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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Regal on Fri, 15 September 2017, 13:00:47

Title: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: Regal on Fri, 15 September 2017, 13:00:47
I used a Model F XT for 2 years with a KE-XTUSB adapter from Hagstrom Electronics with little problems. I sold my original set because of a move, and now I've got a new adapter and a new Model F XT keyboard (and new computers -- last one is bricked). When I plug the keyboard in, it will work for about a minute just fine, but then it will explode with random letters and keys being pressed. I tried it in multiple different PCs and operating systems and it's the same in all of them. I put it in different ports, to see if that would make a difference, and it doesn't seem to matter either. I don't know what I can do to make this work. Does anyone have any ideas?
Title: Re: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: Tactile on Fri, 15 September 2017, 13:47:26
It won't fix your problem but this program (https://elitekeyboards.com/switchhitter.php) may help with diagnosis.
Title: Re: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: Regal on Fri, 15 September 2017, 14:18:00
I checked that website and tested it, and from it I learned that the issue I am experiencing is called "chatter". From there, I went and found some software called Keyboard Chattering Fix, lowered the threshold down to 10, and now it seems to be working better. Not perfect -- there still is some chatter, but it seems at least now that I can use the keyboard. I am typing this message with the new keyboard now. The first time my browser randomly closed and I still had some chatter, but for this whole message there has been no chatter. Hopefully I won't see any more chatter going forward. Will come back to this thread if issues persist.

Thanks for the tip!
Regal
Title: Re: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: Regal on Fri, 15 September 2017, 14:35:25
Yep -- I spoke too soon. It helped a little, but eventually the chatter overtook the software and jammed up the typing and stopped being able to register anything, just crazy chatter. Dang. Would the problem most likely be with the keyboard or the adapter or what?
Title: Re: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: Tactile on Fri, 15 September 2017, 15:06:39
Yep -- I spoke too soon. It helped a little, but eventually the chatter overtook the software and jammed up the typing and stopped being able to register anything, just crazy chatter. Dang. Would the problem most likely be with the keyboard or the adapter or what?

I'd suspect the converter first. It's pretty easy to build a good one yourself (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58941.0).
Title: Re: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 15 September 2017, 16:10:21
Orihalcon's converters are very clean and sleek. PM him directly and you might get a Geekhack discount.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XT-AT-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-NKRO-Support-IBM-Model-F-/282575691272?hash=item41cad2de08:g:U4cAAOSwDN1USZL- (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XT-AT-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-NKRO-Support-IBM-Model-F-/282575691272?hash=item41cad2de08:g:U4cAAOSwDN1USZL-)
Title: Re: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: Tactile on Fri, 15 September 2017, 16:25:00
Orihalcon's converters are very clean and sleek. PM him directly and you might get a Geekhack discount.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XT-AT-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-NKRO-Support-IBM-Model-F-/282575691272?hash=item41cad2de08:g:U4cAAOSwDN1USZL- (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XT-AT-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-NKRO-Support-IBM-Model-F-/282575691272?hash=item41cad2de08:g:U4cAAOSwDN1USZL-)

I can vouch for these, also. I had an IBM XT keyboard running through one of these and the setup was flawless. Also, to the OP, don't be intimidated by the mention of "programmable", "macros", "programmable layers", etc. This converter will do all of that but you don't need to use those features, or even understand them. You can just plug in your keyboard and it'll work.
Title: Re: XT-USB Model F Usability Issues
Post by: Regal on Fri, 15 September 2017, 16:50:40
Alright -- thanks everyone! I'll try out that converter and let you know if that solves the problem.

Thanks a lot!