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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: kleme on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:29:58

Title: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: kleme on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:29:58: Do I need to get a ps2 to usb converter? I think there is one on the back of my motherboard (its half purple and half green and looks the exact same as the input for ps2)

Would that be fine?
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:31:16: Which M?
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: regack on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:31:32: Quote from: kleme on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:29:58
Do I need to get a ps2 to usb converter? I think there is one on the back of my motherboard (its half purple and half green and looks the exact same as the input for ps2)

Would that be fine?

My experience is that for the Model M those don't work. The only PS/2 -> USB convert I've had success with, is commonly referred to as the 'blue cube'. I found one on amazon : http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS (http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS)
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:35:03: Quote from: kleme on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:29:58
Do I need to get a ps2 to usb converter? I think there is one on the back of my motherboard (its half purple and half green and looks the exact same as the input for ps2)

Would that be fine?

Those new Mouse+Keyboard PS2 ports should work fine. If not, get the ID inovations from mkawa
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: Smasher816 on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:39:42: Quote from: kleme on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:29:58
I think there is one on the back of my motherboard (its half purple and half green and looks the exact same as the input for ps2)

I believe Kleme is talking about this

(http://images.anandtech.com/doci/5714/_MG_4770.JPG)

Traditionally motherboards have had a purple and green ps2 port for the keyboard and mouse. Since PS2 is less popular now most boards only have one (if they have one at all). The split color is just for looks and helps those who relied on color coating for their old cables.

(http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_187581_4.jpg)

tl;dr I believe you have a normal ps2 port and should not need a usb converter.
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: regack on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:54:06: Quote from: Smasher816 on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:39:42
Quote from: kleme on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:29:58
I think there is one on the back of my motherboard (its half purple and half green and looks the exact same as the input for ps2)

I believe Kleme is talking about this

Show Image
(http://images.anandtech.com/doci/5714/_MG_4770.JPG)

Traditionally motherboards have had a purple and green ps2 port for the keyboard and mouse. Since PS2 is less popular now most boards only have one (if they have one at all). The split color is just for looks and helps those who relied on color coating for their old cables.

Show Image
(http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_187581_4.jpg)

tl;dr I believe you have a normal ps2 port and should not need a usb converter.

Ahh, yes, I haven't seen that before. That shouldn't need the converter. I thought this was in reference to those blue/purple usb-ps/2 converter thingies...
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: 1pq on Wed, 19 February 2014, 22:18:54: If you're asking about the Model M that I'm selling, it's PS/2, but if you have a PS/2 port in the back of your motherboard, you should be good to go without any converter :thumb:
If you only have USB ports, you'd need a USB to PS/2 adapter. You can easily get one for $5 or less on amazon, newegg, etc.
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: 1pq on Wed, 19 February 2014, 22:21:13: Quote from: regack on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:31:32
Quote from: kleme on Wed, 19 February 2014, 21:29:58
Do I need to get a ps2 to usb converter? I think there is one on the back of my motherboard (its half purple and half green and looks the exact same as the input for ps2)

Would that be fine?

My experience is that for the Model M those don't work. The only PS/2 -> USB convert I've had success with, is commonly referred to as the 'blue cube'. I found one on amazon : http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS (http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS)

The one that I'm selling (which I believe the OP is interested in--he's PMed me about it) works fine with a USB adapter that I bought on amazon. I can only speak for mine though; idk if certain other Ms don't work with certain adapters.
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 19 February 2014, 22:31:22: No need for a converter if you have a PS2 port.

If you don't have a PS2 port, you will need a converter, in which case the blue cube is a good bet.

I just bought one of these cables (http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271367683396?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2ec63d44); they're said to be excellent.
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 19 February 2014, 22:32:27: Enjoy your M!
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 20 February 2014, 06:33:20: I have never understood the fascination with blue cubes. Mine have always worked fine with el cheapo PS/2-to-USB adapters from ebay.

Orihalcon's cables are pricey but very nice. That is the way to go.
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Thu, 20 February 2014, 09:49:07: Are the blue cubes nothing special, fohat?

I only mentioned them because everyone else always mentions them.
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 20 February 2014, 13:39:17: Quote from: spuriousgeorge on Thu, 20 February 2014, 09:49:07
Are the blue cubes nothing special, fohat?

I have no idea, I have never owned one. But I know that they cost $10-20 and I have not had occasion to pay that much.
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Thu, 20 February 2014, 13:46:35: I guess the other reason I recommended the blue cube is that Clicky Keyboards, which sells more M's than anyone, is big on it and sells it exclusively.

But if there's something that works equally well and costs less that's the way to go.

I defer to fohat. ;D ;D
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 20 February 2014, 14:00:31: Quote from: spuriousgeorge on Thu, 20 February 2014, 13:46:35
I defer to fohat.

Don't blame me if it does not work for you. I have never had a problem, but other people have.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-PS-2-PS2-Keyboard-Mouse-Cable-Adapter-Converter-lot-wholesale-/181328861965?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2a380adb0d
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: Pacifist on Thu, 20 February 2014, 14:47:07: I use a belkin PS2 to USB converter. Its a specific model that is active instead of passive. I got it from ebay from a guy who stockpiled them and selling them for $15 shipped
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 20 February 2014, 14:59:03: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ps2-to-2-USB-adapter-converter-cable-keyboard-mouse-/170615866236

I used this one
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: E TwentyNine on Thu, 20 February 2014, 16:46:19: Quote from: fohat.digs on Thu, 20 February 2014, 06:33:20
I have never understood the fascination with blue cubes. Mine have always worked fine with el cheapo PS/2-to-USB adapters from ebay.

Orihalcon's cables are pricey but very nice. That is the way to go.

I was fine with the cheaper converter (the same one everyone else has) until I think about 5 years ago when I got a new laptop and I'd start losing keystrokes. Got a bluecube and things cleared right up.

Really depends on the hardware. The bluecube *is* a better device than the cheap crap, but may be overkill. Try the cheap one, if it doesn't work, get a bluecube. It's worth risking the buck...
Title: Re: About to buy a IBM Model M Online, quick question...
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 20 February 2014, 16:59:00: Quote from: E TwentyNine on Thu, 20 February 2014, 16:46:19
Really depends on the hardware. The bluecube *is* a better device than the cheap crap, but may be overkill. Try the cheap one, if it doesn't work, get a bluecube. It's worth risking the buck...

It is certainly worth risking the buck.

And, at the other end of the scale, Orihalcon's cables are still $30, but they really are nice. Simple, clean, handsome, all-in-one.