geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: SuccnYeet on Wed, 04 September 2019, 21:03:37
-
I have a keyboard with what looks like a 5 pin male din connector. My PC has ps2/usb ports, will a converter allow this to work with my pc? or would it need some sort of input converter?
-
An AT to ps2 connector should work but more info on the board would help.
-
If a little diy does not scare you, there is Soarer's converter, I don't know if there is anything newer with as many features
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=17458.0
It should be giving you full nkro and the ability to remap all keys over usb.
Or i heard that simple passive AT to PS/2 adapters exist and work as they use the same protocol, never tried myself.
And maybe other peoples with more experience could help you a lot more with more information about your board.
-
I have a keyboard with what looks like a 5 pin male din connector. My PC has ps2/usb ports, will a converter allow this to work with my pc? or would it need some sort of input converter?
I'm only reiterating the good advice, already given by others here.
If lucky, you'll only need a simple DIN-5 to PS/2 converter. Any labels on the keyboard (or documentation etc) indicating "AT" (in reference to the AT protocol) may be a positive indicator this is what's needed.
If it's what you need, then (on AT) DIN-5 to PS/2 adapters are cheap. PS/2 and AT utilize the same protocol and PS/2 and DIN-5 connectors (on AT) are electrically compatible. So adapters are fairly simple (just a wiring conversion) .
Specifying the exact board would be useful.
-
Apologies, of course I should have specified, it’s an IBM Model M122 1986 model
-
Apologies, of course I should have specified, it’s an IBM Model M122 1986 model
Tough luck for you, IBM Model M122 uses a different protocol and can't be used over PS/2 port with just passive 5 Pin - DIN to PS/2 adapter, you'll have to use special converter that you can either buy from Orihalcon (https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Soarers-Converter-Adapter-240-Degree-IBM-Model-F122-M122-Keyboard/282575692501?hash=item41cad2e2d5:g:gXIAAOSw-VtbGeV7) or make one yourself
Edit: you should try ask around to see if someone in Australia is able to wire one up for you for a fee, will be far cheaper than buying pre-made one
-
I thought only the RJ45 version was completely incompatible and needed the use of a converter i thought other versions only used code set 3 and were somewhat compatible(at least the common alpha parts), I might be wrong but the adapters can be cheap.
And you could even try to get a din 5 plug and plug wires directly into the motherboard sockets, even cheaper but way more risky.
Your choice really.
My only experience with actual IBM model M is a RJ45 122 keys from 1995 and simple passive adapter did not work.
-
God damnit they’re so expensive to get to Australia :(
-
Orihalcon makes adapter cables for each type of plug, but yes, they are pricey.
Soarer, in his genius, wrote his firmware to accommodate almost all of the common M/F terminals, automatically. I have always used the name-brand Teensy and they always work perfectly, first go. There are cheap knock-offs on ebay for $5, but they are harder to flash and program, as I understand it.