Dell AT102W not responding

[Bennyboy]

Hi everyone

I got my hands on a Dell AT102W keyboard that uses Alps black key switches. It has a PS/2 connector so I bought an active converter to USB. When connecting to a computer, the keyboard remains unresponsive: none of the LED's light up, none of the keys work, nothing. I tried with other known good converters and other computers, but nothing happens.

It was used on a daily basis back in the day and has been collecting dust for quite a few years. My first response was to blow it out and check the capacitors inside. They all seem fine, except for two (presumably) 50nF capacitors, which I'm unable to test reliably, but show no physical damage.

Does anyone have any idea to resurrect this keyboard from the dead? Has anyone heard from similar issues?
The switches feel so nice and I would like to use it some day.

Happy to share more detailed information if necessary.

Kind regards

[pabile]

did you try plugging the keyboard to your computer before turning it on?

[Bennyboy]

Is that really necessary when using an active converter to USB? That never caused any issues with other keyboards using the same converter, but I'll give it a try. I'll also look for a computer with a PS/2 connector to try it that way (connecting before booting).

[TeacherGeek]

Open it up and check the soldering and connections. Can you a voltage reader to see if power going through the board.

[Bennyboy]

Open it up and check the soldering and connections. Can you a voltage reader to see if power going through the board.

I've checked all the soldering joints and they seem fine, apart from some connections on the main chip that do not seem to be used at all. Is this normal?
I've used a voltmeter and measured 5V coming into the board when connecting the cable. The other wires in the cable seem to work too. Tracing every line on the board seems difficult to me, but I could give it a try.