geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: DuckNorris on Mon, 08 July 2013, 14:14:43

Title: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: DuckNorris on Mon, 08 July 2013, 14:14:43: Hello guys,

Are the SIIG , PPA, Shaxon, PS2 to USB coverters good for IBM Model Ms? I need to buy one today when my board arrives and some people I looked up recommend the Alesso one but I do not really want to wait for that. Also, there shouldn't be any problem with Mac compatibility right? It usually shouldn't but if drivers are needed since I never used one of these before it would be an issue.
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 08 July 2013, 15:16:09: I suspect yours will arrive before mine, and I still need to clean and, if necessary, repair my recently acquired Model Ms, plus find cables for them.

I would be interested in your experiences using a Model M on a Mac :)
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: smknjoe on Mon, 08 July 2013, 15:44:32: This is what I've been using without issue and they are in stock (assuming you are in Dallas) Mine is white not blue.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/335177/USB_to_PS-2_Converter
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: DuckNorris on Mon, 08 July 2013, 20:04:08: Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 08 July 2013, 15:16:09
I suspect yours will arrive before mine, and I still need to clean and, if necessary, repair my recently acquired Model Ms, plus find cables for them.

I would be interested in your experiences using a Model M on a Mac :)
I need to clean and mod this one so I won't use it so soon.

(http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z342/oscarreyes1/photo3.jpg)
(much dirtier in than it looks in picture)
Seller " I cleaned the board" ...I knew from the pictures it wasn't in the best shape but this had like dust from a storage . It clicks nicely though. I don't mind it was a good price and free shipping plus I liked the thought of cleaning this and restoring :D .
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 08 July 2013, 21:30:49: The cables that orihalcon makes are pricey but excellent. Clean and straightforward.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/270955553909 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/270955553909)
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 08 July 2013, 21:43:08: Quote from: fohat.digs on Mon, 08 July 2013, 21:30:49
The cables that orihalcon makes are pricey but excellent. Clean and straightforward.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/270955553909 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/270955553909)

That sounds like an excellent idea - I have bookmarked that page for future reference.

It is also cheaper than getting an SDL-PS/2 cable plus a seaprate PS/2-USB adaptor.
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: DuckNorris on Tue, 09 July 2013, 11:18:26: Quote from: smknjoe on Mon, 08 July 2013, 15:44:32
This is what I've been using without issue and they are in stock (assuming you are in Dallas) Mine is white not blue.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/335177/USB_to_PS-2_Converter

Thank you so much , I shall go and see if I can get it today!
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: oTurtlez on Tue, 09 July 2013, 13:35:25: Quote from: DuckNorris on Tue, 09 July 2013, 11:18:26
Quote from: smknjoe on Mon, 08 July 2013, 15:44:32
This is what I've been using without issue and they are in stock (assuming you are in Dallas) Mine is white not blue.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/335177/USB_to_PS-2_Converter

Thank you so much , I shall go and see if I can get it today!

I have one of these which I used for my numpad. It works, but only had 1KRO so it wasn't good for typing fast or gaming. Be warned about that :/ I eventually ended up converting mine to USB via a Teensy though.
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: smknjoe on Tue, 09 July 2013, 13:41:17: Quote from: oTurtlez on Tue, 09 July 2013, 13:35:25
Quote from: DuckNorris on Tue, 09 July 2013, 11:18:26
Quote from: smknjoe on Mon, 08 July 2013, 15:44:32
This is what I've been using without issue and they are in stock (assuming you are in Dallas) Mine is white not blue.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/335177/USB_to_PS-2_Converter

Thank you so much , I shall go and see if I can get it today!

I have one of these which I used for my numpad. It works, but only had 1KRO so it wasn't good for typing fast or gaming. Be warned about that :/ I eventually ended up converting mine to USB via a Teensy though.

Good point! I'm not a super fast typist but I do have my moments :) I've only been using this adapter for about a week now (1st on my full sized M and now on my SSK) and I thought there were a few times where keystrokes weren't registered when I got in a fast grove.
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 09 July 2013, 13:47:30: Quote from: fohat.digs on Mon, 08 July 2013, 21:30:49
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/270955553909 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/270955553909)

I think that dozens of Geekhackers have bought these, and I have never heard anything but praise for them.

I personally have 2, and I wish that they were beige, but they have been flawless performers.

One caveat - I am not a gamer so I cannot vouch for their performance at speed.
Title: Re: PS2 to USB converter for Model M
Post by: DuckNorris on Wed, 10 July 2013, 11:28:19: Thanks guys,

I tested out in my Rig (forgot desktops have PS2, I know I failed there). I just wish I could buy that converter but unfortunately even though my M is not in great shape and clicks well. I just miss my blues , I know blasphemy XD.