[help]Found an IBM Model F, and it controls my mouse

[Hitcha]

Pictures here: (http://imgur.com/a/hJ5sT)

Found an IBM Model F in a friend's shed. Didn't have the right adapter for it (doesn't use PS/2), so I bought one off of Amazon so I could use it.

(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016RTO1M/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1)

I'm using it to convert the signal to a PS/2 converter which in turn converts into USB.

Once I plug it in, it starts acting crazy. The LED indicators light up, then go dark. After that, every time I press a key it either moves my mouse, randomly clicks, or starts to scroll. It also disables me from using my real mouse in the process.

I've already opened it up a bit, cleaned out the dust and cobwebs, even made sure the circuit board was clean once I reassembled it, but I'm still having the same issues with it as before.

Any help or advice would be appreciated! Thanks for reading.

[nubbinator]

Does your adapter only have 4 pins in it?  And are you plugging it in before you start your computer?

[Hitcha]

Does your adapter only have 4 pins in it?  And are you plugging it in before you start your computer?

The adapter accepts the full five pins from the Model F, and I just tried plugging it in before I booted up; still no dice.

[E TwentyNine]

If it's a low quality PS/2 -> USB converter it could be a source of the problem.  What are you using?

[nubbinator]

I was asking about on the PS/2 side, the AT side looked right.  That said, I looked at it wrong the first time, I thought it was lacking the keyboard data and clock pins, but I had it flipped when I looked at it.

It could be your motherboard doesn't play well with PS/2 and you need an active PS/2 to USB adapter.

[Hitcha]

If it's a low quality PS/2 -> USB converter it could be a source of the problem.  What are you using?

This one here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156004

Works perfectly with my Model M.

[nubbinator]

Some just don't work well with different keyboards.  Just because it works with an M doesn't mean it will work with an F AT.  I know this one works with a F AT since I've used one on an F AT, M, and Chicony with Monterey Blues.

[Hitcha]

Some just don't work well with different keyboards.  Just because it works with an M doesn't mean it will work with an F AT.  I know this one works with a F AT since I've used one on an F AT, M, and Chicony with Monterey Blues.

Looks like I'll order one of these and see if it helps with the issue.

[mougrim]

You can try Blue Cube - http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS

Works perfect with my IBM AT Model F. And costs less - if you have AT to ps/2 adapter. Which you have.

[JPG]

The other option to consider is to build a Soarer converter!

[Hitcha]

Although it's been a while since I first posted this, the problem was the converter I was using. After getting an active converter the keyboard worked perfectly! Thanks for your help guys!

[mougrim]

So which one you got?

[1391406]

I'm assuming the Blue Cube.

[Hitcha]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008ZPED/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went with this one here.

[mougrim]

Well, I'd bought BlueCube, but if this one works, it doesn't matter. Plus - you can plug some vintage mouse

[dantan]

Isn't it awesome to have a vintage keyboard that controls the mouse     When the keyboard came out people were not using mice?