Avatar
Log In
Please consider registering
Guest
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Min search length: 3 characters / Max search length: 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_topic_old
IBM KB-9910 "PS-2" as USB keyboard
Avatar
WhiteBimmer
38 Posts
(Offline)
1
December 1, 2015 - 12:36 pm

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.

Avatar
Marc Thomas
Argentina
271 Posts
(Offline)
2
December 1, 2015 - 3:43 pm

Does the PS2 to usb adaptor work for you?
I mean, does the keyboard fire up?

Avatar
Jim Hillier
2700 Posts
(Offline)
3
December 1, 2015 - 5:26 pm

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.

Avatar
WhiteBimmer
38 Posts
(Offline)
4
December 1, 2015 - 6:05 pm

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.

Avatar
Jim Hillier
2700 Posts
(Offline)
5
December 1, 2015 - 6:23 pm

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.

Avatar
WhiteBimmer
38 Posts
(Offline)
6
December 2, 2015 - 9:52 am

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!

Avatar
David Hartsock
1117 Posts
(Offline)
7
December 3, 2015 - 8:34 pm

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. 🙂

Avatar
WhiteBimmer
38 Posts
(Offline)
8
December 4, 2015 - 10:27 am

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!

Avatar
WhiteBimmer
38 Posts
(Offline)
9
December 4, 2015 - 2:15 pm

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!

Avatar
dandl
Lexa, AR
740 Posts
(Offline)
10
December 4, 2015 - 2:58 pm

I have to admire your dedication to a keyboard. Glad it is working. Daniel.

Avatar
Jim Hillier
2700 Posts
(Offline)
11
December 4, 2015 - 3:15 pm

Ditto! 🙂

Avatar
WhiteBimmer
38 Posts
(Offline)
12
December 4, 2015 - 3:30 pm

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.

Forum Timezone: America/Indiana/Indianapolis
All RSSShow Stats
Administrators:
Jim Hillier
Richard Pedersen
David Hartsock
Moderators:
Carol Bratt
dandl
Jason Shuffield
Jim Canfield
Terry Hollett
Stuart Berg
John Durso
Top Posters:
Chad Johnson: 867
Mindblower: 666
carbonterry2: 356
Flying Dutchman: 278
grr: 211
Newest Members:
blutsband
cyberguy
JudeLandry
benjaminlouis680309
drogers97439
Forum Stats:
Groups: 8
Forums: 20
Topics: 1942
Posts: 13520

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 11
Members: 3179
Moderators: 7
Admins: 3
Most Users Ever Online: 2303
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 36
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Scroll to Top

WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER?

Get great content like this delivered to your inbox!

It's free, convenient, and delivered right to your inbox! We do not spam and we will not share your address. Period!