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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: cowa on Sat, 18 October 2014, 00:21:10

Title: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: cowa on Sat, 18 October 2014, 00:21:10
Recently got very interested in the wonderful world of mechanical keyboards and decided to look at the legendary ibm model m keyboard.  I bid on one thinking it would come with a ps/2 cord, compatible with my computer, but after later looking more closely at it saw it did not.  Looking into the date of manufacturing I realized it isn't modern enough for ps/2.  I've done a lot of intense googling and no one really seems to talk about it much.  Can anyone help?

IBM Model M 1987 1391401

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXCELLENT-IBM-MODEL-M-CLICKY-KEYBOARD-PART-1391401-O-8/191371542425?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D25410%26meid%3D716e364368d247daafb3741d5bf4fd88%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D10672%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D151443403724&rt=nc

Thanks!
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: inoxify on Sat, 18 October 2014, 00:31:46
I Did the same thing last week, this is a terminal M, you will need a teensy and Soarer's Converter

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=17458.0
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: ComradeSniper on Sat, 18 October 2014, 00:47:41
Nope, not a terminal M, just one of the earlier model Ms with a DIN5 cable. You can get a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter for cheap on amazon.
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: inoxify on Sat, 18 October 2014, 00:50:25
Nope, not a terminal M, just one of the earlier model Ms with a DIN5 cable. You can get a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter for cheap on amazon.

Oh nice, disregard my post then you got lucky if you win it!
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: FreeCopy on Sat, 18 October 2014, 01:12:39
Nope, not a terminal M, just one of the earlier model Ms with a DIN5 cable. You can get a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter for cheap on amazon.

Oh nice, disregard my post then you got lucky if you win it!

Another option if you want to spend the extra money is to get the standard detachable ps2 cable through Unicomp.

Good luck! Let us know if you get it.
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: Blaise170 on Sat, 18 October 2014, 01:45:58
I just ordered a DIN5 to PS/2 convertor from Amazon, it was only $3.99 with Prime Two-Day. Since DIN5 uses the same signal as PS/2 (Mini DIN-6), you don't need any fancy convertors, just a cheap one.
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 18 October 2014, 03:38:01
Yeah, that.  Plus a PS/2 to USB adaptor if you want to use it on a USB-only computer.

Or if it has SDL port you can go straight from SDL to USB:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEIGE-USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271470078682?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f34e0aada
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

My Model M 51G8572 I am currently using with one of the above black cables on my Mac.
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 18 October 2014, 08:30:37
Yeah, that.  Plus a PS/2 to USB adaptor if you want to use it on a USB-only computer.


I second this suggestion. Orihalcon's cables are pricey but beautifully built and work great.
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 18 October 2014, 10:34:08
Yeah, that.  Plus a PS/2 to USB adaptor if you want to use it on a USB-only computer.


I second this suggestion. Orihalcon's cables are pricey but beautifully built and work great.


they also make use of the ID innovations ps/2 to usb adapter which is my favourite of commercial options.

The cheapest way would be to open it up and put in an arduino pro micro running soarer's converter code, but it requires some DIY and some knowhow.
Title: Re: Help! Not sure if IBM Model M compatible with computer
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 19 October 2014, 04:55:17
Yeah, that.  Plus a PS/2 to USB adaptor if you want to use it on a USB-only computer.


I second this suggestion. Orihalcon's cables are pricey but beautifully built and work great.


Trivia: My Orihalcon cable (SDL to USB) cost more than both my Model M put together!