So I bought a Model M spacesaver...what do I need for PS/2 to USB?

[blakespot]

I grabbed a pristine Model M spacesaver from 1987 on eBay tonight.



It's got a PS/2 connector. What is the best adapter for me to get this working via USB on my Mac? Are all adapters the same? Any recommendations?

Thanks.




bp

[rknize]

 Many of the adapters don't work.  Take a look at what clickykeyboards.com sells.  There is also a USB to SDL cable available.

[sleepy916]

I saw that one on ebay too but couldn't do it. Too much for me, but really nice keyboard!

[rootwyrm]

I highly recommend this very specific Belkin. I've personally tested it with many M's, including M5 and M13. Works flawlessly every time. I've had one unit fail, which Belkin cheerfully replaced under warranty 4 years after I bought it.

[fohat.digs]

Get one of these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280862986246?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

from orihalcon.

They are pricey, but many of us here at geekhack have used them and they work great.

[snoopy]

nice and clean lookin' board. How much did you pay?

I use this one with my SSK: http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS
It's often called "bluecube"

[blakespot]

Get one of these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280862986246?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

from orihalcon.

They are pricey, but many of us here at geekhack have used them and they work great.

Ordered. Thanks.




bp

[Hyde]

Get one of these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280862986246?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

from orihalcon.

They are pricey, but many of us here at geekhack have used them and they work great.

This look like a direct "physical" converter.  But I thought typically to convert USB to PS2 or PS2 to USB you need a keyboard with built in controller for it no?

But then it sounds like it works this way?  Or does PS2 to USB doesn't require the extra controller or something?

[fohat.digs]

My understanding is that orihalcon builds the required circuitry into the cable.

I have 2 of these, and they have worked flawlessly for me under Windows XP and 7.

[rootwyrm]

My understanding is that orihalcon builds the required circuitry into the cable.

I have 2 of these, and they have worked flawlessly for me under Windows XP and 7.

Ahem.

The PS2 to USB conversion circuit is contained within the USB plug's plastic molding and supports the FULL PS2 protocol as defined by IBM (the creators of that protocol).

Yes. It's in there. I might have to order one of these to check it out. Reason I prefer the Belkin is because it is much, much easier to swap around multiple keyboards and the only one that works with the M5-1. (None of the others work, they don't transmit the lock buttons properly.)

[Magnusian]

Lucky, I wonder how I missed the listing for this one, the last one I saw on ebay went for $305 and was sniped out from under me.

[BucklingSpring]

(None of the others work, they don't transmit the lock buttons properly.)

Something I learned the hard way. I use a USB only KVM to share Keyboard/Video/Mouse with multiple computers. Double tapping the "Scroll Lock" is the master key to send commands to the KVM for port switching. Grrrr bad memories resurfacing.

[rootwyrm]

(None of the others work, they don't transmit the lock buttons properly.)

Something I learned the hard way. I use a USB only KVM to share Keyboard/Video/Mouse with multiple computers. Double tapping the "Scroll Lock" is the master key to send commands to the KVM for port switching. Grrrr bad memories resurfacing.

Hee. Other lock buttons, man. Remember that the M5-1 and M5-2 have a 4 button track ball. Left, Right, Left Lock and Right Lock. The 'Lock' buttons stay 'clicked' until you click them a second time, for clicking and dragging.

But trust me, double tap of Scroll Lock? Beats double tap Control to switch any day of the week. Yes, I had to deal with one of those. For a long time. Most miserable KVM ever.

[ch_123]

I use my SSK with the Blue Cube and the Belkin PS/2-USB adapter on a regular basis - both are perfectly suitable.

[jwaz]

Another +1 for Orihalcon, his adapter has worked flawlessly across Win 7/ OSX/ Linux

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PS2-to-USB-or-RS232-Adapter-Converter-Keyboard-Barcode-Scanner-IBM-Type-M-/280839328798?pt=US_Parallel_Serial_PS_2_Cables_Adapters&hash=item416354141e

I have one of these, not the whole SDL cord. I like the IBM one 

[blakespot]

Received the Model M and the USB adapter cable today. So lovely! Feels brand new, not 25 years old!


IBM Model M space saver by blakespot, on Flickr

[rootwyrm]

Another +1 for Orihalcon, his adapter has worked flawlessly across Win 7/ OSX/ Linux

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PS2-to-USB-or-RS232-Adapter-Converter-Keyboard-Barcode-Scanner-IBM-Type-M-/280839328798?pt=US_Parallel_Serial_PS_2_Cables_Adapters&hash=item416354141e

I have one of these, not the whole SDL cord. I like the IBM one 

Oh holy crap!
I didn't know Orihalcon made those too! Screw +1, the man gets a +10. I have three of the DIN6 RS232 adapters - IBM DS4k/DS5k and Engenio use the DIN6 RS232 console. Had no idea that's where they were from - local SE sourced them for me a while back when I complained about how the 'official' ones dropped characters like nobody's business.

[sleepy916]

Received the Model M and the USB adapter cable today. So lovely! Feels brand new, not 25 years old!

Show Image

IBM Model M space saver by blakespot, on Flickr

Dang! after seeing it again, I should have just bidded. Very nice, I'm jealous.