Author Topic: Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection  (Read 2499 times)

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Offline ironman31

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 834
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« on: Wed, 25 August 2010, 20:29:03 »
Is it bad for the ps/2 connector to unplug and replug it daily? Not from the computer, but from a device that allows for hot swapping.

I'm basically just asking if the connector is made to withstand as much plug and play as a usb.
Keyboards:
IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (Used), HHKB Pro 2 (White, Lettered), Realforce 87U all-45g in White, Filco Majestouch 2 TKL with Cherry MX Browns, Model F PC/ATNoppoo Choc Mini (MX Browns), Model F XT, IBM Model M 1397735 (bought NIB), (2) Siig Minitouch (GHSS) one with XM, one with complicated ALPs (modded),2 Dell AT101W, Cherry G80-11900HRMUS (modded with MX browns)



Pointing Devices:
Logitech G500, Evoluent VerticalMouse 3, Logitech G5, CST 2545W, Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball, Logitech M570, Logitech MX revolution


Offline WhiteRice

  • Posts: 850
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 25 August 2010, 20:58:42 »
Have you ever thought about it with a standard outlet? Just don't pull by the cord, and always straight in and out.

Offline Rajagra

  • Posts: 1930
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 25 August 2010, 21:24:02 »
Depends on the person. I've seen many PS/2 connectors with bent/broken pins where users have been impatient and tried to ram the plug in. Doesn't help that the socket is often out of sight behind the machine, or that it is inherently difficult to orientate it correctly (rotationally speaking.) But if you're careful it's fine. Many datacentres use crash carts to wheel a screen and keyboard up to a hot plug breakout panel, they manage OK.

Offline WhiteRice

  • Posts: 850
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 25 August 2010, 22:01:13 »
dude I heard that about this guy who was unplugging his ps/2 connector from his dock, two weeks later BAM herpes.

Offline PAINKILLER

  • Posts: 51
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 26 August 2010, 13:47:21 »
Quote from: ripster;216720
The OCN guys do it all the time and even have a workaround to allow hotplugging.
Can you tell me what's that workaround (I searched, but couldn't find it).

PS: I've found out myself that you can fix the typematic bug without restarting by simply clicking Apply in the keyboard properties in control panel. But what about the risk of frying the keyboard or MoBo?
« Last Edit: Thu, 26 August 2010, 13:52:51 by PAINKILLER »

Offline PAINKILLER

  • Posts: 51
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 26 August 2010, 15:04:06 »
Haha :D
I was thinking of somehow disabling the ports and/or keyboard/mouse, to prevent possible damage, which I don't see how to do in Device Manager.

Offline Rusty Rat

  • Posts: 76
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 26 August 2010, 16:30:32 »
Quote from: ripster;216970
But I warn you, Aussies will plug their dongles into ANYTHING.

Insert picture of Ripster here

Where is Ripster’s keeper, Wellington when you need him?

IBM instructions always stated power down and then power up with PS2 devices. They popularised the PS2 connection and although engineering wise they might be conservative there was probably a good reason for it. Not all PS2 ports are created equal, some specify keyboard or mouse and others it does not matter. I was always of the understanding that PS2 ports on IBM PCs they were labelled keyboard and mouse had different mW outputs so perhaps drawing 500mW over something that was designed for 200mW would blow up something.
USB was created for ‘hot swap’ not PS2.

Offline Rajagra

  • Posts: 1930
Repeatedly plugging and replugging a ps/2 connection
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 26 August 2010, 21:56:29 »
The odd thing is that PS/2 uses open collector signalling - the data lines are pulled up to +5V by a resistor, and to transmit data the lines are pulled down to 0V by a transistor. This is inherently very safe, it doesn't matter (electrically) if both ends try to transmit at the same time. Hot plugging *should* be safe. But it causes problems because of power surges. Why this doesn't happen every time you power on with a keyboard connected I've never quite worked out. Maybe normal power ups have the 5V power rising smoothly, more by accident than design?