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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: ValerieV on Fri, 15 February 2013, 19:45:23

Title: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: ValerieV on Fri, 15 February 2013, 19:45:23
Is it extremely difficult to replace an old PS cord with a USB cord? I am going to modify an old keyboard and i was just curious if it's difficult and if anyone has ever done it. Thanks.
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: SmallFry on Fri, 15 February 2013, 19:46:08
Use a Soarer-verter, blue cube or similar. :)
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: ValerieV on Fri, 15 February 2013, 19:47:44
Thanks. Is it very difficult for a first timer like me?
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: SmallFry on Fri, 15 February 2013, 19:50:12
Buy one of these. (http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1360979355&sr=8-6&keywords=ps%2F2+to+usb+adapter) It should work just fine. :)
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: ValerieV on Fri, 15 February 2013, 20:15:38
Yeah i have that. I just wanted to really change it up a bit. I saw someone on youtube change a HHKB to bluetooth.
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: SmallFry on Fri, 15 February 2013, 20:18:38
Why do you want to change it up when you have accomplished your end result? I don't follow.
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: ValerieV on Fri, 15 February 2013, 20:26:46
I am envious of all you guys who can totally change a keyboard to look the exact way you want. I still haven't mastered the art of replacing a big key from the stabilizer.  :mad: Then i see some people changing their keyboard to wireless and i am even more envious. The best thing i did with a keyboard was replace basic keycaps. Boring! I want a challenge. I honestly think my main goal right now is to master the art of soldering and that is my project next week.
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: SmallFry on Fri, 15 February 2013, 20:28:27
A Soarer-verter will allow you to make the board USB, and allow you to solder. :) Have fun with that, or rip your blue cube apart and put it inside by soldering the correct wires to the PS/2 port pads and the USB goes to your computer.
Found a guide on ripping apart your blue cube.. http://imgur.com/a/CFKgY#0
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 15 February 2013, 20:34:16
As I understand it, wired conversions are trivial, but the wireless conversion is an order of magnitude harder.

For one thing, you have to find a wireless donor and adapt its guts to your board.

Never even come close to trying it, myself.
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: ValerieV on Fri, 15 February 2013, 20:56:27
Thanks guys!  :D
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: Leslieann on Fri, 15 February 2013, 21:00:42
I am envious of all you guys who can totally change a keyboard to look the exact way you want. I still haven't mastered the art of replacing a big key from the stabilizer.  :mad: Then i see some people changing their keyboard to wireless and i am even more envious. The best thing i did with a keyboard was replace basic keycaps. Boring! I want a challenge. I honestly think my main goal right now is to master the art of soldering and that is my project next week.
We all learned by doing one thing at a time and acquiring tools along the way. Keycaps are a start, many never even take them off, much less replace them, most don't even have a mechanical keyboard. Most of this stuff isn't that complex, it just requires time, research and tools/creativity.

Soldering is a good place to start, but remember, you can destroy with it as well. You want to melt as fast as possible and get the iron away from the object. The longer you keep it there, the more risk there is that you will burn it up before you melt the solder. Therefore, it's better to have your iron too hot than not hot enough.


I also agree with Fohat.digs, converting to wireless is a lot tougher and I have yet to try it.
Title: Re: Replace old PS2 cord with USB
Post by: ValerieV on Fri, 15 February 2013, 21:27:48
I am envious of all you guys who can totally change a keyboard to look the exact way you want. I still haven't mastered the art of replacing a big key from the stabilizer.  :mad: Then i see some people changing their keyboard to wireless and i am even more envious. The best thing i did with a keyboard was replace basic keycaps. Boring! I want a challenge. I honestly think my main goal right now is to master the art of soldering and that is my project next week.
We all learned by doing one thing at a time and acquiring tools along the way. Keycaps are a start, many never even take them off, much less replace them, most don't even have a mechanical keyboard. Most of this stuff isn't that complex, it just requires time, research and tools/creativity.

Soldering is a good place to start, but remember, you can destroy with it as well. You want to melt as fast as possible and get the iron away from the object. The longer you keep it there, the more risk there is that you will burn it up before you melt the solder. Therefore, it's better to have your iron too hot than not hot enough.


I also agree with Fohat.digs, converting to wireless is a lot tougher and I have yet to try it.

Now when you say it is better to have your iron too hot than not hot enough, isn't there a risk of burning the switch? I thought it is better to not have it too hot so i can slowly solder but you're saying do it fast. Can you expand on why it is important to go fast? Thanks because i have never soldered before.