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Author Topic: IBM Model F XT keyboard question  (Read 1826 times)

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Offline ManicMatt1125

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IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« on: Sat, 28 February 2015, 17:34:43 »
I have a IBM Model F XT ( The first one, without the led's). My question is pretty simple however I have been unable to locate a definitive answer. I want to use it on my computer, which has a PS/2 connection. Will an AT to PS/2 converter work? I know that you need to convert the signal if you want to hook it up as USB but I cannot determine if the same apply's for a PS/2 connection.
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Offline hwood34

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 28 February 2015, 17:35:59 »
No, only model Fs with AT connectors will work simply through a standard converter. You'll need to use on of xwhatsit's controllers or a teensy to convert it
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Offline ManicMatt1125

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 28 February 2015, 17:44:35 »
Quote from: hwood34 on Sat, 28 February 2015, 17:35:59
No, only model Fs with AT connectors will work simply through a standard converter. You'll need to use on of xwhatsit's controllers or a teensy to convert it
Ok thanks. Thats a clear answer for me  :thumb:
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Offline Melvang

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 28 February 2015, 17:48:06 »
Just going to chime in with my experience. 

I have used a teensy with soarers converter on an XT and Xwhatsits controller on an AT.

The teensy is cheaper, easier to install, but more involved to tweak the layout.

Xwhatsits controller on an AT is more difficult to install but is a breeze to program.
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 28 February 2015, 19:17:23 »
There is also the $50 Hagstrom converter which is plug & play for the XT.
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Offline Melvang

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 28 February 2015, 19:38:02 »
Quote from: fohat.digs on Sat, 28 February 2015, 19:17:23
There is also the $50 Hagstrom converter which is plug & play for the XT.

I haven't played with that one. 
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Offline orihalcon

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 01 March 2015, 00:45:49 »
I don't believe that XT can be converted to PS/2 with anything currently out there.  You can convert it to USB using something teensy based as others have mentioned, I have these prebuilt and a bit better described here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm281476427201

...you can make your own for less, but if you want something ready to use out of the box, it's definitely something to consider.

I haven't used a hagstrom converter, but those also USB and aren't programmable if you ever want to change the layout.  I don't believe that they are NKRO, which may or may not matter to you.

I give a 10% discount for direct sales, so PM me if interested.
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Offline mougrim

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #7 on: Sun, 01 March 2015, 10:52:34 »
Quote from: fohat.digs on Sat, 28 February 2015, 19:17:23
There is also the $50 Hagstrom converter which is plug & play for the XT.

But why pay 50 bucks for something you can solder for, like, 10 or 15 bucks?
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Offline Melvang

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 01 March 2015, 11:11:39 »
Quote from: mougrim on Sun, 01 March 2015, 10:52:34
Quote from: fohat.digs on Sat, 28 February 2015, 19:17:23
There is also the $50 Hagstrom converter which is plug & play for the XT.

But why pay 50 bucks for something you can solder for, like, 10 or 15 bucks?

Ability with programming and the software side of things.  I personally am bad with that so I wouldn't mind paying a bit extra for something that has a GUI for changing and tweaking the layout.  The one with xwhatsit's controller is exceptional.
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Offline Janeiac

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Re: IBM Model F XT keyboard question
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 02 March 2015, 02:37:02 »
You don't say how you want to use the keyboard, how much you can spend, and how comfortable you are with soldering and minor programming/setup. That may make a difference in what you decide.
I have a Hagstrom XT to PS/2 converter that I plug straight into the PS/2 port on my PC. It works great and preserves NKRO. The layout can be changed with Windows registry edits.  My thinking was, why use up a USB port (limited in number) and have an empty port nothing else can use?
Anyway, you have several options to choose from, both plug & play and DIY.
« Last Edit: Mon, 02 March 2015, 02:48:12 by Janeiac »
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