USB Keyboards with Pluggy McPlugface

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pepperm
Posts: 2
Joined: 06 Oct 2018, 19:27

USB Keyboards with Pluggy McPlugface

Post by pepperm »

I have a Gigatron Kit waiting in my Wife's secret Christmas draw for me for Christmas :lol: So, as well as other things (working away, LiNC80, RC2014 - its been a Retro year) I am assembling things that I will need to help me play with my Gigatron at Christmas. I have a handful of PC keyboards all of which are of the USB variety. What I need to know is... Will any of these work with Pluggy McPlugface if I connect them to it through one of those (invariably green) USB to PS/2 adaptors, or will I need to go and buy a proper PS/2 keyboard?

Regards, and Happy Christmas (sorry its early)

Mark
PveGigatron
Posts: 3
Joined: 01 Nov 2018, 16:59

Re: USB Keyboards with Pluggy McPlugface

Post by PveGigatron »

I tried it with a HP keyboard and a usb to ps2 converter and it did not even initialize (all 3 led's flash on/off) the keyboard.
The ps2 I use is also a hp same style keyboard just with a ps2 plug and it works fine, only think I found with the gigatron is it does not initialize it if its plugged in at switch on, you need to unplug and plug it back in to get it working.

19/11
O just realized i used the green adapter which is for a mouse not a keyboard no wonder it did not work...let me see if I can find the correct one to test it...sorry.
okay just found a purple USB to ps2 adapter, but again when you plug it into the Gigatron no lights flash up on it and no keys work.
rblackhart
Posts: 1
Joined: 19 Nov 2018, 15:23

Re: USB Keyboards with Pluggy McPlugface

Post by rblackhart »

I have a USB keyboard that I was able to attach with a USB to PS/2 converter (purple if that makes a difference). Here are the products that I got:

Keyboard: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B017M4IX8W
Adapter: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A0K2JO
jbailey
Posts: 28
Joined: 20 Nov 2018, 08:54

Re: USB Keyboards with Pluggy McPlugface

Post by jbailey »

I had to purchase a PS/2 keyboard just for this computer, the following from Amazon.com and it works:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0075 ... UTF8&psc=1
ProHT PS/2 Serial Standard Keyboard (70011), 104 Key Standard Windows Keyboard Works with Windows 98/ME/XP/VISTA/7, Black

It works reasonably well, the mechanics of the keys are ok but its a cheap keyboard. I also have tried a USB/PS2 adapter on another nonane keyboard and it too worked (but not all keyboards internal circuits support PS/2).

Also remember to use the ctrl-alt-F# key to set the appropriate region so your keys are mapped correctly.

In addition my Pluggy McPlugFace seems to take approx 30-50 seconds longer then the Gigatron to boot. That said after the adapter is running and I see the flashes of the keyboards lights all is well.

Best wishes on your build
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