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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Sed8op8 on Wed, 17 June 2015, 09:55:03

Title: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: Sed8op8 on Wed, 17 June 2015, 09:55:03
  So first off a little information. I recently found a good deal on a Dolch PAC 65 keyboard with a Trackpoint. It looked to be in very good condition and although I am not a huge 1800 layout fan and know next to nothing about them I was intrigued and made the purchase. I know that Dolch keyboards usually use a RJ 11 connection. However I read that the models with Trackpoint use a larger connector (RJ 45 maybe?)

  I have found numerous threads on people modding there Dolch keyboards either to ps2 or straight USB conversion. I however have been trying to find if there is a non invasive off the shelf solution. I do not have the board yet so I have been researching with little success if there is an off the shelf RJ11 or RJ45 to USB converter that I can use.

   So does anyone here own a Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint or know wether it uses the standard RJ11 or if it uses a slightly larger connector (RJ 45 ?) as I have read?

   Also is there any aftermarket/3rd party converter solutions I can use to avoid having to resort to a more invasive modification ?

  Sorry I am such a newbie these matters ! This is my first non iBM vintage of board and I am trying to learn more of vintage cherry boards, there layouts, identification numbers and sub brandings . I will include some links of info regarding these questions in particular that I have been researching to no avail.

http://imgur.com/a/gkUEU/noscript - A link to Dolch PAC 65 Trackpoint model modification


http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-1813  - A DT link to general g80-1813 information
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: digi on Wed, 17 June 2015, 10:14:54
If you really want to keep the stock cable, you can get a rj45 coupler, you'll need too get a crimper tool and crimp a RJ45 head to a PS/2 cable. The connection might be a little inconsistent this way, I've done it before. I ended up just soldering a PS/2 cable I cut from another junker keyboard directly to the Dolch wiring insider the case. It's lot cleaner imo.

Read this too:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46531.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46531.0)
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 17 June 2015, 10:21:12
The boards with pointer have more complexities if you want to use them elsewhere... if you want both the keyboard and pointer to work you will most likely need to break them out into 2 distinct ps/2 connections. I suppose in theory if your other motherboards have the combo keyboard/mouse PS/2 port you might be able to get away with one cable connection. I never got a full machine, so I have always just hard modded mine with a standard PS/2 cable. I generally swap into standard 1800 casebodies too. Last time I got a model with the pointer, I just left it out.
Anyway... the pointer models have a larger 6p or 8p connector. I suppose the easiest thing would be to get something like this
(http://www.vetco.net/catalog/images/MRP-MD6F-M-M.jpg)
cut the end off and crimp a matching jack connector in it's place. I don't believe there is anything you can just buy readymade like that.
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: Wilba on Wed, 17 June 2015, 11:07:20
Congrats on finding a Dolch PAC 65! Much envy...  :D

I investigated making a non-invasive adapter for my Dolch PAC but when it arrived, I was impatient and just soldered a salvaged PS/2 cable directly to the pins on the PCB  ;) Since the stock cable has a plug on the inside, the mod is reversible.

I doubt there's an off-the-shelf adapter you can buy - the connector pinout is totally proprietary on top of rare and vintage. You can make one yourself pretty easily, though. Assuming it is RJ45 like that link you posted, get an RJ45 breakout PCB and socket, e.g.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/716
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/643

... and then solder PS/2 cables to that, or wires from a Teensy (or something similar) for USB conversion.

If you want to get the trackpoint working as well, and don't want to deal with two PS/2 cables and two USB converters, it's theoretically possible to get a Teensy or something to convert both PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse via a single USB, but it may require building a custom firmware, maybe Soarer's or TMK can do this without too much hacking.

Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: Sed8op8 on Wed, 17 June 2015, 11:31:32
Wow thanks guys for the quick responses and ideas :thumb: I was pretty sure I was going to be breaking out the solder one way or the other but I just wanted to throw a Hail Mary and see if there was something out there I could purchase or repurpose. Super excited to see what shape it's in  :eek:
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: Sed8op8 on Fri, 19 June 2015, 17:59:49
The board just came in and its seriously mint condition. I can't believe after shipping I paid only $105 the keycaps have no shine and are fully textured. The cherry blues feel very smooth and and the case only has a very small scuff on it. Now I need to work on modifying it so I can use it as I'm totally keeping this board I'm in love <3 thanks again for the advice guys I appreciate it 8)
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: hwood34 on Fri, 19 June 2015, 18:00:55
Quote from: Sed8op8 on Fri, 19 June 2015, 17:59:49
The board just came in and its seriously mint condition. I can't believe after shipping I paid only $105 the keycaps have no shine and are fully textured. The cherry blues feel very smooth and and the case only has a very small scuff on it. Now I need to work on modifying it so I can use it as I'm totally keeping this board I'm in love <3 thanks again for the advice guys I appreciate it 8)
Wow, looks like you go just as lucky as me with the find!
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: alienman82 on Fri, 19 June 2015, 19:18:01
removed.
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: digi on Fri, 19 June 2015, 19:19:12
Quote from: Sed8op8 on Fri, 19 June 2015, 17:59:49
The board just came in and its seriously mint condition. I can't believe after shipping I paid only $105 the keycaps have no shine and are fully textured. The cherry blues feel very smooth and and the case only has a very small scuff on it. Now I need to work on modifying it so I can use it as I'm totally keeping this board I'm in love <3 thanks again for the advice guys I appreciate it 8)

that's mint, nice score!
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: alienman82 on Fri, 19 June 2015, 19:22:19
removed.
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: alienman82 on Thu, 25 June 2015, 16:49:17
removed.
Title: Re: Dolch PAC 65 w/Trackpoint Question
Post by: digi on Thu, 25 June 2015, 16:50:19
Quote from: alienman82 on Thu, 25 June 2015, 16:49:17
I took my adapter apart to use with my Dolch and while this thing won't add a fn layer or anything it's very small.  And since it does keyboard and mouse, you can easily fit this into yours and have a single nice usb cable come out. 

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/oDsI9DF.jpg)


Great idea, very cool.