Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: fullerlee on December 17, 2003, 03:59:22 pm
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I would like to build a simple keyboard switch so I can switch between a standard PS/2 keyboard, and my keyboard controller.
I've looked at the specs for PS/2, and there is a single +5V line.
If I was to wire both keyboards up to all the other lines, and then had a switch in the +5V line which toggled between giving power to each keyboard, does anyone know if that would work?
Thanks,
Lee
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Dual Keyboard Circuit (http://home.t-online.de/home/stephan.hans/tricks.htm#DUAL-KEYBOARD%20Circuit)
If I were to make a switch, I think I'd leave the +5v and ground lines connected to both devices at all times and have the switch swap the data and clock lines between the 2 devices...
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Thanks, I remember seeing that a while ago and I couldn't remember where.
I might give it a go, but my electronics knowledge is somewhat limited.
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If you have limited electronics knowledge (or even if you don't) then I suggest just adding a USB keyboard. Easier, you only have to plug it in when you need it, and you won't risk messing up your motherboard or keywhiz by messing up the wiring.
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Ok, perhaps I should explain the reason for my keyboard switcher/cutoff.
I have a wierd motherboard which won't boot with my keyboard encoder. It's by no means the fault of the encoder, but the industrial spec motherboard I picked up on the cheap.
Anyway, as soon as I unplug the PS/2 cable from the computer, it boots fine, so I though of putting a toggle on the machine to switch the keyboard on and off.
After some playing about yesterday, I found that breaking the data line (thanks to _Iz-) allowed the computer to boot, and then reconnecting allowed the keyboard to function, so a simple toggle switch on the front of the machine ("boot mode" v "game mode") will fix the problem.
Perhaps I'm electronically naive, but I'm always very pleased with myself when I get stuff to work!
Thanks to all who replied.