geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: CammRobb on Tue, 27 March 2012, 18:03:18

Title: Power problem with IBM Model M2
Post by: CammRobb on Tue, 27 March 2012, 18:03:18

I got an IBM Model M2 last week, and it worked from the moment I plugged it in. Switched my computer off that night, and went to bed.

In the morning I switched my PC on, an my keyboard wasn't working. The Caps Lock and Scroll Lock lights are on, but no keystrokes are being registered. It's plugged in through PS/2 to a Gigabyte 990FX-UD3. I haven't got a PS/2 to USB adapter handy, but I've ordered one.

Has anyone had this problem or knows how to solve it?

CammRobb

Title: Power problem with IBM Model M2
Post by: Soarer on Tue, 27 March 2012, 19:31:20

Welcome to geekhack!

I've heard about capacitors needing to be replaced on M2s, but I don't know what symptoms would show up if they were bad - likely it varies. Sorry I can't be more useful, but maybe that helps you searching for more info.

Title: Power problem with IBM Model M2
Post by: CammRobb on Tue, 27 March 2012, 19:46:51

Quote from: ripster;558604

See the PS/2 compatibility wiki. Common problem at reboot.

Unlike some my comments are always useful if duly contemplated.

thanks for the replies guys,  ripster, I can't seem to figure where to go for the suggestion in the wiki, could you link me?

Title: Power problem with IBM Model M2
Post by: mich on Wed, 28 March 2012, 02:13:01

Quote from: ripster;558604

See the PS/2 compatibility wiki. Common problem at reboot.

Unlike some my comments are always useful if duly contemplated.

STFU noob

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:5065

A capacitor in the delayed start circuit has dried up causing the microcontroller to start prematurely and fail.
Capslock and scrollock are lit up because they are driven through inverters and hence this is their default power-up state. The firmware would normally clear them after boot, but it crashes.
This can only be fixed by replacing this cap.

Title: Power problem with IBM Model M2
Post by: hella on Wed, 28 March 2012, 03:40:54

M2's are notorious for their high failure rates as a result of the capicitor drying up.  Follow the link above.  Best of luck fixing it!

Title: Power problem with IBM Model M2
Post by: ThePringler on Wed, 28 March 2012, 10:57:17

Quote from: mich;558959

STFU noob

I wasn't sure if this was a joke or serious. Personally, i would never call someone a NOOB on a forum who has 54,000+ posts. Just saying.