IBM Model F (PC/AT) Not Recognized at Boot

[y11971alex]

Hi, this is my very first post on Geekhack.

I have decided to buy myself an IBM Model F originally for the PC/AT from eBay.  After both it and the Belkin converter (AT->PS/2) arrived, I plugged the keyboard in while the computer was off and turned it on.  The status lights flashed on the keyboard, but the computer did not register the keyboard and proceeded to crash.  The motherboard used in the PC is the Intel S5000XVNSATAR board.  Unwilling to let on, I plugged it into my old IBM ThinkPad T41 laptop on the dock that came with it, thinking that they're ought to be intercompatible since they're both manufactured by IBM. 

I gave it one last shot by plugging it into the dock after the laptop booted... and it now works.  However, if I plug it into my PC while it is already running, the computer does not detect it. 

I have heard that the Model F was associated with electrical issues when plugged into a non-IBM PC, though I'm not sure if this is the case with my keyboard.  I have also opened it up and cleaned it prior to using it, so I may have inadvertently damaged the internal circuitry, though I did take care to mark down where the cables went &c., and it does now work properly with my IBM laptop.

Or is it a hideous plot by IBM to make their products incompatible with Intel products? 

[fohat.digs]

If the keyboard works properly on any one computer, then the keyboard is not at fault.

I have had good luck with PS/2-to-USB adapters, but other people report problems unless the right components have been matched up.

[y11971alex]

If the keyboard works properly on any one computer, then the keyboard is not at fault.

I have had good luck with PS/2-to-USB adapters, but other people report problems unless the right components have been matched up.

The only adapter that I'm using now is the Belkin AT -> PS/2 adapter.  The T41's dock has both a mouse and keyboard PS/2 port on the rear. 

[dgneo]

Hi, this is my very first post on Geekhack.

I have decided to buy myself an IBM Model F originally for the PC/AT from eBay.  After both it and the Belkin converter (AT->PS/2) arrived, I plugged the keyboard in while the computer was off and turned it on.  The status lights flashed on the keyboard, but the computer did not register the keyboard and proceeded to crash.  The motherboard used in the PC is the Intel S5000XVNSATAR board.  Unwilling to let on, I plugged it into my old IBM ThinkPad T41 laptop on the dock that came with it, thinking that they're ought to be intercompatible since they're both manufactured by IBM. 

I gave it one last shot by plugging it into the dock after the laptop booted... and it now works.  However, if I plug it into my PC while it is already running, the computer does not detect it. 

I have heard that the Model F was associated with electrical issues when plugged into a non-IBM PC, though I'm not sure if this is the case with my keyboard.  I have also opened it up and cleaned it prior to using it, so I may have inadvertently damaged the internal circuitry, though I did take care to mark down where the cables went &c., and it does now work properly with my IBM laptop.

Or is it a hideous plot by IBM to make their products incompatible with Intel products? 

The PS/2 connection isn't hot swappable, meaning you won't be able to plug it in while the PC is on and running and have it be detected, it needs to be plugged in before it's powered up.

You mentioned the PC crashes when you attempt this; What exactly happens? Any error messages you receive?

[y11971alex]

Hi, this is my very first post on Geekhack.

I have decided to buy myself an IBM Model F originally for the PC/AT from eBay.  After both it and the Belkin converter (AT->PS/2) arrived, I plugged the keyboard in while the computer was off and turned it on.  The status lights flashed on the keyboard, but the computer did not register the keyboard and proceeded to crash.  The motherboard used in the PC is the Intel S5000XVNSATAR board.  Unwilling to let on, I plugged it into my old IBM ThinkPad T41 laptop on the dock that came with it, thinking that they're ought to be intercompatible since they're both manufactured by IBM. 

I gave it one last shot by plugging it into the dock after the laptop booted... and it now works.  However, if I plug it into my PC while it is already running, the computer does not detect it. 

I have heard that the Model F was associated with electrical issues when plugged into a non-IBM PC, though I'm not sure if this is the case with my keyboard.  I have also opened it up and cleaned it prior to using it, so I may have inadvertently damaged the internal circuitry, though I did take care to mark down where the cables went &c., and it does now work properly with my IBM laptop.

Or is it a hideous plot by IBM to make their products incompatible with Intel products? 

The PS/2 connection isn't hot swappable, meaning you won't be able to plug it in while the PC is on and running and have it be detected, it needs to be plugged in before it's powered up.

You mentioned the PC crashes when you attempt this; What exactly happens? Any error messages you receive?

No error message, except it messes up the system date.

[SamirD]

Hi, this is my very first post on Geekhack.

I have decided to buy myself an IBM Model F originally for the PC/AT from eBay.  After both it and the Belkin converter (AT->PS/2) arrived, I plugged the keyboard in while the computer was off and turned it on.  The status lights flashed on the keyboard, but the computer did not register the keyboard and proceeded to crash.  The motherboard used in the PC is the Intel S5000XVNSATAR board.  Unwilling to let on, I plugged it into my old IBM ThinkPad T41 laptop on the dock that came with it, thinking that they're ought to be intercompatible since they're both manufactured by IBM. 

I gave it one last shot by plugging it into the dock after the laptop booted... and it now works.  However, if I plug it into my PC while it is already running, the computer does not detect it. 

I have heard that the Model F was associated with electrical issues when plugged into a non-IBM PC, though I'm not sure if this is the case with my keyboard.  I have also opened it up and cleaned it prior to using it, so I may have inadvertently damaged the internal circuitry, though I did take care to mark down where the cables went &c., and it does now work properly with my IBM laptop.

Or is it a hideous plot by IBM to make their products incompatible with Intel products? 

The PS/2 connection isn't hot swappable, meaning you won't be able to plug it in while the PC is on and running and have it be detected, it needs to be plugged in before it's powered up.

You mentioned the PC crashes when you attempt this; What exactly happens? Any error messages you receive?

No error message, except it messes up the system date.

That's weird.  As in it changes the system date?

If it's working with a ps2 adapter, the keyboard is fine.  Getting these older power hungry beasts to work with usb adapters isn't easy sometimes.  You might have to check out a different adapter. 

But don't give up--you're just an adapter away from capacitive buckling spring bliss!

[y11971alex]

Hi, this is my very first post on Geekhack.

I have decided to buy myself an IBM Model F originally for the PC/AT from eBay.  After both it and the Belkin converter (AT->PS/2) arrived, I plugged the keyboard in while the computer was off and turned it on.  The status lights flashed on the keyboard, but the computer did not register the keyboard and proceeded to crash.  The motherboard used in the PC is the Intel S5000XVNSATAR board.  Unwilling to let on, I plugged it into my old IBM ThinkPad T41 laptop on the dock that came with it, thinking that they're ought to be intercompatible since they're both manufactured by IBM. 

I gave it one last shot by plugging it into the dock after the laptop booted... and it now works.  However, if I plug it into my PC while it is already running, the computer does not detect it. 

I have heard that the Model F was associated with electrical issues when plugged into a non-IBM PC, though I'm not sure if this is the case with my keyboard.  I have also opened it up and cleaned it prior to using it, so I may have inadvertently damaged the internal circuitry, though I did take care to mark down where the cables went &c., and it does now work properly with my IBM laptop.

Or is it a hideous plot by IBM to make their products incompatible with Intel products? 

The PS/2 connection isn't hot swappable, meaning you won't be able to plug it in while the PC is on and running and have it be detected, it needs to be plugged in before it's powered up.

You mentioned the PC crashes when you attempt this; What exactly happens? Any error messages you receive?

No error message, except it messes up the system date.

That's weird.  As in it changes the system date?

If it's working with a ps2 adapter, the keyboard is fine.  Getting these older power hungry beasts to work with usb adapters isn't easy sometimes.  You might have to check out a different adapter. 

But don't give up--you're just an adapter away from capacitive buckling spring bliss!

Actually, I've managed since to use it on an older PC from about '05.  Luckily, that PC has server specs, so I can get working there too.

It's a great keyboard so far, and my ziotec converter is arriving tomorrow. 

[SamirD]

Sweet!  Glad you got it working. 

[Melvang]

I would consider a controller swap to an Xwhatsit.  This will give you zero problems using it in virtually any USB port, and give will be fully programmable.