Getting old G80-3000 to work in bios

[pablo1]

Hi,
I've got an old Cherry G80-3000 which I'm trying to get up and running with my old HP P6-2071UK desktop machine.  The keyboard worked fine with my main desktop (Asrock Z68 motherboard, albeit via ps/2 - not tried via usb)

I've got it connected to the HP via AT to PS/2 adaptor and active PS/2 to USB converter (the type with usb plug one end and both mouse and keyboard ps/2 sockets at the other.  Unfortunately the HP doesn't have any ps/2 ports so it has to be usb.

When windows or Linux Mint boots up - no problems - the keyboard works perfectly.   However, before the OS loads, the keyboard doesn't function which means I can't use it for bios or selecting OS at the dual boot screen.

Legacy devices are enabled in bios and my cheapo logitech usb keyboard functions fine at bios/os selection so I'm a bit confused as to why the cherry doesn't.  I'd prefer not to have 2 keyboards permanently connected so if there's anything i can try, please let me know

Thanks

[Altis]

I suspect that the OS needs to boot in order to utilize the drivers for that USB device.  The USB device isn't a standard keyboard or mouse so the computer doesn't know what to make of it until the OS is loaded -- I believe it can only utilize generic drivers at that point.

I would recommend just using another keyboard when you need to access BIOS. It can't be that often, can it?

[pablo1]

Thanks for the explanation, Altis.  Makes complete sense   I don't use BIOS particularly often but sometimes need to change boot order.  I'll be switching between OS' more regularly though and that's where I'll miss it the most. 

It's all a bit untidy having another keyboard hooked up to the box so I'll have to find a way of tidying it up!

[Altis]

Yeah it's unfortunate that it's the case. Is it just arrow keys that you need to select the boot OS? If so, you might be able to get away with just having an external numpad for that (with numlock off). Would look much cleaner than a full keyboard there and could be tucked away more easily.

[pablo1]

Thanks Altis.  Funnily enough I was just having a peek at those on ebay   Apart from getting into bios or selecting boot device order, one of those should suffice.  I think if i just set the boot order to optical drive first, i won't need a full keyboard that much but will keep one handy for when i do.

[VinnyCordeiro]

If you feel brave enough, you can retrace the switch matrix and wire it to a Teensy, bypassing the original controller circuit. You would have the additional benefit of a native and programmable USB keyboard.

[pablo1]

Thanks.   Such thoughts did run through my head but it would end in tears 

[Altis]

Thanks Altis.  Funnily enough I was just having a peek at those on ebay   Apart from getting into bios or selecting boot device order, one of those should suffice.  I think if i just set the boot order to optical drive first, i won't need a full keyboard that much but will keep one handy for when i do.

You could use the USB numpad to select from the boot menu, though not to enter the BIOS itself. If your boot menu shows up every time you boot then it would work for that.

[SamirD]

Have you tried selecting the option from the HP keyboard?  Most laptop keyboards are still active when an external one is plugged in.