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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: thethirtysixthbaptist on Tue, 27 January 2015, 17:46:38

Title: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: thethirtysixthbaptist on Tue, 27 January 2015, 17:46:38

Hoo boy, I dun goofed. 

So, I have a beautiful Apple Extended keyboard (M0115) in my possession. It's gorgeous, absolutely pristine; but there's an issue - my goddamn connector. It's an Alpha smart CBL-UT20 USB To ADB Converter/connecter, and I have no reason to believe that it wont work with my machine.

But it doesn’t.

What do I do? Drivers for it are non-existent, I don't feel like writing my own (not to mention I can't), do I return the adapter and get the Griffin I-Mate, or what?

This is what leads me to believe that it works:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55349.0

Any help would be seriously appreciated.

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: thethirtysixthbaptist on Tue, 27 January 2015, 17:51:17

bump

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: user 18 on Tue, 27 January 2015, 18:07:32

There's no need to bump a thread 5 minutes after you start it.

Probably the easiest solution would be to try using another adaptor. Have you followed the steps outlined in the thread you linked?

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: thethirtysixthbaptist on Tue, 27 January 2015, 18:14:37

Nope. They just outline why their (other) keyboard isn't working with the same adapter, but not how. Also, I'd like to keep this adapter, if that's at all possible, as to not murder my wallet.

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: user 18 on Tue, 27 January 2015, 18:25:21

Does your connector work with other boards? Have you tried having the board plugged in on boot?

Are indicator lights lighting on the board, is there any indication that it's getting any power at all?

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 27 January 2015, 18:35:32

I have had 3 Griffin iMates and they all work flawlessly (well, 2, because 1 is still sealed in its package).

There was a square 2-way converter that I regret selling with a keyboard some time back, but I can't remember the name.

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: thethirtysixthbaptist on Tue, 27 January 2015, 18:38:42

I can't confirm if it functions with other boards, but I can say that the second I plug it in the Caps/Num/Scroll lock LEDs flash for a split second (just as the other user). Otherwise, the board stays dead, but is recognized by the computer (just not usable).

I'm probably going to cave and return this POS adapter, in favor of a Griffin I-mate, as to Fohat's suggestion. I still want to work out the kinks with this one, though, and I'll see what I can make of it.

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 27 January 2015, 18:51:59

I bought at least one of my iMates from Alvin Smith Beard, he must have tons of them. You might try an offer of $20-$22 to see if there is an automatic accept.

This is the one I had, and I liked it, too:

Title: Re: Alphasmart USB to ABD cable
Post by: thethirtysixthbaptist on Tue, 27 January 2015, 19:14:21

Thanks! I'll for sure look into buying one!

Have a great evening!