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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: M4TE on Thu, 14 July 2011, 21:22:49

Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: M4TE on Thu, 14 July 2011, 21:22:49
Alright here's the deal, it probably happends with a lot of people and there is probably only that one same solution but here's the problem.

I bought a cheap $4 PS/2 to USB Adapter just yesterday, and everything worked out well, the drivers installed and I could use an external PS/2 keyboard for my laptop. I could type, and it would respond.

The problem was when I opened up Counter-Strike 1.6. The movement was really off. When I was holding down the foward button, it would work, but then once I pressed the A button to move left aswell, I stopped moving foward. It's like it forgot. I have 3 PS/2 keyboards and all 3 of them did the same thing.

I was wondering if it has something to do with the drivers, or some kind of software issue which can be fixed with a different driver or software. I know the ultimate solution is just to buy a better one. Some people on this site recommend the "blue cube" adapter, but I don't really like getting things online especially because of the shipping costs due to the fact I live in Canada. There are many adapters that I can buy from TigerDirect, BestBuy, Walmart etc, but I'm hesitant because in the end it still might not work.

Thanks for your responses and help
M4TE
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: keyb_gr on Fri, 15 July 2011, 09:36:40
Some adapters are known for this sort of behavior. You'll need another one. Check the respective wiki, that should narrow down the choices a bit.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 15 July 2011, 10:51:05
Here you go. This is internally identical to the blue cube, as far as we can tell. It works with every PS/2 keyboard I've thrown at it, and I don't see chattering or the behavior you are describing.

http://www.amazon.ca/Belkin-USB-PS2-Adapter-2XMINIDIN6/dp/B000ELSXFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310744995&sr=8-1
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: Xuan on Fri, 15 July 2011, 12:32:29
how about this one (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/usb-to-ps-2-cable-adapter-15cm-length-45594)?. Reviews say it works with Models M and it's also listed on the wiki, so I ordered two of them.
I'll report back when they arrive (in a few weeks).
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: M4TE on Fri, 15 July 2011, 14:21:50
Okay, so thanks for your input. Most likely I'm just going to get the belkin, it's just that I'm very impatient and shipping costs put me down.

Anyway, here are some pictures of my adapter and the keyboard I'm using. As you can see, there's a chip that converts the USB to the PS/2, so I was wondering if it infact would be the keyboard problem since it's an old keyboard and it also uses a rubber dome.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20979[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20976[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20977[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20978[/ATTACH]
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 15 July 2011, 14:33:35
That was an Amazon.ca link, sold by amazon, so shipping should be pretty low. You can even order it in french, if you want!

And, it's most likely the adapter, not the keyboard. Is that really an old DEC keyboard?
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: M4TE on Fri, 15 July 2011, 15:48:54
Yeah, it was just around. I'm pretty sure one of my parents use to work for Digital
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: eyesnine on Fri, 15 July 2011, 17:38:53
I had a lot of problems with that Belkin adapter and a SIIG Minitouch. It's definitely not compatible with everything, though it seems to work fine with a G80-8113.

This adapter is super duper cheap, and I haven't had any compatibility problems with it:
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/603429/eBay%20Auctions/2011%20April%2024/USB%20PS2%20Adapter/054.300W.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/603429/eBay%20Auctions/2011%20April%2024/USB%20PS2%20Adapter/055.300W.jpg)
eBay Link (http://cgi.ebay.com/PS2-Keyboard-Mouse-USB-Converter-Adapter-PC-/110711923198?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item19c6f1e1fe)

Only issue is that the ports are a bit loose, and the cable may fall out if moved around. It's $1, though.

I should note that I don't play a lot of games, so I'm not sure about the rollover.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 15 July 2011, 20:13:05
Quote from: theferenc;380927
Here you go. This is internally identical to the blue cube, as far as we can tell. It works with every PS/2 keyboard I've thrown at it, and I don't see chattering or the behavior you are describing.

http://www.amazon.ca/Belkin-USB-PS2-Adapter-2XMINIDIN6/dp/B000ELSXFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310744995&sr=8-1

 
From my experience, the Belkin is actually superior to the Blue Cube, even though they are supposedly using the same chip. My SGI AT101 wont work with a blue cube, but does with the Belkin. I've also seen some weird behavior with the blue cube that was absent on the Belkin.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 15 July 2011, 20:14:14
Quote from: M4TE;381046
Yeah, it was just around. I'm pretty sure one of my parents use to work for Digital


There are some relatively DEC keyboards, not that one though :P
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: TexasFlood on Fri, 15 July 2011, 20:16:09
Quote from: eyesnine;381086
I had a lot of problems with that Belkin adapter and a SIIG Minitouch. It's definitely not compatible with everything, though it seems to work fine with a G80-8113.[/IMG]
What sort of issues.  Pretty sure I used my SIIG Minitouch with a Belkin with no issues although it's been a while.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: TexasFlood on Fri, 15 July 2011, 20:32:23
Quote from: eyesnine;381086
I had a lot of problems with that Belkin adapter and a SIIG Minitouch. It's definitely not compatible with everything, though it seems to work fine with a G80-8113.
What sort of issues.  Pretty sure I used my SIIG Minitouch with a Belkin with no issues although it's been a while.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: eyesnine on Fri, 15 July 2011, 20:49:22
Quote from: TexasFlood;381161
What sort of issues.  Pretty sure I used my SIIG Minitouch with a Belkin with no issues although it's been a while.
I have had problems with missed keypresses, thought it seems to be a little bette behaved tha it was in the past... Not great, by any means though.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over he lazy dog. The quick bown foxjumps over he lazy dog....

See? I'm using a Belkin F5U119-E. The same adapter works fine with a Cherry G80-8113 keyboard + touchpad. The same keyboard works fine with the $1 Hong Kong special in the pictures.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 15 July 2011, 21:01:06
Is it plugged into a hub?  I had a usb hub that caused spurious extra keys and missed keys.  Turns out it was f'd up and overheating.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: eyesnine on Fri, 15 July 2011, 21:08:51
Quote from: alaricljs;381178
Is it plugged into a hub?  I had a usb hub that caused spurious extra keys and missed keys.  Turns out it was f'd up and overheating.
Let me trythe same thing in a different hub. The same issue seems to be happening.

he quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over he lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fo jumps over the lazy dog.

Now, it's plugged directly into my computer. This seems o be a little better. Oops! No luck again.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brownfox jumps over the lazy dog.

Now, let me try this again with the $1 Hong Kong special.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

As you can see, it doesn't happen anymore with the cheapo USB adapter. Whether or not this is a compatibility issue or what I'm not sure, but I think that I will include this cheap adapter with this SIIG Minitouch when I sell it at auction.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: eyesnine on Fri, 15 July 2011, 21:13:24
Actually, I think that I have the same adapter as the OP posted pictures of (but mine isn't opened up). This adapter works great with the Minitouch, but fails hard with the G80-8113. It repeats keypresses like crazy and sticks.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: REVENGE on Fri, 15 July 2011, 21:22:56
http://www.frys.com/product/5650661?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Tested to work with simultaneous Model M + another keyboard on both ports, two simultaneous SIIG MiniTouches on both ports, two simultaneous Kinesis Contoureds on both ports, TG3 police keyboard with touchpad, simultaneous old Dell AT101 and new Dell AT101W on both ports, Northgate Omnikey ULTRA, old Laser and BSR keyboards, etc. etc. According to Ripster, it should have the same chipset as the Blue Cube and Belkin.

Oh, add to that list G80-8200LPBUS with 6KRO.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: eyesnine on Fri, 15 July 2011, 21:34:33
Quote from: REVENGE;381196
http://www.frys.com/product/5650661?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Tested to work with simultaneous Model M + another keyboard on both ports, two simultaneous SIIG MiniTouches on both ports, two simultaneous Kinesis Contoureds on both ports, TG3 police keyboard with touchpad, simultaneous old Dell AT101 and new Dell AT101W on both ports, Northgate Omnikey ULTRA, old Laser and BSR keyboards, etc. etc. According to Ripster, it should have the same chipset as the Blue Cube and Belkin.

Oh, add to that list G80-8200LPBUS with 6KRO.
Nice! Now, why can't I find it from any other online retailers?
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: REVENGE on Fri, 15 July 2011, 21:35:55
Quote from: eyesnine;381202
Nice! Now, why can't I find it from any other online retailers?
Dono, probably a Fry's house brand type of thing, although I have seen other Gearhead products elsewhere online.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: M4TE on Fri, 15 July 2011, 22:03:09
**Update

I'm going to a garage sale tomorrow to pick up a 55 dollar Steelseries 7g. She says it has been used for 3 weeks than stored away for a year.
The SteelSeries 7g uses a PS/2 connector but they include a PS/2 to USB adapter. It should work, but I'm bringing along my laptop to try it out first before I buy it.
Thanks for all your replies and such concerning this toping though.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 15 July 2011, 22:05:26
I have a fry's near me. Could see if I could pick up a few for people, if they want them. Apparently you can't check store availability, but I should be up able to swing by next friday after my flight lands, assuming it isn't running too late.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: TexasFlood on Fri, 15 July 2011, 22:11:57
Quote from: eyesnine;381169
I have had problems with missed keypresses, thought it seems to be a little bette behaved tha it was in the past... Not great, by any means though.

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumps over he lazy dog. The quick bown foxjumps over he lazy dog....

See? I'm using a Belkin F5U119-E. The same adapter works fine with a Cherry G80-8113 keyboard + touchpad. The same keyboard works fine with the $1 Hong Kong special in the pictures.
I can't try mine right now but maybe over the weekend.  I don't remember having any issues.  I'll have to try it again and get the model number of my belkin.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 15 July 2011, 22:19:21
My Belkin is P5U119v, so not quite the same as the Amazon link I sent, which is a P5U119-E, I believe. There's also a P5U119VE. Those are all exactly how they are on the label. Not sure which one eyesnine has, but I do know they all behave ever so slightly differently. But I know the -E model works just fine with multiple Model Ms attached to it.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: REVENGE on Fri, 15 July 2011, 23:15:30
The good thing about buying from Fry's locally is that they have a great return policy, 30 days no questions asked for a full refund. That's why I took the chance of getting a previously untested adapter, I could return it if it didn't work with the keyboards I have.

The adapter is $11 shipped within the US, tax in some states including CA.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: TexasFlood on Fri, 15 July 2011, 23:18:06
If one more person brags about having a Frys local I might go postal :smash: I'm sadly Frys-less.  We do have a Micro Center which somewhat eases the pain but I'd give it up in a heartbeat for a Frys.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: TexasFlood on Fri, 15 July 2011, 23:21:41
If one more person brags about having a Frys local I might go postal :smash: I'm sadly Frys-less.  We do have a Micro Center which somewhat eases the pain but I'd give it up in a heartbeat for a Frys.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 15 July 2011, 23:24:31
Sorry, I wasn't trying to brag. I'll miss it when I leave the area though, which is only a few weeks.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: TexasFlood on Fri, 15 July 2011, 23:26:05
Quote from: theferenc;381268
Sorry, I wasn't trying to brag. I'll miss it when I leave the area though, which is only a few weeks.
I know, I just really want a local Frys and seems to be little hope, :sad:
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Fri, 15 July 2011, 23:47:34
That sucks that that gearhead one is like that. I almost got it when I went there before I got a blue cube, but I instead bought something that is doing what the op describes. I then had to wait for the blue cube to get to me. I was able to return the one I had gotten though.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: Oqsy on Sat, 16 July 2011, 00:28:37
Quote from: TexasFlood;381266
If one more person brags about having a Frys local I might go postal :smash: I'm sadly Frys-less.  We do have a Micro Center which somewhat eases the pain but I'd give it up in a heartbeat for a Frys.

I'm with ya. No Fry's or anything close around here either.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: Soarer on Sat, 16 July 2011, 07:03:48
+1 saying the Belkin and Blue Cube might have the same chip, but for certain have different firmware.

And neither is anywhere near perfect.
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 16 July 2011, 09:26:39
Mmmm, nearest MicroCenter is ~80 miles away.  Nearest Fry's is hundreds, I'm not even gonna try to figure it out.

*sigh*
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: TexasFlood on Sat, 16 July 2011, 15:25:25
Quote from: alaricljs;381404
Mmmm, nearest MicroCenter is ~80 miles away.  Nearest Fry's is hundreds, I'm not even gonna try to figure it out.

*sigh*
Guess I should quit whining as at least I have a Microcenter, :wink:.  These days you can order most anything you want via the Internet but it's still nice to actually be in the store and touch stuff.  As with many things, grass is always greener, if I had a local Frys I'd probably soon burn out on going there.  Yep, that's it, so I'm really not missing anything. :lie:
Title: PS/2 To USB Adapter Problems
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 16 July 2011, 16:52:48
Yeah, since work is half way to MicroCenter I did make the trek to try out some Cherry blues before going with browns.