mac keyboard with a PC?

Machs_FueL · 01-08-2002, 03:48 PM

I thinking I could pick up a semi-working Mac keyboard from school for free and use the controler in it... Is there any compatablity issues?

lstrunk · 01-08-2002, 03:55 PM

yep, unless its USB
The older ones where called "Bus" and even though it looks PS/2, its not.

Machs_FueL · 01-09-2002, 02:20 PM

what about hacking off the cable and just connecting the wires (found the pinouts). My only worry would be if the clock speed was the same..

pshlortz · 01-10-2002, 02:28 AM

go find really old AT keyboards. adapters exist to make it into atx. The advantage they have is they often have true solder points under the demuxer chipset instead of surface mounted stuff so you can really make yer own keyboards.

check my mp3car project at ghettohardware.com for more info.

hornet · 01-10-2002, 05:38 AM

What the hell is an ATX keyboard? i think you might be referring to PS2 keyboard

lstrunk · 01-10-2002, 05:54 AM

Just face it, some people are idiots, I have to deal with them all day.

pshlortz · 01-10-2002, 02:50 PM

yes ps/2. I was busy studying to take the GRE's last night so mind wasn't 100% here.

SkinnyBoy · 01-11-2002, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pshlortz:
<STRONG>yes ps/2. I was busy studying to take the GRE's last night so mind wasn't 100% here.</STRONG>

Hey, get lost, I am the only village idiot around here, FIND YOUR OWN PLACE!!!

Machs_FueL · 01-11-2002, 07:00 AM

Anyone with anything relevant to say?

KCMONGO · 01-11-2002, 02:12 PM

Actually I'm running an IMac USB keyboard in my truck PC sometimes two. One is attached to the back side of my drivers side Visor and the other I keep behind the seat to plug into the USB port on the passenger side so the passenger can plug it in if they wanna play a game or something. The Mac USB Keyboards and mice are recognized by plug and play as HID (Human Interface Device's) and they work great. I've also used older Apple ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) (that connector that looks like PS2 but is actually the same pinout as S-Video)with an ADB to USB Adapter from a company called Griffin Tech it's recognized as HID also and works as well.
Apple used to have some cool keyboards that were split down the middle for ergonomics with one of those griffin adapters my plan was to mount it to my old highback office chair in my computer room with half the keyboard on either armrest Captain Kirk Style....

As far as using just the controller I've pinned out the connector on an old Broke Mac USB Keyboard to use for a custom keypad if anyone needs it. Unless you've got a specific reason to use the Mac keyboard VS an Old PC Keyboard Other than it's cheap I'd just use a PC one. If you want cheap head out some night and Dumpster Dive you local computer stores you'll surely find a few and just cause a keyboard has half a 2 liter of coke spilled in it doesn't mean the Controller is Smoked.
I've gutted a couple keyboards that were too sticky to use but had a good controller.

MONGO

[ 01-11-2002: Message edited by: KCMONGO ]