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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: odysseusgiacosa on Sun, 22 May 2016, 04:37:13

Title: Hello everyone!
Post by: odysseusgiacosa on Sun, 22 May 2016, 04:37:13

Hi everyone. My name's Konstantinos (from Greece), and Odysseus Giacosa is the handle I've chosen for virtual reality projects. I happen to have three IBM Model M (1931401) 'boards; the oldest one is from 1989, the youngest is from 1993 or 1994. I'm currently looking to get them to work with my current desktop's motherboard, an ASUS Z97-K. And I'd also like to collaborate with others on putting together a machine with a '90s workstation look for everyday work.

Title: Re: Hello everyone!
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 22 May 2016, 05:00:27

Welcome to Geekhack!

If they have an SDL port, then it should just work.  You can either use an SDL to PS/2 cable plus a PS/2 to USB adaptor, or an SDL to USB cable.

TechKeys has a PS/2 to USB adaptor that has worked for me: http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/usb-to-ps2-serial-multimode-adapter

And orihalcon (https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=profile;u=17286) makes SDL to USB cables: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271367683396

orihalcon's cables are great - plug it in and it just works!

Title: Re: Hello everyone!
Post by: odysseusgiacosa on Sun, 22 May 2016, 07:14:08

Hi, and thank you for your reply.

Yes, they have an SDL port, and I've tried the PS/2 to USB adaptor sold by Clicky Keyboards. However, it just didn't work, as the motherboard doesn't provide enough power. I'm more inclined to try orihalcon's SDL to USB cable, although I'll first ask if he's tested his solution with that particular motherboard.

Title: Re: Hello everyone!
Post by: xtrafrood on Sun, 22 May 2016, 11:11:09

Quote from: rowdy on Sun, 22 May 2016, 05:00:27

Welcome to Geekhack!

If they have an SDL port, then it should just work.  You can either use an SDL to PS/2 cable plus a PS/2 to USB adaptor, or an SDL to USB cable.

TechKeys has a PS/2 to USB adaptor that has worked for me: http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/usb-to-ps2-serial-multimode-adapter

And orihalcon (https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=profile;u=17286) makes SDL to USB cables: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271367683396

orihalcon's cables are great - plug it in and it just works!

Out of stock! booo, the cable looks so damn clean though :'(

Title: Re: Hello everyone!
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 23 May 2016, 05:38:48

orihalcon is a member here - send him a PM and ask (politely) if he will be making any more.

I have one and it's fantastic - both my SSKs and my one full size Model M with an SDL port all work fine on my Mac.

Title: Re: Hello everyone!
Post by: odysseusgiacosa on Mon, 23 May 2016, 08:55:06

Thank you, everyone. I'm writing him a PM right now.