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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Maximite Keyboard Questions.
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donmck Guru  Joined: 09/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1313 |
I live in hope of getting my Maximite next week, and while I was out shopping this morning, I was trying to think if I actually had a PS2 type keyboard. I recently said, everyone has one of those in the junk box, and you can probably get one out of honkers for $10 inc shipping, but did I actually have one? Decided to pop into JB-HiFi just to price them. Couldn't see what I was looking for so the drone sent me to the games section and said there were plenty up there. After a few minutes, I realized why he had sent me to the games section. "PS2". So I went back to look through the range of Logitech and MS keyboard bits and pieces, and was approached by a more knowledgeable person who knew not only what I was looking for, but was interested when I told him about Maximite. He convinced me that they hadn't actually carried any for quite some time. Was the PS2 keyboard going to be a problem? Went to Office Works, same problem, plenty of USBs, but no PS2s. Off to the little computer place next door, http://www.cnettech.com.au/ They had $20 PS2 keyboards, and $16 PS2 to USB adapters. OK, so we will get through this, and get our Maximite going I'm sure. Got back home, went through the junk box, and found plenty of what I needed, but looking at the range, it may have provided more questions. I found an AT Keyboard with a 5 pin DIN connector, and an adapter cable attached that converted to PS2. Don't know how much current it draws, but if it is proportional to weight, I may be in strife. I found a USB keyboard, with a PS2 adapter. Then I actually found a real PS2 keyboard. To top this off, I have about 4 wireless Logitech USB keyboards. Wonder if these will work with the PS2 adapter. So when I get my Maximite, I should be able to test many combinations of ways of getting to PS2. Anybody got some feed back on any of these keyboards already? Cheers Don... https://www.dontronics.com |
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
It would be interesting to see if the USB to PS2 adapter works. I've always kept a few PS2 keyboards, I've had a few old motherboards that wont reconise a USB keyboard when booted to DOS or in the Bios. I would imagine the old AT keyboard would be OK power wise, the 5v supply is straight from the reg/usb supply. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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BobDevries Senior Member  Joined: 08/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 266 |
I luckily had some PS/2 keyboards, so I could use my Maximite right away. I also have one of those PS/2 to USB adaptors, but I found that I couldn't use it, because of the close proximity between the VGA connector and the PS/2 port. I haven't yet seen any adaptors that have any wire between the PS/2 plug and the USB socket. Regards, Bob Devries Dalby, QLD, Australia |
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| donmck Guru Joined: 09/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1313 |
Thanks Bob, what a bummer. I actually ordered a couple of different ones in to try, but I can see that they all have the wide part of the USB horizontally, so it ain't gunna work. Even the SMD board Richard is designing has the same problem. http://www.thebackshed.com/forum/uploads/Tecc/2011-06-03_095 221_Maximite_SM1C_PCB.pdf I was hoping to try a USB wireless Logitech. 
Cheers Don... Last minute edit: There are the cables that have both keyboard and mouse to USB. I'll have a go atone of these. https://www.dontronics.com |
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| Gizmo Admin Group Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
What about using a ps2 extension lead. The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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| donmck Guru Joined: 09/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1313 |
I just updated that last post Glenn, you beat me by about 32 milli-seconds. 
BTW, saw your message regarding moving the server. I guess you needed a bigger hammer after all. I find most DNSs update within the hour, so good luck with it. Cheers Don... And a late edit on this one. As you suggested Glenn, it must be an extension lead, as the mouse keyboard combinations are the wrong gender, and designed to go from USB to PS2. https://www.dontronics.com |
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| donmck Guru Joined: 09/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1313 |
An update on Keyboards suitable for Maximite Old AT 5 pin DIN to PS2 adapter works. PS2 to USB adapter works. PS2 to USB Wireless didn't work on the Logitech I tried. Cheers Don... https://www.dontronics.com |
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| Ray B Senior Member Joined: 16/02/2007 Location: AustraliaPosts: 219 |
PS2 Keyboards ...... How hard are they to get these days. In frustration I purchased a new one yesterday for only $6 from a wholesaler here in Balcatta in Perth where I now buy all of my PC gear goto www.msy.com.au This company has "across the counter" outlets in all states excelt TASSIE. RayB from Perth WA |
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brucepython Regular Member  Joined: 19/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 64 |
A fairly reliable source of slightly outdated gear is the local oppy shop. I picked up a PS2 keyboard for $1 and, apart from needing a quick wipe down, it's perfect. For 50c or $1 each I also scored an armful of phone chargers, both 12v and 220v types, all working. (They're for a different project.) I reckon it won't be long before 15 inch flat screens are turning up there for $5. |
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James_From_Canb Senior Member Joined: 19/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 265 |
Or just bypass the problem. Plug a USB cable into the USB port on the Maximite, and connect through your PC with a terminal program. I now have one less keyboard and monitor cable on my desk, and the Maximite only has cables for power and USB plugged in. It's much neater. I guess I could even remove the power plug and run it off the USB power. My mind is aglow with whirling, transient nodes of thought careening through a cosmic vapor of invention. Hedley Lamarr, Blazing Saddles (1974) |
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| Ray B Senior Member Joined: 16/02/2007 Location: AustraliaPosts: 219 |
James that works until you want some flashy graphics - they won't work through USB and need the VGA connection. RayB from Perth WA |
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| camfab Newbie  Joined: 10/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 13 |
anymore updates to which brands of usb keyboards work? i have a digitech flexible keyboard from jaycar, model xc5172, and i will only output constant v's when connected to my MM, via ps2 adapter. Doh Fre Sprky ///.../// |
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| donmck Guru Joined: 09/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1313 |
Hmm.... Thanks Dion, have added to: http://www.themaximitecomputer.com/maximite-control/ so at least others shouldn't get trapped. Cheers Don... https://www.dontronics.com |
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