[samplerdave]

One of my old keyboards is becoming unusable. Twenty years of grime sticking the keys.

 

However, I do have a couple of brand new 'Dreamcast' keyboards. Still in their wrappers.

 

The problem is that they have an oddball plug. The plan is to cut off the plug and connect the lead via the original PS2 plug.

 

My question is how can I identify which wire on the Dreamcast corresponds with the wires on the standard PS2 plug.

 

The label on the back says

 

SEGA MODEL No. HKT-7630

 

P/N KB3TO44XPXSA

 

It looks very much like an old IBM M2 Part No. 1393713 with three extra keys (labeled S1,S2,S3) added to the bottom row.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Dave.

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Additional.

 

The keyboard is virtually identical to a Cherry model RS 6000 CYA.

 

On the Cherry the three extra keys are two for Windows + one other I don't recognise.

 

Also the Cherry has three leds where the label is on the Dreamcast.

 

Dave

Edited by samplerdave, 26 March 2018 - 02:11 PM.

[samplerdave]

Additional.

 

The keyboard is virtually identical to a Cherry model RS 6000 CYA.

 

On the Cherry the three extra keys are two for Windows + one other I don't recognise.

 

Also the Cherry has three leds where the label is on the Dreamcast.

 

Dave

Edited by samplerdave, 26 March 2018 - 02:11 PM.

[paws]

Hi samplerdave,

 

This could be a tough one!

 

However, I think that Raphaël did some good work on this a year or two ago when he designed an adapter that might possibly achieve what you want to do.

 

His website provides a Schematic and a Wiring diagram so this may be what you are looking for.... Here's a link:

http://www.raphnet.n...sb/index_en.php

 

You will need to scroll down a little for the Pin arrangements.

 

On a different tack entirely.... it sounds like a lot of work to me!.... when a PC keyboard can be purchased for a pound or two or a dollar or three unless it's your hobby its not really worth trying to build your own.

 

As an absolute last resort why not clean your old keyboard? they usually come up brilliantly.

Regards

paws

[samplerdave]

Paws,

 

Thanks for that.  I've had a look at the link and it does help a bit.

 

My concern was that I may cross one of the power wires in the keyboard lead and cause some damage to it.

 

However, I have decided to remove a bit of the outer cable sheath from the lead, bare a bit of each wire, and with the keyboard active on the computer check that the +5 Volt and the return are red and black.

If this is so I will go ahead and cut the wires and attach them to corresponding wires on the Dreamcast.

 

I'll then try it out on an old computer to see if it works.  If not I can always re-connect to the original plug and carry on.

 

Cleaning up the keys will be the next thing. I think Iso Propanol should be ok.

 

I agree with you that new keyboards are cheap as chips these days. In fact a bag of chips in our area possibly is more expensive than a keyboard.  But I have two of these brand new boards and it seems ashame to waste them.

 

I'll let you know how it works out.

 

Dave.

[samplerdave]

Paws,

 

I'll settle for a good clean of the old keyboard. If that doesn't work I may proceed with the original ideas.

I need to use the board.

 

Dave.

[samplerdave]

Two hours cleaning the keyboard.  Good as new.

 

Dave.

[paws]

apologies for the delay in responding, Dave, but that is excellent news, so well done!

 

Please dont tell my customers but I always use lemon CIF ( used to be called Jiff) household cleaner and it works a treat.... leaves a nice fresh smell as well!

Regards

paws

[samplerdave]

I used IPA. Iso Propan Alcohol (aka Isopropanol) not the beer.

 

Dave.