific adapters we're looking at are these guys: http://www.idinnovations.com/usb%20adaptors.html

they are programmable as well, but reverse engineering would be required to program them with anything other than the binaries on that page.

Hak Foo · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 28 January 2013, 23:39:21 »

They do look nice, much less untidy than some of the blocky adaptors out there... but I also want to see some ballpark figures. I could see getting a couple at 5USD, but none at twenty

dorkvader · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 00:41:28 »

Quote from: Leslieann on Mon, 28 January 2013, 20:26:42

What is the base price on these? Or at least a ballpark figure? I have seen some pretty insanely priced adapters is why I ask.

By the way, the only thing special about the blue cube is that it passes a higher amount of current than most, something the Model M requires. A bit of wiring magic and you can up the amperage on many of the others as well. As for form factor, I built mine into the housing, but these look good.

I have a quote from the company for a quantity of 50. I've asked about higher price tiers. I don't know about cost of shipping to me, or he cost of shipping to y'all, so I estimate $15 or so.

When the GB goes up, I'll have all the financials worked out and in the open. I don't want to say too much now and get people's hopes up until I have something definitive. I will not be profiting on this GB.

About current, why not just connect the 5V and Ground directly from the USB to the PS2? This is what the teensy does (I believe) and it works great. These do work with model M's, from what I have seen (I have not tried it myself yet, not having one, but everyone who I've asked who has tried it, it has worked)

Also, on the SDL cables, they are from unicomp: I don't know the length, but here is a link to the item. It looks like the standard length (not the rarer long length)
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Cables/1395110

mkawa · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 00:54:57 »

we don't have a quote on the cables yet, but depending on the quantity we may not even have to go to unicomp. i have an embarassing number of them in a box already :X

Leslieann · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 02:15:46 »

I'm in for one (form filled out), but if it comes down to Mkawa's box, I can go without if anyone needs one.

rowdy · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 04:18:37 »

Sorry for the silly questions:

1. I believe there are active and passive adaptors - which is this?

2. I already have an AT to PS/2 adaptor (for an AT keyboard), can I plug that adaptor into this one to go AT to PS/2 to USB?

3. Although there is a passing reference to Mac OS in their specification PDF, does anyone know if this will allow a PS/2 (or AT, heh) keyboard to work on an Intel Mac?

Jmneuv · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 04:23:45 »

thanks for arranging this;
(hoping for a better price on the ps/2-usb though)

dorkvader · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 08:04:20 »

Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 29 January 2013, 04:18:37

Sorry for the silly questions:

1. I believe there are active and passive adaptors - which is this?

2. I already have an AT to PS/2 adaptor (for an AT keyboard), can I plug that adaptor into this one to go AT to PS/2 to USB?

3. Although there is a passing reference to Mac OS in their specification PDF, does anyone know if this will allow a PS/2 (or AT, heh) keyboard to work on an Intel Mac?

1. This is active (Passive adapters ane generally useless)
2. This should work just fine
3. I would imagine this works, but I don't have one to try.

If someone has one of these, have they tried it on a mac?

jeroplane · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 08:26:55 »

I have a cable-type one just like this that I got off eBay for around $2, as well as a dual adapter version for both keyboard and mouse on my 11900. They work great. GLWIC.

Edit: I've just tested one on my Macbook Pro and it works fine. The version I have is also active with the components in the back end of the USB plug; it looks like this.

rknize · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 10:03:20 »

I have two of those. They are "iffy" on old Model Ms but it works OK on my Unicomps. The behavior seems to depend on the host port for some reason. I also have two of these and they are pretty solid, even when attached to my KVM:

IvanIvanovich · « **Reply #23 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 20:27:57 »

Depending on price I may wish to reduce quantity, but would like at least one for sure. I wish there were a long cable version, so I could just cut off the ps/2 end and attach direct to the keyboard pcb for permanent and easy ps/2 to usb mod.

deepthawt · « **Reply #24 on:** Tue, 29 January 2013, 21:22:39 »

Quote from: metalliqaz on Mon, 28 January 2013, 18:05:48

I don't understand SDL to PS2... that's what all Model M's come with already!

Not all Model M's include an attached PS2 cable.
I have some Model M's with SDL (6 pin Shielded Data Link) female connectors on the back.

dorkvader · « **Reply #25 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 06:31:06 »

The next price break is at 250, and it's only $1 off.

Will look into shipping now.

rowdy · « **Reply #26 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 15:06:56 »

Hope it's not too late, and although it won't make the next price break, I've added 1.

Paranoid · « **Reply #27 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 15:16:07 »

I think you should definitely get lower prices than this guy if possible:
http://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/NEW-PS2-to-USB-or-RS232-Adapter-Converter-Keyboard-Barcode-Scanner-IBM-Type-M-/280839328798?pt=US_Parallel_Serial_PS_2_Cables_Adapters&hash=item416354141e

IvanIvanovich · « **Reply #28 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 21:24:12 »

That ebay seller is in my town.

dorkvader · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 31 January 2013, 17:29:40 »

Quote from: Paranoid on Wed, 30 January 2013, 15:16:07

I think you should definitely get lower prices than this guy if possible:
http://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/NEW-PS2-to-USB-or-RS232-Adapter-Converter-Keyboard-Barcode-Scanner-IBM-Type-M-/280839328798?pt=US_Parallel_Serial_PS_2_Cables_Adapters&hash=item416354141e

total Price will be lower than that, almost certainly (Cost is lower, and shipping shouldn't be that much unless it's going international, or you want a box or something.)

Once this gets to 50, and I have distribution/payment figured out, I'll make a GB with all the numbers clearly outlined.

dorkvader · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 01 February 2013, 18:20:39 »

We only need a few more interested for this to happen.

Edit: I cant math always

quake4mhg · « **Reply #31 on:** Sat, 02 February 2013, 01:56:43 »

Form filled. Probably need 2 if price is right

csimi · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 02 February 2013, 12:06:55 »

I'd be more interested in something with the same design and form factor except the reverse, a passive USB to PS/2 adapter.
All other USB to PS/2 adapters are single brick style which puts too much strain on the port not to mention it doesn't fit into my case (along with VGA->DVI adapters).

dorkvader · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 03 February 2013, 13:55:57 »

Got a question about availability: I will ship these internationally. I am pretty sure it'll be okay in a bubble mailer. I'm not sure about the weight, but a 5 Oz box (For example) would cost about USD12.75 to the UK.
http://ircalc.usps.com/MailServices.aspx?country=10150&m=6&p=0&o=5

We are at 32-35 interested, only 15-18 or so more.

Jmneuv · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 03 February 2013, 15:04:50 »

If you remove the packaging i'd expect it to be less than 4 oz. for one. The height i'd say within 0.75 in.

Gupgup · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 03 February 2013, 15:07:22 »

Form filled! Need one soon for my Northgate Omnikey

dorkvader · « **Reply #36 on:** Sun, 03 February 2013, 17:47:54 »

Quote from: Jmneuv on Sun, 03 February 2013, 15:04:50

If you remove the packaging i'd expect it to be less than 4 oz. for one. The height i'd say within 0.75 in.

I agree, it can't be very heavy at all. I have no trouble repackaging them for people to save weight/money.

33+ now, not too much longer until we have enough orders to GB

mkawa · « **Reply #37 on:** Tue, 05 February 2013, 08:02:09 »

i'm going to personally do payment and distribution on this, as i need about 20 of them (this revelation brings us to 43, by the way

)

esoomenona · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 05 February 2013, 08:30:19 »

When are you estimating payment will be due?

mkawa · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 05 February 2013, 08:34:32 »

total guesstimate: about a month give or take (assuming we can find the 7 more units within that month)

esoomenona · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 05 February 2013, 09:22:22 »

If I for sure am in for one, but would like two depending, should I just put one in the form?

dorkvader · « **Reply #41 on:** Tue, 05 February 2013, 19:14:37 »

Quote from: esoomenona on Tue, 05 February 2013, 09:22:22

If I for sure am in for one, but would like two depending, should I just put one in the form?

Put whichever you're leaning towards. You can always PM me to update.

Looks like it will be roughly $13 shipped US, or about $17 int. (Min fee for int. shipping is $6 or so)

jcrouse · « **Reply #42 on:** Mon, 18 February 2013, 23:03:26 »

I would like to add another couple of cables. Make my total 3 PS2 to USB and 1 SDL to PS2.

Thanks,
John

Gupgup · « **Reply #43 on:** Mon, 18 February 2013, 23:20:01 »

How is this coming along?

dorkvader · « **Reply #44 on:** Tue, 19 February 2013, 19:07:13 »

Quote from: jcrouse on Mon, 18 February 2013, 23:03:26

I would like to add another couple of cables. Make my total 3 PS2 to USB and 1 SDL to PS2.

Thanks,
John

I've updated your totals.

Quote from: Gupgup on Mon, 18 February 2013, 23:20:01

How is this coming along?

We need another 4 people interested. Ideally, I'd get a few more, just in case someone doesn't pay.

Dianoda · « **Reply #45 on:** Wed, 20 February 2013, 17:52:13 »

Form submitted.

dorkvader · « **Reply #46 on:** Wed, 20 February 2013, 22:41:00 »

We now have enough interest to make this a GB. I'm writing the post now and will post a link.

Payments will open on 01 march. Details to come.

jcrouse · « **Reply #47 on:** Wed, 20 February 2013, 22:56:41 »

Quote from: dorkvader on Wed, 20 February 2013, 22:41:00

We now have enough interest to make this a GB. I'm writing the post now and will post a link.

Payments will open on 01 march. Details to come.

Awesome news. Thank you fro doing this for us.

John

News:

Author Topic: [IC] PS2 to USB adapter (Read 14991 times)