Installing the correct driver for Japanese Keyboards

[ihasmario]

I am currently using the pictured keyboard (IBM 5576-002) and I am enjoying it. However, Windows does not appear to have a compatible driver by default. All standard Japanese 109 drivers included with windows cause the symbols to change to non-standard layout (even moreso than the caps are labelled). The standard ps/2 driver works correctly as the keycaps are labelled, however extra 3 keys such as the yen key and the other key next to the space (not Kanji) do not work, the kanji key is set to left alt (standard for the 5576-002) .

At the moment I am considering either writing an autohotkey script or modifying the existing windows drivers.

Can you think of anything I may be missing, while trying to create a layout I am used to? I will be swapping to colemak eventually when I can reliably remove keycaps (in need of a tool)

Thanks.

[hasu]

I'm not sure but this may works for you? I've never tried any 5576 boards.
http://www.geocities.jp/kenjin_keyboard/5576registry2000.htm

[ihasmario]

YES. That worked perfectly.

[ihasmario]

By the way Hasu, do you know what the speaker ("SP Unit") on the bottom is for? Mine plays sounds from my computer, such as processor noise and my mouse scrolling, so I think it is broken. It's a comforting sound, though.

[hasu]

Some 5576 cables seems to have pin 6 connection to drive internal speaker from PS/55 host.[1]
And Pin 2 and 6 of normal PS/2 connector are not usually connected, while some apparatus(PC, Laptop, cable or converter) use those pins to support both keyboard and  mouse with one port at same time.[2]
I guess speaker of your keyboard is driven via clock signal of mouse from your PC or PS/2-USB converter.

[1] http://sandy55.fc2web.com/still_crazy/0307.html#0729%20keyboard_5_5576_spcable
[2] http://www.burtonsys.com/PS2_keyboard_and_mouse_mini-DIN-6_connector_pinouts.html

[ihasmario]

Some 5576 cables seems to have pin 6 connection to drive internal speaker from PS/55 host.[1]
And Pin 2 and 6 of normal PS/2 connector are not usually connected, while some apparatus(PC, Laptop, cable or converter) use those pins to support both keyboard and  mouse with one port at same time.[2]
I guess speaker of your keyboard is driven via clock signal of mouse from your PC or PS/2-USB converter.

[1] http://sandy55.fc2web.com/still_crazy/0307.html#0729%20keyboard_5_5576_spcable
[2] http://www.burtonsys.com/PS2_keyboard_and_mouse_mini-DIN-6_connector_pinouts.html

If I understand correctly, using a Y splitter will fix the problem, because it will remove pins 2 and 6?? My motherboard has a combined port. Otherwise I might look at modifying the cable, living with it or disconnecting the speaker

[hasu]

I think so. Y cable will fix.

[ihasmario]

Thank you