Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: TDeacon on May 20, 2021, 07:11:09 PM

Title: Converting a quality PS/2 keyboard to USB
Post by: TDeacon on May 20, 2021, 07:11:09 PM

Hi all,

Since the early 1990s, I've used a high-quality keyboard (Keytronic KB101 Plus) for Air Warrior, Warbirds, and Aces High.  One nice thing about it is the numeric keypad supports the legacy view system via 3-key numeric combinations, and I've always preferred the legacy view system.  Given its age, this keyboard uses a PS/2 connector.

Just discovered that the ASUS Prime Z490-A MB on the PC I'm building doesn't have a PS/2 connector on the back.  Questions:

1)  Does anyone have experience with PS/2 adapters or (more expensive) converters?  (my preferred solution)
2)  Does anyone recommend a modern USB, high-quality keyboard supporting 3-key numeric keypad use?   (a future solution)

Thanks in advance,
MH

Title: Re: Converting a quality PS/2 keyboard to USB
Post by: Bizman on May 21, 2021, 03:23:44 AM

Since there's adapters widely available that obviously means they should also work. I've only used printer port to usb adapters so far so I don't have first hand experience on keyboards. The last keyboard adapter I needed was to connect a PS/2 keyboard to a DIN connector...

After a quick search there's a couple of things to consider:

• An active adapter might work better - which means a passive one might work as well
• Make sure the adapter is made for keyboard instead of mouse only
• In the BIOS settings, change USB behaviour to Legacy

Hope that helps

Title: Re: Converting a quality PS/2 keyboard to USB
Post by: Spikes on May 21, 2021, 01:29:28 PM

I've used PS/2 to USB converters, any should work since they're pretty simplistic.

Title: Re: Converting a quality PS/2 keyboard to USB
Post by: Gman on May 22, 2021, 11:48:31 AM

Quote from: Spikes on May 21, 2021, 01:29:28 PM

I've used PS/2 to USB converters, any should work since they're pretty simplistic.

Ditto, I use the same on my IBM "M" buckling spring keyboard and others, and they work fine.

Title: Re: Converting a quality PS/2 keyboard to USB
Post by: Chalenge on May 23, 2021, 09:34:34 AM

Quote from: Gman on May 22, 2021, 11:48:31 AM

Ditto, I use the same on my IBM "M" buckling spring keyboard and others, and they work fine.

Ditto.

Title: Re: Converting a quality PS/2 keyboard to USB
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 23, 2021, 02:18:48 PM

Quote from: TDeacon on May 20, 2021, 07:11:09 PM

Hi all,

Since the early 1990s, I've used a high-quality keyboard (Keytronic KB101 Plus) for Air Warrior, Warbirds, and Aces High.  One nice thing about it is the numeric keypad supports the legacy view system via 3-key numeric combinations, and I've always preferred the legacy view system.  Given its age, this keyboard uses a PS/2 connector.

Just discovered that the ASUS Prime Z490-A MB on the PC I'm building doesn't have a PS/2 connector on the back.  Questions:

1)  Does anyone have experience with PS/2 adapters or (more expensive) converters?  (my preferred solution)
2)  Does anyone recommend a modern USB, high-quality keyboard supporting 3-key numeric keypad use?   (a future solution)

Thanks in advance,
MH

Any PS/2 to USB adaptor will work.