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IBM KB-9910 "PS-2" as USB keyboard
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WhiteBimmer
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December 1, 2015 - 12:36 pm
Member Since: April 21, 2013
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Have an older IBM KB-9910 rev E02 "PS2" keyboard.
Can I use this as a USB keyboard with a non-IBM Win7 OS PC with PS2 -> USB adapter (which I have)?
Does not seem to be plug-n-play.
Do I need a driver?
IF so, what is reliable (read non-crapware) source for keyboard driver?
Thanks.

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Marc Thomas
Argentina
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December 1, 2015 - 3:43 pm
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Does the PS2 to usb adaptor work for you?
I mean, does the keyboard fire up?

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Jim Hillier
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December 1, 2015 - 5:26 pm
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Also: Does the PC you're connecting the keyboard to include PS2 connections?

If yes (PS2 connectors are available) try this:

1) Shutdown the PC and turn off at the power point
2) Plug the keyboard into the PS2 connector
3) Turn the power to the PC back on and boot up

PS2 is not hot-swappable and PS2 devices will only be recognized at power up/boot up.

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WhiteBimmer
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December 1, 2015 - 6:05 pm
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Jim Hillier said

Also: Does the PC you're connecting the keyboard to include PS2 connections?

If yes (PS2 connectors are available) try this:

1) Shutdown the PC and turn off at the power point
2) Plug the keyboard into the PS2 connector
3) Turn the power to the PC back on and boot up

PS2 is not hot-swappable and PS2 devices will only be recognized at power up/boot up.

* Computer does not have PS2 jack, only USB;

* First PS2/USB adapter I bought did not work, even when I rebooted the PC with keyboard/adapter plugged in (original USB keyboard WAS unplugged); Hitting caps & num lock keys did not activate keyboard lights;

*Subsequently learned that some PS2->USB are adapters, NOT converters which have an imbedded microchip; see link below
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/124184

* Decided to return the first adapter and ordered one from clickykeyboards;

*Will keep in mind the fact that PS2 keyboards are not hot swappable and will make sure power is off before keyboard installed with subsequent power ON;

Thanks, Marc & Jim, for your responses.

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Jim Hillier
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December 1, 2015 - 6:23 pm
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That was going to be my next question - whether the adapter you bought was just an adapter or a converter as well.

Sounds like you have it sorted, thanks for letting us know.

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WhiteBimmer
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December 2, 2015 - 9:52 am
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If I had not read the ClickyKeyboard information, I never would have known that there were adapters and converters! Not sure why they are called PS2 adapters other than the fact that playstation uses or, at least, used to use them and (maybe) it does not need the microchip?!

Very confusing but hopefully the CK converter does the trick! Should know shortly...

Thanks again and keep up the good work with DCT! Always learn something.

Happy Holidays!

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David Hartsock
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December 3, 2015 - 8:34 pm
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A good keyboard is like a long lost friend, so I'm glad you figured it out!

It's technically called a "PS/2" connector and it originated on a computer IBM (remember them?) released in the late 80's called the - wait for it - PS/2, or Personal System/2.

Nothing to do with Sony. 🙂

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WhiteBimmer
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December 4, 2015 - 10:27 am
Member Since: April 21, 2013
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We'll see...!

Interesting to know where the "other" PS2 originated! Did not remember that.

Wish the 9910 keyboard was one of the original IBM clicky types but sadly it is not. Probably around "PS2" vintage. It was in my relics box so the price is right.

Can't believe they get $150-200 for a refurbed vintage keyboard OR not much less for a present day clicky!

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WhiteBimmer
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December 4, 2015 - 2:15 pm
Member Since: April 21, 2013
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Received the "adapter" (interestingly, not "converter") in the mail.

Since it is the size of a small wallwart (1"x1"x1 1/2") creates a bit of a problem with adjacent USB ports even tho' the USB plug is offset so you need an appropriately oriented port. I had to switch a couple things around.

Keyboard came online with shutdown, install, reboot with no issues.

Forgot how nice the "feel" was on the 9910...not sloppy actuation like the OEM HP it replaces. Keys have a bit of a texture and are very slightly scooped out.

One website called the 9910 "cheap". I might call it inexpensive but not cheap which to my mind brings the connotation of poor quality.

Thanks again for everyone's assist.

Happy Holidays!

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dandl
Lexa, AR
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December 4, 2015 - 2:58 pm
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I have to admire your dedication to a keyboard. Glad it is working. Daniel.

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Jim Hillier
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December 4, 2015 - 3:15 pm
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Ditto! 🙂

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WhiteBimmer
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December 4, 2015 - 3:30 pm
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Less a dedication to a keyboard that one to money! 😀

$25 incl P/H vs $100+/- for a quality replacement keyboard just made sense.

Plus, I got to learn a few things.

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