Issue with Compaq MX11800 and PS2 to USB adapter

Grond · 07 Apr 2011, 19:01

Today I bought a cheap-ass PS2 to USB adapter form my Compaq MX11800. The adapter looks just like this
http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/sho ... =!ORDERID!
and was the last unit in stock at the local store. Please note that the MX11800 has actually TWO PS2 connectors - one for the keyboard and the second for the integrated trackball. So i tried to plug in the keyboard only, but that does not seem to work. The leds on the keyboard do blink though when the usb is connected - but after that the keyboard won't work anywat. I wonder if the adapter is to blame (build quality looks really cheap and the connector does not seem to stand firmly in it). Or rather, do I need to plug both the connectors in?

xbb · 07 Apr 2011, 19:58

I think you need a better converter. Windows or OSX user?

Grond · 07 Apr 2011, 20:36

OSX...

Gilgam · 07 Apr 2011, 22:11

i'll try tomorrow with mine; it wprks fine on windows and linux
i've got a mac mini in double boot macosx win xp
But i have that one
http://www.materiel.net/cable-adaptateu ... -5337.html

Gilgam · 08 Apr 2011, 13:56

Ok

i plugged in the adaptator and the keyboard works fine on macosx.5/macmini, maybe it's time to change your adaptator
I've had to remap the capslock key to command.

The trackball is odd indeed; you can ajuste the sensitivity though.

xbb · 08 Apr 2011, 14:22

the best imo if you dont have a cmd key is to remap:
ALT -> CMD
CTRL -> OPTION (ALT)
CAPS -> CTRL

Grond · 08 Apr 2011, 14:29

Thanks guys! I'll get a more reliable adapter and remap!

Gilgam · 08 Apr 2011, 14:31

how do you do this on macosx , i used preference pane/keyboard/key modifier and switched some options there.

Do you use some specific software. By the way do you map the numbers row ?

xbb · 08 Apr 2011, 15:48

I do it from the preferences like you did I guess, maybe they are not available on 10.5 but on 10.6? I'm using 10.6

ripster · 08 Apr 2011, 17:08

Cheap ass ps/2 converters are cheap ass.

Unless you are this guy named Kishy on Geekhack. Then it is worth your time buying 20 of them to try.

daedalus · 09 Apr 2011, 01:21

For one of those two PS/2 plug keyboards, the Belkin USB adapter would be the most ideal solution.

Gilgam · 09 Apr 2011, 15:08

tested the same keyboard and the same adptator on an Imac 2010 macosX.6 : works fine

Grond · 09 Apr 2011, 19:27

Thanks Gilgam, I sent for an adapter like yours!

Gilgam · 09 Apr 2011, 23:59

prego

ripster · 10 Apr 2011, 16:47

In other news I figured out this combo works.

This picture is so wrong on so many levels.

Grond · 10 Apr 2011, 17:39

What keyboard is that? It looks like an Apple ripoff...

ripster · 10 Apr 2011, 19:23

It's affectionately called the HHKB Killah! in America. Review here.

daedalus · 11 Apr 2011, 22:06

Called an Apple ripoff everywhere else.

Grond · 12 Apr 2011, 15:07

My adaptator arrived today. It's exactly the same Gilgam suggested... now the keyboard actually works, can't say the same for the trackball though. The system detects it, but i can't seem to use it for some reason. Anything I can do about this?

Grond · 12 Apr 2011, 15:54

Great, the whole thing worked for about six minutes, then, for no particular reason, died. I can't seem to get it to work again! That's so annoying! When my Filco arrives, I'm just going to pull off those keycaps and cut all this nonsense!

Gilgam · 13 Apr 2011, 09:06

the keyboard died or the adaptator ?

Grond · 13 Apr 2011, 16:23

It's the adaptator for sure! I opened it to check up and I found a loosely soldered wire. This is bad luck! Maybe I could fix it if I had an iron, but I don't think I'll bother after all. I got my Filco tenkeyless today, so I'll just use that!

ripster · 13 Apr 2011, 16:34

Shoulda got a Blue Cube or Belkin.

I think Kishy is still looking for a good reliable dongle.

Grond · 13 Apr 2011, 17:24

The result is far from great, maybe I should put all the black modifiers back. I couldn't swap the right shift, which is much shorter on the Compaq, nor the left Caps Lock, which is off-center. Anyway! Cherry PBTs feel better than original Filcos, and they speak my language! I find it good enough as a temporary solution.

xbb · 27 Apr 2011, 23:23

I have tried all the three adapters I have (blue cube, hama, conceptronic) with my new G80-1501HAD/11 with OSX.
Hama and Conceptronic works ok, with the blue cube my num lock led stays always on. No idea why.

ripster · 28 Apr 2011, 00:04

Make sure you get SOMETHING.

Modern motherboards don't support PS/2 so well.

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?1730 ... -I-restart.

xbb · 28 Apr 2011, 00:11

ripster wrote:Make sure you get SOMETHING.

Modern motherboards don't support PS/2 so well.

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?1730 ... -I-restart.

But it works anyway with all the adapters. Plus I have noticed...
Blue cube: I can press max 5 keys together
Hama: 6 keys, next one resets all the keys
Conceptronic: 6 keys, next one just does not anything

ripster · 28 Apr 2011, 01:59

[slash]Your testing seems off. I get 6KRO on a Blue Cube.[/slash]

Oops. You're right. 5KRO on a Model F AT through a Blue Cube. Technically it's 5KRO + 3 modifiers. Stupid Model F AT lacks window keys.

webwit · 28 Apr 2011, 04:03

Blue Cube is not the best. It has bugs (i.e. the Shift/Cursor bug) and is too bulky for crowded USB ports.

ripster · 28 Apr 2011, 05:57

If the OP had gotten a Blue Cube he'd be up and running right now.