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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: jcoffin1981 on Fri, 04 July 2025, 14:56:06

Title: Vintage keyboard- not working
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Fri, 04 July 2025, 14:56:06
An associate of mine knows that I am a keyboard aficionado and gifted me a Dell AT101W that he had lying around.  It worked when last used a long time ago.  It requires a PS2 connection so I purchased an adapter, but even with the adapter Windows does not recognize that a device is plugged in.  I don't know if the board is dead, if it's a driver issue, or maybe an issue with the adapter.  It's possible Windows is very fickle about the adapter used or it is defective.

I'd like to use the board for a bit but am not really crazy about the switches used.  I will probably end up selling it for parts or as pre-owned if I can get it to work.  I'd like to have someone else enjoy it instead of it becoming E-waste. 

Unfortunately, I get a message "Forbidden" when I try to post an image.




[attachimg=1]





Title: Re: Vintage keyboard- not working
Post by: Rob27shred on Fri, 04 July 2025, 15:18:15
Most likely you are using a passive PS2 adapter which will not work, you need an active PS2 converter like this https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Keyboard-Converter-Adapter-110934/dp/B00IACID2C/ref=asc_df_B00IACID2C?mcid=b88a512e85dc3a1992f4b172e76d6b32&hvocijid=12132676688576161092-B00IACID2C-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12132676688576161092&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005897&hvtargid=pla-2281435180018&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Keyboard-Converter-Adapter-110934/dp/B00IACID2C/ref=asc_df_B00IACID2C?mcid=b88a512e85dc3a1992f4b172e76d6b32&hvocijid=12132676688576161092-B00IACID2C-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12132676688576161092&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005897&hvtargid=pla-2281435180018&psc=1) I personally have this Monoprice & can confirm it works fine with Dell AT101s & Win10.