USB to PS2 adapter for British IBM 1391406

[roaduck]

I recently ordered two IBM model M keyboards and I knew that I had to get a USB 1.1/2 to PS/2 adapter to plug into my new black DELL Vostro 200 pc.My motherboard is a Foxconn G33M - http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/Motherboards/detail_overview.aspx?ID=en-us0000319 The DELL is just a get me by `puter until I can afford to build a decent multicore HTPC/Gaming rig for upwards of £2K.I was unsure wether it would work because I didn`t know for sure if it was an active converter or just a simple pass-through adapter.
              I asked my local Computer shop if it was compatible and they said that they couldn`t definately state that it would work but it contained a poled logic chip and if it didn`t work then I could take it back for an exchange or a refund.
           The adapter in question is an e-solution model no. ES-00118

Product description - http://www.e-solution.org.uk/?o=item&id=356

E-Solution USB 2.0 A Plug to 2 X PS/2 Sockets Cable — ES-00118

- Compatible with USB specification revision 1.1
- Supports PCs and SUN computers
- 2 x MiniDIN 6-pin female for PS/2 mouse and keyboard
- Power supply for the connected USB devices via the port
- USB Hot Plug and Play support
- USB connector cable with USB A male
- Software requirements: Win 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP / VISTA
Drivers

No drivers available
Manuals

No manuals available
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http://www.e-solution.org.uk


e-solution

Batchworth House
Batchworth Place
Chrurch Street
Rickmansworth
WD3 1JE

Tel: 0871 2366341
Fax: 0844 5047697

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The adapter seems to work on my model M and all the led indicator lock lights illuminate and all the keys function well.It should also work with my second 1391406 which is on order; coming sometime this week hopefully.

[keyb_gr]

You may want to check the chip used as suggested in the USB adapter wiki. Possibly it's a known model (or even the whole adapter looks familiar).

[lowpoly]

Just tested this one on a Vostro 200 with a 1391403 and it worked.

These adapters are mass produced in China. They are sold under several brands.

[roaduck]

Hello Lowpolly - I`m new to the forum so you`ll have to excuse my lack of knoweldge about keyboards.I`m a recent convert to IBM model M`s and I love it`s big size,I love the noise and I love the glorious tactile feedback that the buckling spring generates.I am glad that your adapter works with your IBM 1391403 and a DELL VOSTRO 200 (same as mine) because Dell motherboards are notoriously difficult to match properly with old legacy PS/2 peripherals and the USB sockets on them.Sometimes even disabling USB legacy support works and the keyboard is recognised.

[ch_123]

I've had good experience with Belkin USB adaptors, and the various keyboards I've used with one (including a 1391406). They're readily available from sites like Dabs.

[stevster]

There's a wiki for those adapters: http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=PS2-to-USB+adapters

I've contributed for the last two, which I've tested with my Model M 1391404 (ISO Model M made in UK with Italian Layout).

The adapters that I've bought look different from the outside but have identical chip made by CHESEN, the same as Belkin adapter (it is specified on the package that they work with different OS while others supports only windows)

[lowpoly]

Just tested this one on a Vostro 200 with a 1391403 and it worked.

These adapters are mass produced in China. They are sold under several brands.

After having read the Wiki: I probably didn't test the ISO characters. Have to try again tomorrow.

[roaduck]

Cheers for the helpfull replies ch_123,Stevster and lowpolly.I wasn`t aware that there was wiki pages in this forum.The one I bought for the UK model M is not quite 100% on the new DELL - start up says "Found new hardware" - Windows drives me mad.The e-solutions adapter does work but shouldn`t require any additional XP drivers.I will require another converter adapter for my second 1391406 which has already been paid for if it finally gets delivered!

[lowpoly]

Checked mine again and it supports ISO. It has the same chipset as the Belkin:

VendorID: 0a81 (Chesen Electronics Corp.)
ProductID: 0205 (PS/2 Keyboard+Mouse Adapter)

[stevster]

BTW these adapters are cheap. The last one was only 5 euros and I avoided shipping cost buying locally.

Another story for the Griffin iMate that I've bought for the AEKs...

Also the Italian AEKII have an ISO layout and the extra key does not work with iMate (works in a PowerMac with ADB port), the Italian AEK (first model) have an ANSI layout (strange things...) so no problems except that I'm trained with the ISO...