geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: TheScarecrow02 on Thu, 15 September 2016, 13:59:18
-
Hey everyone!
I just got my “new” keyboard today a IBM terminal keyboard model M or F I suppose. My question is which adapter I need to buy for the keyboard so it could be used with a modern windows 10 pc.
I have a ps2 combo port on my motherboard but I am not really sure if I just could wire it up, or an active adapter is needed...
I’ve posted some pictures of the keyboard, connector and the model sticker on the back.
Hope it helps ;)
[attach=1]
[attach=2]
[attach=3]
-
You need an active adapter to convert the terminal protocol.
There are terminal adapters on ebay that will convert to usb, and you can reprogram the keyboard as well.
These Soarers converters are around 40$
Alternatively, you could hard wire a teensy 2.0 into the controller, and put soarers firmware on there. that would run you around 20 bucks.
-
Also, is that a VHS player in that picture?
-
No, not that old school :) it’s a CD receiver form Denon.. But I have looked at some of the adapters but, the plug on my keyboard seems to be in another pinlayout.
Therefore I am a bit confused about it :)
-
I would do a little more of your own personal research, but this looks to be the adapter you would need
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Soarers-Converter-Adapter-for-IBM-Model-F-122-Keyboard-Remapping-Macros-NKR-/271644933588
-
I’ve researched a lot but I was just in doubt. But it seems like the right pinout :) even though its got an extra pin in the middle..
-
It’s too bad that the converter isn’t in stock :( But anyway thanks for the help Moistgun ;)
-
Orihalcon will probably make more soon enough.
Cheaper to do it yourself, if you have the skills. And Chinese knock-offs are much cheaper than "real" Teensies.
The clean way to do it is to mount the breakout board inside and then have a permanent USB plug. Otherwise:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58941.msg1348717#msg1348717 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58941.msg1348717#msg1348717)
-
Well I’ve had a class in highschool electrical engineering, so I could easily make a Convertor Box with the instructions. The problem is that I live in Denmark and shipping plus taxes can be expensive.
However it's a neat solution to the problem and its somewhat cheaper. Definitely gonna consider that! Thanks :)
-
If you can program a breakout board using Soarer's instructions, you can just mount it directly internally.
That can be ordered very cheap from China, and you don't need anything else except for a USB cable.
-
I actually like the design with the breakout box since I want the keyboard to stay intact. I’ve also found the right female 5-pin C connector and a fitting box at a local hardware shop ;)
So, I just need to get the Teensy 2.0 somewhere and then I am good to go!
-
I actually like the design with the breakout box since I want the keyboard to stay intact. I’ve also found the right female 5-pin C connector and a fitting box at a local hardware shop ;)
So, I just need to get the Teensy 2.0 somewhere and then I am good to go!
All the ones I ordered from Aliexpress were not clones, and they were 14 bucks.
shipping takes a while though.
they also have them at microcenter if you have one near you.
-
We don’t have Microcenters in Denmark :( But Aliexpress could be a solution to that ;) Although I’ve found a Danish website where I can buy the Teensy LC for around 24 dollars.
But is the low cost model as good as the 2.0?
-
By the way do any of you know what these dip switches on the back of the keyboard are for or might change?
-
We don’t have Microcenters in Denmark :( But Aliexpress could be a solution to that ;) Although I’ve found a Danish website where I can buy the Teensy LC for around 24 dollars.
But is the low cost model as good as the 2.0?
I think that Soarer's firmware was written exclusively for the Teensy 2.0, depending on how adept you are at writing or modifying code.
From my experience, the DIP switches are irrelevant and I simply disconnect them.
-
Well I somewhat want to keep it simple since I am not that great with C++ programming. But then I will have to wait and get the Teensy 2.0 from Aliexpress or just wait for the Soarer’s Converter Adapter to get in stock on ebay. The prices for both solutions roughly equates to the same price for me.
-
Well I somewhat want to keep it simple since I am not that great with C++ programming. But then I will have to wait and get the Teensy 2.0 from Aliexpress or just wait for the Soarer’s Converter Adapter to get in stock on ebay. The prices for both solutions roughly equates to the same price for me.
If you can build something yourself it should be considerably than Orihalcon's.
Also, you may have more flexibility in programming and may be able to re-purpose the gear later.
https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how-to-use-a-pro-micro-as-a-cheap-controller-converter-like-soarer-s-t8448-210.html (https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how-to-use-a-pro-micro-as-a-cheap-controller-converter-like-soarer-s-t8448-210.html)
-
Now just a random question regarding the Soarer’s Converter Adapter on ebay. As I see it it’s just a DIN 5 pin 270 degree connector which is re-wired to usb. Could I then just in theory re-wire the connector to usb? Or is the scancode from the keyboard not compatible with usb in that regard? I just don't see any “active” conversion like with the teensy 2.0...
-
Now just a random question regarding the Soarer’s Converter Adapter on ebay. As I see it it’s just a DIN 5 pin 270 degree connector which is re-wired to usb. Could I then just in theory re-wire the connector to usb? Or is the scancode from the keyboard not compatible with usb in that regard? I just don't see any “active” conversion like with the teensy 2.0...
Those soarers on ebay are actively converting, they just are sleek and don't look like it.
-
That's really impressive, then I understand why they cost that much :)
-
Anyway thanks for the help both of you :) I have decided to order a Teensy 2.0 from Aliexpress and buy the last needed parts here in Denmark as said in an earlier post.
I will just have to be patient and wait as long as it takes ;)
-
You can always order the Colossus Controller from Maxx at Phosphorglow.
-
The last thing I bought from Maxx was a painted plastic sheet, and it took 8 weeks to get to my door.
Just a fyi.
-
Well I’ve already ordered the Teensy 2.0, a female 5-pin C connector and found a fitting box to house the project ;)
I am going with the plan fohat.digs suggested to me..
-
Well I’ve already ordered the Teensy 2.0, a female 5-pin C connector and found a fitting box to house the project ;)
I am going with the plan fohat.digs suggested to me..
Definitely the way to go!
You are going to need to download the teensy loader (https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html) software to push soarer's firmware to the teensy.
And HID listen (https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/hid_listen.html) to help translate the scan codes for any reprogramming you feel like doing.
Like turning the left cluster into cool macro buttons etc.
-
I will download them straight away and put them in my project folder. But there’s still plenty of time, at least 2-3 weeks before I get the teensy 2.0 from Aliexpress :)
-
I will download them straight away and put them in my project folder. But there’s still plenty of time, at least 2-3 weeks before I get the teensy 2.0 from Aliexpress :)
Oh yeah!
I usually jump the gun whenever I start any new project