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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: c.a.t. on Fri, 04 February 2022, 20:18:06

Title: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: c.a.t. on Fri, 04 February 2022, 20:18:06

i!
Is there someone who already manage to convert an ol Olivetti M24 keyboard (ANK-2463) to PS/2 or usb on a modern computer?

I have tried to connected the db9 cable using the pinout i found to a ps/2, but nothing happen...

Thank you!

Title: Re: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sat, 05 February 2022, 03:43:44

I'm no expert but either it requires more power than a modern system provides through PS/2 or you need a protocol convertor; a quick search found a recent thread on Deskthority with a suspiciously similar username saying the same thing?  What they are suggesting is that you attach the key matrix to a different controller chip which has USB rather than using the original PCB which needs 12V.

Pics of the insides would be useful if you need help going that route :)

Title: Re: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: c.a.t. on Sat, 05 February 2022, 14:10:56

Yes I'm the one whi ask the question on Deskthority! :P I want to check here first if someone have done it before!
Yes the 12v seam to be a problem... I read some post saying it wasnt a big deal, some says it was... How can i supply the keyboard with 12v via usb ??
I will send pictures in a few minutes!

Thanks!

Title: Re: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: c.a.t. on Sat, 05 February 2022, 14:13:38

[attach=1]

Title: Re: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sat, 05 February 2022, 17:07:07

USB is 5v, you could make or buy a USB3 or USB-C to 12v adaptor as there should be enough current available but that would be separate from the data connection, and if the data is sent at 12v you will kill your PS/2 port if not the motherboard in the computer.  Even if 12v works and doesn't break anything you have to hope that the keyboard speaks the standard protocol which it may not as it's very old.

It would probably be cheaper and definitely safer to replace the controller PCB in the keyboard, that's what most people do with old boards.

Title: Re: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: c.a.t. on Sat, 05 February 2022, 20:32:39

Hey Thanks, ok, that make sense, will not try 12v ! Teensie is a better option!

Title: Re: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: 2048tm on Tue, 22 March 2022, 12:59:52

Interesting post. I resolved my issue.





cupcake 2048 (https://cupcake-2048.com)

Title: Re: Need Help: Olivetti M24 keyboard converter
Post by: c.a.t. on Tue, 22 March 2022, 13:01:23

You mean, you already make it work.??