[TMK] Keyboard Protocol Converter

[hasu]

TMK converters translate various old keyboard protocol into USB so that you can use your old keyobard with modern computer.

Feel free to post any questions and suggestions in this thread

All converters are regularly in stock as of 2024-10.


Converters

Converter	Supported keyboard	Connector	USB	Price	Description
IBMPC[AT/XT]	AT, XT, PS/2*	DIN-5(180°)	Micro-B	$36	You can use adapter for PS/2 keyboard and mouse
IBMPC[Terminal]	AT with CodeSet3	DIN-5(240°)	Micro-B	$36	Suits for IBM Terminal Keyboard Model F122 (and Model M122?)
IBMPC[PS/2]	PS/2, AT*, XT*	Mini-DIN-6	Type-C	$34	You can use adapter for AT and XT.(XT Type1 is not supported) Also with Y-splitter cable you can use two devices.
ADB	ADB(Apple and others)	Mini-DIN-4	Type-C	$34	Mouse is also supported.
NeXT	NeXT non-ADB	Mini-DIN-5	Type-C	$34	Mouse is also supported now. 2024-10
X68K	Sharp X68000	Mini-DIN-7	Type-C	$34
PC98	NEC PC9800	Mini-DIN-8	Type-C	$34
SUN	SUN	Mini-DIN-8	Type-C	$34	Suits for Type-4 and Type-5 keyboards.
Archimedes	Archimedes	Mini-DIN-6	Type-C	$34	For Acorn Archimedes keyboards
M0110[Phone]	Apple M0110,M0110A	Modular 4P4C	Micro-B	$47	Shipped with phone handset cable(Crossover) like this. You cannot use original Apple keyboard cable with this.
M0110[Original]	Apple M0110,M0110A	Modular 4P4C	Micro-B	$47	Shipped without cable. You need healthy original Apple keyboard cable(Straight).
IBM4704	IBM4704	DE-9(DB-9)	Micro-B	$44	Connector with Imperial-pitch threaded studs
NEWS	NEWS(Sony)	DE-9(DB-9)	Type-C	$44	Connector with Metric-pitch threaded studs
USB-USB	USB HID Boot	USB Type-A	Type-A	$60	Check this also to place an order.

Converters with DIN and Mini-DIN connector look like this.



For USB-USB Converter see this thread.





How to order
Email me to let me know which converter you want and your country. I'll send you Paypal invoice soon.

My email is: hasu@tmk-kbd.com


Shipping
Please check this notes for shipping cost.


Payment
Paypal Invoice will be sent to your email. You'll be able to make a payment with credit card on Palpal even if you don't have Paypal account.


Lead Time
The converters will be shipped usually in several working days and you will receive email with tracking number from Japan Post. Check junk mail folder of your email used for the payment first if you can't find the email from Japan Post. Email me if you don't get tracking number within 10 working days after payment.




Online Keymap Editor
You can edit keymap on TMK Keymap Editor with web browser. Google Chrome is recommended web browser for this.

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/

Availability
IBMPC: ○
ADB: ○
NeXT: ○
X68K: ○
PC98: ○
SUN: ○
Archimedes: soon
M0110: ○
IBM4704: ○
NEWS: soon
USB-USB: ○




How to flash firmware
To turn into flash mode press tiny button on converter PCB.
You will have to select microcontroller in flash tool like Atmel FLIP or dfu-programmer.

See this for detail: https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#flash-firmware

Microcontroller
USB-USB and IBMPC: ATMega32u4
Other converters: ATMega32u2



TMK firmware
Converter firmware source codes are available here.

https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/converter




Support & FAQ
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki



Updates
2015/05/26 Ordered MAX3421e chips for USB-USB
2015/07/13 Updated M0110 keymap editor(for Rev.1)
2015/07/15 [USB to USB] Added locking key indicator support and fix for rollover error
2015/11/02 [USB to USB] restocked
2016/01/13 Added keymapeditor for USB to USB Converter
2016/03/18 [IBM4704] Converter for internal connection is available
2016/04/11 Revised prices(USB-USB: 50->55, M0110/IBM4704: 40-> 42, MiniDIN: 30->32)
2016/05/07 new IBM 4704 external converter
2016/08/16 Revised price of M0110 converter 42->45
2016/09/17 Keymap editor is available for USB-USB, ADB, PS/2, M0110 and NeXT now
2016/09/30 Keymap editor is available for IBM4704 now
2017/05/08 Keymap editor is available for X68000 now
2017/06/06 Added note for shipping to Canada
2018/01/19 Fix lag problem on ADB-USB converter
2018/04/27 Added keymap editor support for IBM4704 50-key.
2018/07/06 Updated firmware of USB-USB converter to fix startup issue
2018/09/08 Shipping to Canada is no problem now. Removed caveat.
2020-04-22 New IBMPC convererter firmware is available for PS/2 and Terminal converter.
2020-04-22 Keymap Editor is available for SUN converer now.
2021-03-29 Revised shipping rate
2021-04-15 Reorganized content of first page
2023-11-23 Update Sony NEWS converter. USB connector is Type-C now.
2024-01-28 Update note for shipping
2024-10-13 Reimplement NeXT converter and add mouse support



Old descriptions:

More

Converters

Mini-DIN type Converters
These coverters are equivalent in terms of hardware except for Mini-DIN connector.

Its dimension is around 27mm * 41mm and height is 18mm including Mini-DIN connector.




ADB Converter(4pin)
For Apple ADB keyboards.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14290.0

TMK keymap editor is available.
for ADB Converter

Mini-DIN 4P connector for ADB




NeXT Converter(5pin)
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/converter/next_usb

TMK keymap editor is available.
for NeXT Converter

Mini-DIN 5P connector for NeXT




PS/2 Converter(6pin)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14618.0

TMK keymap editor is available.
for PS/2 Converter

Mini-DIN 6P connector for PS/2



Now new ibmpc_usb converter firmware is also available for PS/2 Converter. 2020-04-22

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/#ibmpc_usb
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103648.0



Sharp X68000(X68K) Converter(7pin)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=29060.0

TMK keymap editor is available.
for X68000(X68K) Converter

Mini-DIN 7P connector for X68K




SUN Converter(8pin)
SUN Type-4 and Type-5 keyboard would be supported.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=105671.0
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/converter/sun_usb

Mini-DIN 8P connector for SUN


Keymap Editor is now available. 2020-04-22

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/#sun_usb



NEC PC9800(PC98) Converter(8pin)
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/converter/pc98_usb

Mini-DIN 8P connector for PC98




IBM Terminal Converter(pin6)
IBMPC/AT Code Set 3 converter
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=27272.0

Now new ibmpc_usb converter firmware is also available for the converter. 2020-04-22

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/#ibmpc_usb
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103648.0




Apple Macintosh M0110 Converter
This supports Macintosh 128K/512K keyboard(M0110), keypad(M0120) and Mac Plus keyboard(M0110A).

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=24965.0

The converter looks like the pic and includes detachable coiled 4P4C cable. The cable supplied with the converter, it is a 4P4C telephone handset calble which differs from original Apple keyboard cable. Note that you *cannot* use Apple keyboard cable with this converter, it may damage your keyboard with reverse polarity power lines. Please refer to this for detail. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_connector#4P4C

Dimensions of the converter is around 27mm*59mm*16mm excluding cable.


4P4C plug and socket for M0110 Converter



TMK keymap editor is available.
New editor(recommended):
for M0110(Mac 128K/512K)
for M0110A(Mac Plus)


You can hook up M0110 and M0120 to the converter at same time. Note that you have to use original Apple keyobard cable to connect between the two keyboards.

More

IBM4704 Converter
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54706.0

Converter for all of IBM4704 variants(50, 62, 77, 107-key) as well as 102-key Alps switch models(Pingmaster).
IBM capacitive switch model P/N: 6019273, 6019284, 6019303, 6020218
Alps switch model P/N: 5954339, 6112883, 6112884, 6341739, 6113442

Its dimension is around 32mm*64mm*18mm.



TMK keymap editor is available.
for IBM Capacitive switch 62/77/107-key 50-key(new!)
for Alps switch 102-key



Sony NEWS converter
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=25759.0

More

TMK keymap editor is not available yet.



Design Files
Converter PCB design files are available, you can make it yourself.

Converter PCB for Min-DIN type
https://github.com/tmk/keyboard_converter

Converter PCB for USB to USB
https://github.com/tmk/USB2USB_Converter


Old Converters
Not available anymore, but TMK firmware still supports these converters.
If you are one of these and have trouble with them contact me, I can help you.

Rev.1 Converter

[hasu]

USB-USB converter
I ordered five MAX3421e chips at an Aliexpress shop for USB-USB converter, it will take several weeks to come up to me.
After got those chips I'll assemble the converters and decide its price.

Thanks.

[SpAmRaY]

Can we reserve a spot for the USB-USB converter?

[hasu]

Can we reserve a spot for the USB-USB converter?

Yes, just post here or PM me.

I have to decide the price later due to final cost calc, but you can cancel it if you don't like the final price.
The price will be around 40-50USD, probably.

[Muffin860]

Can we reserve a spot for the USB-USB converter?

Yes, just post here or PM me.

I have to decide the price later due to final cost calc, but you can cancel it if you don't like the final price.
The price will be around 40-50USD, probably.

I have a leopold keypad that doesn't send true numpad scan codes, I'm thinking I could theoretically fix that with your converter yes?

[hasu]

Yes I think so.
If it is a normal keyboard without fancy functions like NKRO it works with this converter.

[Muffin860]

Sign me up for one.

[gosinger]

Also sign me up for one USB-to-USB please, already pm'ed you previously about those

Keep up the great work 

[Muffin860]

Sign me up for one.

I ended up just wanting to do an internal solutuon, so I am buying a teensy. Thanks anyway!

[pkircher]

id love to get my hands on one .. .. that should get the kinesis advantage to a new level .. pm me with a price and an aprox turnaround time

thanks

[heedpantsnow]

I want some sort of PS2 to USB for my original Dolch board. I'd like to make it small and internal.

[hasu]

I think USB-USB controller will cost around $50 and $8 for shipping, not final price though.
I ordered USB host chips from China but not receive them yet, it will take more a week or two. After getting the chips my production process will take a week.

BTW, Kinesis has another viable option to think about, this controller replaces Kinesis original MCU and allows to upload custom firmware.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37991.0
https://github.com/chrisandreae/keyboard-firmware

id love to get my hands on one .. .. that should get the kinesis advantage to a new level .. pm me with a price and an aprox turnaround time

thanks

[hasu]

I think Teensy 2.0 or Pro micro is also small enough to accommodate it inside of the keyboard. And way cheaper than my converter, unfortunately

If you still want my converter for some reason I'm happy to sell my converter definitely. I can assemble the converter without USB or/and PS/2 connector if it is useful when you install it inside the case. It costs $25 + $7 for shipping.

I want some sort of PS2 to USB for my original Dolch board. I'd like to make it small and internal.

[Leimi]

Yes I think so.
If it is a normal keyboard without fancy functions like NKRO it works with this converter.

Do you think it would work with a Poker II? I don't really know what a keyboard "with fancy functions" means Would there be a way to check this somehow?
The Poker II is not PS/2 compatible so I can't use your USB<>PS/2 converter on it... but it would be perfect if your new USB<>USB converter worked!

[hasu]

Poker II uses NKRO mode I don't think USB to USB conveter works with it at this moment.
But I believe firmware can force it to work in 6KRO mode with future update.

What I meant by "fancy functions" are NKRO, media control keys and system control keys. The converter doesn't recognize those keys.

[hasu]

Some USB to USB converter are available now. Price is 50USD per converter and 7USD for shipping.

Check its limitations and TODO in first post of this thread. And feel free to ask anything if you are interested.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.0

[Leimi]

Poker II uses NKRO mode I don't think USB to USB conveter works with it at this moment.
But I believe firmware can force it to work in 6KRO mode with future update.

What I meant by "fancy functions" are NKRO, media control keys and system control keys. The converter doesn't recognize those keys.

Thanks I guess I'll wait… for now!

[wakko]

Interested in a usb-usb converter. Primarily interested in using it with RF87 on OSX. There's an issue with he keyboard where if I wake the computer from the keyboard, keyboard doesn't register after that. Any chance someone tried it with an RF?

[argcargv]

Hi Hasu, I would like to buy 3 USB to USB converters 

[hasu]

Wow three, thanks!
Can you tell what keyboards are you going to use with the converters?

I'll PM.

[kruton]

I'd like to buy one PS/2-to-USB and one USB-to-USB converter. 

[hasu]

Thanks, I'll PM(Personal Messages) you once they are ready!
I'll do soldering job this weekend.

I'd like to buy one PS/2-to-USB and one USB-to-USB converter. 

[yomammary]

How much would be a PS2 to USB converter? I might be blind but I can't find the information.

[hasu]

PS/2 converter(Mini-DIN) costs $30.

[Sifo]

Hasu put me down for a USB to USB converter. Thanks!

[hasu]

Sifo, PM'd!

[Sifo]

Did you guys know hasu is really helpful and does amazing work on his awesome firmware?

^^

[acevery]

Did you guys know hasu is really helpful and does amazing work on his awesome firmware?

^^

He does a great job!

[U47]

Hi Hasu,

I've finally assembled a Keyboard Converter (I purchased a few blank PCBs from you). How do I go about flashing it and getting it up and running? Obviously, it does nothing yet right after being assembled

Thanks,
U47.

[hasu]

I can't explain everything in detail here. You have to read TMK documentations first and the docs won't be enough, you can use google to get further detail.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/build.md
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/keymap.md
and read converter's README of course.

And optionally also check Wiki.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki

It may take long unless you have experience with AVR, but take time to learn if needed.

EDIT: Also check the first post of this thread.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

[U47]

Thanks, Hasu. I think I figured out what my issue was. (As you mentioned, those Xtals are indeed tricky to install.)

My NeXT keyboard is alive! My board (Part no. 192.00) has the ANSI layout, where the layout in TMK is ISO. I'm noticing a few weird things (keypad layout is different, "Alternate" key doesn't register at all) so I'm going to break out the debugger and see how things are different. It's likely I'll have a push request for you.

One side question: I read the schematic and I thought I installed my LED with the correct polarity, however nothing is lighting up. Should the LED light up on boot or does it only light up for certain events?

Thanks,
U47.

I can't explain everything in detail here. You have to read TMK documentations first and the docs won't be enough, you can use google to get further detail.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/build.md
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/keymap.md
and read converter's README of course.

And optionally also check Wiki.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki

It may take long unless you have experience with AVR, but take time to learn if needed.

EDIT: Also check the first post of this thread.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

[hasu]

Thanks, Hasu. I think I figured out what my issue was. (As you mentioned, those Xtals are indeed tricky to install.)

My NeXT keyboard is alive! My board (Part no. 192.00) has the ANSI layout, where the layout in TMK is ISO. I'm noticing a few weird things (keypad layout is different, "Alternate" key doesn't register at all) so I'm going to break out the debugger and see how things are different. It's likely I'll have a push request for you.

great!

One side question: I read the schematic and I thought I installed my LED with the correct polarity, however nothing is lighting up. Should the LED light up on boot or does it only light up for certain events?

Some use it as CapsLock indicator or debug, others don't use at all.
Next converter doesn't use so you can use it for anything you want.

[hasu]

Two USB to USB converts are in stock now.

[hasu]

Some USB-USB converters are available again now.

[hasu]

USB to USB converter supports TMK keymap editor now!



Try it here.
http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/usb_usb/

And Space Fn keymap, for example.
http://bit.ly/1OqgvMn

[tonyooooo]

Hi, the usb to usb converter seems great. How much would it cost to send one in Europe (French) ?

[nubbinator]

Do you have any plans at any point to do a Bluetooth version like you did for the HHKB?

[hasu]

Hi, the usb to usb converter seems great. How much would it cost to send one in Europe (French) ?

Same rate for all surface of the globe.

Shipping and Paypal fee: $8USD (add $3 per extra converter)

Thanks

[hasu]

Do you have any plans at any point to do a Bluetooth version like you did for the HHKB?

I've had a plan kind of that, you can connect both keyboard and Bluetooth dongle to the converter via USB hub at same time in theory, and you can give it power supply and Lipo charger(from sparkfun or adafruit? or just use power bank in the market) to make them wireless.
USB Host Shield libaray already supports Bluetooth dongle and HID luckily. My concern is MCU flash size, TMK has bloated its size now I'm not sure the code fits in 32KB.
https://github.com/felis/USB_Host_Shield_2.0#bthid-library

I don't a plan to design new hardware but USB-BT conversion is possible with this USB-USB converter + BT dongle + USB hub + power bank, I think. Too big and clumsy?

[Vimto]

Would the USB converter make my Realforce programmable?

[hasu]

Would the USB converter make my Realforce programmable?

yes, you can change keymap.

[nubbinator]

Do you have any plans at any point to do a Bluetooth version like you did for the HHKB?

I've had a plan kind of that, you can connect both keyboard and Bluetooth dongle to the converter via USB hub at same time in theory, and you can give it power supply and Lipo charger(from sparkfun or adafruit? or just use power bank in the market) to make them wireless.
USB Host Shield libaray already supports Bluetooth dongle and HID luckily. My concern is MCU flash size, TMK has bloated its size now I'm not sure the code fits in 32KB.
https://github.com/felis/USB_Host_Shield_2.0#bthid-library

I don't a plan to design new hardware but USB-BT conversion is possible with this USB-USB converter + BT dongle + USB hub + power bank, I think. Too big and clumsy?

That would be awesome to have one that was less clunky.  So far, the only things I've seen are this USB2BT and what you have.

If I wanted, I could use your USB to USB with a Bluetooth dongle, battery, and hub on any 60% board?  Or does it only have to be with specific boards?

[hasu]

Yes, you could do with existent TMK USB-USB converter, no specific hardware is needed for this, just firmware development is required.

If keyboard has hub like HHKB Pro2 you can plug dongle in it, it would look like this.

[nubbinator]

The firmware development would be for the bluetooth, correct, not the keymap, correct?

[hasu]

Yes,
the library seems to support only bluetooth HID host role, but we need device role and will have to make it.

[gcardinal]

What an awesome project! I got my self Tandberg TDV-5000 with following connector:


Is it possible to use it directly with Mini-DIN type Converter ?

[hasu]

What an awesome project! I got my self Tandberg TDV-5000 with following connector:
(Attachment Link)

Is it possible to use it directly with Mini-DIN type Converter ?

No, you can't use it directly because that pinout is not PS/2.

[gcardinal]

What an awesome project! I got my self Tandberg TDV-5000 with following connector:
(Attachment Link)

Is it possible to use it directly with Mini-DIN type Converter ?

No, you can't use it directly because that pinout is not PS/2.

Okay, thank you for answer. How about PCB rev2.1 - can it be used for this pinout?

[hasu]

Assuming pinout diagram above displays female connector(socket), any of pin configuration jumpers on the PCB can not give GND connection to pin5 in the diagram unfortunately.

My converter PCB's pin configuration jumpers looks like pics below. In case of Mini DIN6P connector DIN1, DIN2, DIN3, DIN5, DIN6 and DIN8 are wired to each connector pins. Pin5(DIN6) has no jumper for GND connection as you can see. Other pins can be connected with jumpers(for Next) somehow.

[hasu]

I'm on the road and away from home unexpectedly, shipping for some of orders will be delayed until Monday. And I cannot check and reply to inquiry mails until then.
Thank you for your patience.