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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Regal on Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:03:25

Title: What's this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: Regal on Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:03:25
http://imgur.com/mIsxkkk

I think this cable needs to be replaced but can't find anything online that looks like it. I know it's XT, but that's it. If anyone's got an idea of what it's called and where I can find a replacement that'd be super helpful!

Thanks,
Regal
Title: Re: What this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: Parak on Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:07:37
You're not going to find another cable to match unless you scavenge another XT. The connector is a DIN5, but it's the stuff on the other end that matters more. Why do you think it needs to be replaced?

Alternatively, you can also wire a teensy directly to the connector on the PCB..
Title: Re: What's this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: Regal on Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:10:27
You're not going to find another cable to match unless you scavenge another XT. The connector is a DIN5, but it's the stuff on the other end that matters more. Why do you think it needs to be replaced?

Alternatively, you can also wire a teensy directly to the connector on the PCB..

Ah, that's what I figured. The keyboard is temperamental. It will only register every 20th time or so I plug it in, and then only for a few seconds. I think the cable is the problem. I'll try wiring up a teensy.

Thanks!
Regal
Title: Re: What's this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: Parak on Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:23:12
One should note that XT is only compatible with XT, you can't normally use it on an AT or PS/2 port or via a generic USB adapter. You could also of course take a regular DIN 5 cable, solder it up to the connectors on the keyboard side, and use it that way.. but cables rarely fail, especially these older ones, unless there's an obvious tear/break somewhere..
Title: Re: What's this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: Regal on Fri, 28 February 2014, 16:33:44
One should note that XT is only compatible with XT, you can't normally use it on an AT or PS/2 port or via a generic USB adapter. You could also of course take a regular DIN 5 cable, solder it up to the connectors on the keyboard side, and use it that way.. but cables rarely fail, especially these older ones, unless there's an obvious tear/break somewhere..

I actually have another XT and a converter, so I know that's not the problem. Really, the reason I'm focusing on the cable is because I can't think of anything else that would be the problem. If I plug the cable in slowly and hold down some keys they'll be signaled, but then they just keep being signaled as though I'd held them down. Odd stuff. What else could the problem be? I frankly have no idea.

Regal
Title: Re: What's this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 28 February 2014, 21:43:25
as a slightly different answer: the connector is a normal 8 pin .100 pitch one. You can get replacements from your normal electronics parts distributor. Youll need the connector, the pins, a DIN connector and cable: all told, it' could cost a bit to DIY one, but it is easily possible today with new components. It'll be really high quality too.

That said, I recommend a direct wire to teensy, unless you really like making cables.
Title: Re: What's this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sun, 02 March 2014, 10:41:59
One should note that XT is only compatible with XT, you can't normally use it on an AT or PS/2 port or via a generic USB adapter. You could also of course take a regular DIN 5 cable, solder it up to the connectors on the keyboard side, and use it that way.. but cables rarely fail, especially these older ones, unless there's an obvious tear/break somewhere..

I actually have another XT and a converter, so I know that's not the problem. Really, the reason I'm focusing on the cable is because I can't think of anything else that would be the problem. If I plug the cable in slowly and hold down some keys they'll be signaled, but then they just keep being signaled as though I'd held them down. Odd stuff. What else could the problem be? I frankly have no idea.

Regal

Is it always the same keys that give the problem?
Title: Re: What's this type of keyboard cable called?
Post by: Regal on Sun, 02 March 2014, 15:35:15
No, all the keys are equally unresponsive. That's why I thought it was the cable, or rather, I hoped it aws, because I wouldn't know what to do if it was one of the chips.