Model M keyboard to a T41 via USB?

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womble · #1 Post by **womble** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:59 pm

Hi,

Firmly believing the IBM Model M keyboard to be the best keyboard ever created, I have purchased one for use with my T41. I've run into some problems, and after doing a search, it looks like I need to be more careful with my selection of PS2/USB converters. So I'm off to RadioShack tomorrow.

However, I also read a post that mentions that the Model M keyboards don't work with all Thinkpads due to insufficient voltages. Does anyone know if they work with the T series? It would be nice to know before going to look for more PS2/USB converters.

Thanks.

womble · #2 Post by **womble** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:50 am

Anyone?

Ground Loop · #3 Post by **Ground Loop** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 4:48 am

You probably want this one:

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf ... /id/124184

The IBM keyboards suck around 120 mA of current, which is far more than most keyboards. Low power USB adapters can't provide it.

The ThinkPad USB connetions are self-powered and should be able to provide the full rated 500mA of power that is typical. Anyone know for sure? If I'm wrong, and they're actually 100mA, then you would need to use an externally-powered USB hub to provide the current.

womble · #4 Post by **womble** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 4:59 am

Wow- thanks for that. That's gobs of information!

sheed_03 · #5 Post by **sheed_03** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:03 am

I also own a Model M keyboard, however it uses a serial AT connection, so I have to use a small AT to PS2 adapter to connect to my desktop. I want to be able to use the keyboard with my Thinkpad T42 due to arrive soon (see sig for specs) through a KVM switch. Specifically, I want to connect my CRT monitor and this keyboard into the KVM switch (Trendware 2-Port USB and PS/2 KVM Switch with Audio seen at http://www.trendnet.com/products/TK-210K.htm ) and then use the PS2 to USB adapter mentioned in the earlier post, seen at http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf ... /id/124184
to connect one of the PS2 cables from the KVM switch into the Thinkpad via the USB port. Has anyone else tried this? And with my Model M keyboard already using the AT to PS2 adapter, will that cause more problems with the signal or currents?

Tan Mann · #6 Post by **Tan Mann** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:33 pm

womble wrote:Anyone?

Try this:
http://www.startech.com/ststore/itemdet ... BPS2PC&mt=

It works real well...I use this adapter with 3 TPs hooked up to Model M keyboards...

Works perfectly.

Tan

Model M keyboard to a T41 via USB?

Model M keyboard to a T41 via USB?

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