Vintage keyboard- not working

[jcoffin1981]

An associate of mine knows that I am a keyboard aficionado and gifted me a Dell AT101W that he had lying around.  It worked when last used a long time ago.  It requires a PS2 connection so I purchased an adapter, but even with the adapter Windows does not recognize that a device is plugged in.  I don't know if the board is dead, if it's a driver issue, or maybe an issue with the adapter.  It's possible Windows is very fickle about the adapter used or it is defective.

I'd like to use the board for a bit but am not really crazy about the switches used.  I will probably end up selling it for parts or as pre-owned if I can get it to work.  I'd like to have someone else enjoy it instead of it becoming E-waste. 

Unfortunately, I get a message "Forbidden" when I try to post an image.




[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

[Rob27shred]

Most likely you are using a passive PS2 adapter which will not work, you need an active PS2 converter like this https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Keyboard-Converter-Adapter-110934/dp/B00IACID2C/ref=asc_df_B00IACID2C?mcid=b88a512e85dc3a1992f4b172e76d6b32&hvocijid=12132676688576161092-B00IACID2C-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12132676688576161092&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005897&hvtargid=pla-2281435180018&psc=1 I personally have this Monoprice adapter & can confirm it works fine with Dell AT101s & Win10.

[fohat.digs]

Unfortunately, I get a message "Forbidden" when I try to post an image.

This has been going on for a month or more. Really sucks.

Dell AT101 is a good solid keyboard. I have transplanted better switches into them and been very pleased.

[jcoffin1981]

Most likely you are using a passive PS2 adapter which will not work, you need an active PS2 converter like this https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Keyboard-Converter-Adapter-110934/dp/B00IACID2C/ref=asc_df_B00IACID2C?mcid=b88a512e85dc3a1992f4b172e76d6b32&hvocijid=12132676688576161092-B00IACID2C-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12132676688576161092&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005897&hvtargid=pla-2281435180018&psc=1 I personally have this Monoprice adapter & can confirm it works fine with Dell AT101s & Win10.

This is the info I was looking for!  I though it just may not work. TY

[jcoffin1981]

Unfortunately, I get a message "Forbidden" when I try to post an image.

This has been going on for a month or more. Really sucks.

Dell AT101 is a good solid keyboard. I have transplanted better switches into them and been very pleased.

Maybe I will keep it then.   The switches appear to be Black Alps, which I know nothing about.  They are a little heavy for my liking, and they feel kind of mushy.  I'm not sure if this is because they are old, unlubed, or if it's just the force curve.
Can I drop replace with any switch of my choosing, or am I limited to certain switches?

[Findecanor]

Alps switches can be replaced with other Alps switches only, or new replicas from Matias.

Replacing full switches requires soldering. There are no hot-swap sockets for Alps.

However, they can also be opened up from the top with tweezers. Then the slider, spring and click leaf could be replaced with those from other Alps switches. I think there has also been group-buys of custom springs.
When they are open, you could also take the opportunity to lube them.
One has to be careful not to mar the plastic too much, and to put the slider back in the right orientation. A trick is to mark one side of the slider with a marker before opening them.

[omnigeek]

The Matias clicky or quiet-click switches are a drop-in (that is, solder-in) replacement for Alps switches. I've rebuilt a number of my Northgate Omnikey and CVT/Avant Stellar keyboards using Matias switches, and they work and feel great.  I didn't have the skill or patience to take apart and refurbish the switches, so the Matias were a good option for me.  Every now and then I'll have a switch start keybouncing or will outright fail and I'll have to replace it, but I can live with that and I bought enough spares to last me a while.

[HaroldHolmes]

The Matias clicky or quiet-click switches are a drop-in (that is, solder-in) replacement for Alps switches. I've rebuilt a number of my Northgate Omnikey and CVT/Avant Stellar keyboards using Matias switches, and they work and feel great.  I didn't have the skill or patience to take apart and refurbish the switches, so the Matias were a good option for me.  Every now and then I'll have a switch start keybouncing or will outright fail and I'll have to replace it, but I can live with that and I bought enough spares to last me a while.

Thank you so much for the info.