Old computer died; can't get PS2 version of KeyWiz Max to work USB in new one

[Dealmeister]

Old Arcade cabinet computer died. Got a replacement, but it only has USB ports.

I bought a PS2 (female) to USB (male) adapter at a local computer shop, but it doesn't work. Windows 10 gives me an error:

"USB device not recognized.
The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."

FWIW, I am using CoinOPs.

Does anyone have any ideas, other than trying other adapters?

[RandyT]

It sounds like a passive adapter.  These do not work with the PS/2 version of the KeyWiz.  Those "adapters" are specifically for dual-interface devices, like certain USB / PS/2 mice.

With the PS/2 KeyWiz (different from the KeyWiz USB MAX) you would need to use an active USB keyboard converter.  While any of them will provide limited functionality, only the ones which are intended for gaming will provide proper functionality.  However, even with these, you would not be able to program the unit as the adapter would act like a firewall between the software and the interface.  These special adapters are also usually quite costly, so it would likely make more sense to upgrade to the KeyWiz USB MAX for native USB support, true EEPROM keyset storage, user-defined debounce rates, more inputs, etc...

[pbj]

Just send him a new one, you cheap ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

[Zebidee]

Search your favourite marketplaces for "active ps2 usb adapter". The dongle will usually have two cables, one USB end and two PS2 ends (green and purple). Some go for under $10, some cost up to $30 or more, spend what you feel you must. Get one that seems to do the job and fits the description.

I haven't used the active adapter with LEDWIZ specifically, but I got a couple locally for about $6 each and they work well for old trackballs and IPACs.

Those thumb-sized USB/PS2 adapters are very hit-and-miss, usually miss. I have a dozen of them, but they aren't much good for anything more complicated than a keyboard.

[abispac]

sounds like is time to buy a new keywiz? 

[RandyT]

Just send him a new one, you cheap ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

Uh oh.  Looks like Jimmy's on the sauce again. 

[pbj]

Good grief, Randy, what's your materials cost on those things?  $5?  You now have some loyal customer chasing his tail with $20 active adapters that aren't going to work.  Maybe when you take a break from selling 10,000 joysticks to NASA you can toss a new one in the mail for him.

 

 

[RandyT]

Good grief, Randy, what's your materials cost on those things?  $5?  You now have some loyal customer chasing his tail with $20 active adapters that aren't going to work.  Maybe when you take a break from selling 10,000 joysticks to NASA you can toss a new one in the mail for him.

When you get a chance, send me a ticket to the parallel universe you live in.  Sounds like prices and business are much better for me there! 

[Dealmeister]

I ordered an active adapter on Amazon, it arrived on Saturday, my buddy El Jefe had to make the center "slot" hole a little bigger, then it worked like a charm.

My control panel only has 2 players with 4 buttons each (player 1 joystick is a combo 4-way/8-way, if that matters).

I haven't tested how many key presses can make it though at any one time yet... not sure how to do that other than trying a 2-player fighting game. 95% of the games we play only use 2 buttons, so I think I'm good.

In case I'm not, my buddy also hooked me up with another old Compaq so I have a spare with PS2 ports.

I will probably upgrade my KeyWiz someday when I have time to label all of the wires, but I'm not looking forward to that ;-)

Thanks, everyone.