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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Fidelio on December 24, 2017, 06:28:47 pm

Title: [Solved] How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old PS/2 ipac2 board?
Post by: Fidelio on December 24, 2017, 06:28:47 pm
Hi everyone!

I recently resumed work on a long-suspended arcade controller project and am at the stage where I'm ready to hookup my keyboard encoder.  I found my old ipac2 board I purchased back in 2011, and am trying to test it before wiring up buttons and joysticks.  The board has a PS/2 interface, and I've hooked it up via a passive PS/2 adapter and USB cable (PS/2 male -> USB A female, with USB A male to A male cable).

Unfortunately, my Windows 10 computer isn't detecting the board at all, and I consequently can't reprogram it or even test its default configuration by viewing key-presses in a text editor.  When programming, the WinIPAC tool reports "Failed to program device. Try reinstall with board connected and/or reboot" whether I have the board connected or not.

Is there any additional configuration needed with the OS or the board's jumpers for this to work?  Here is a list of things I've checked/tried thus far.


I've had this board in storage for just over 6 years now, and I'm wondering if I may have damaged it.  However, it it does receive power and go through its bootstrapping (LED flashes then stays solid green).
Title: Re: How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old ipac2 board?
Post by: JamesTKirk on December 25, 2017, 02:20:58 am
 If I was you, I would first try to determine if a regular PS2 keyboard will work attached with the ps2 to USB adapter in windows 10 on the machine you're using.  If the PS2 keyboard will work then you know that Windows 10 is not the problem.  If the PS2 keyboard will not work then you know that until you get it working you will probably never be able to get the iPac to work.  Have you tried connecting a PS2 keyboard with the USB adapter to the windows 10 box?
Title: Re: How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old ipac2 board?
Post by: Fidelio on December 25, 2017, 02:34:19 pm
Quote from: JamesTKirk on December 25, 2017, 02:20:58 am
Have you tried connecting a PS2 keyboard with the USB adapter to the windows 10 box?

Thank you for the feedback!

Unfortunately, it will be difficult to find an old PS/2 keyboard -- I don't think I know anyone who may have one lying around :)

I did test the device on a RetroPie installation for a Raspberry Pi Model B -- same result; no characters generated when shorting the input terminals to ground.  At this point, I'm starting to think that either PS/2 adapter is faulty, the USB cable, or the board itself.

On a side note, I've ordered a second adapter (PS/2 male to USB A male), which will remove the need for the USB A male to male cable too.  I'll have more testing data once that component arrives.
Title: Re: How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old ipac2 board?
Post by: Titchgamer on December 25, 2017, 02:55:06 pm
I suspect that the problem may lie with the adapter.

I have had this problem with a actual keyboard before where it just would not work with a adapter but worked fine when plugged into another computer directly.

Only other thing I can think of and I apologise for it sounding daft but Have ypu checked its plugged into the correct port on the board? I remember there being 2?
Title: Re: How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old ipac2 board?
Post by: postmortem on December 25, 2017, 06:19:50 pm
It's been a while since I've messed with the ipac and ps/2 port configuration, but doesn't the ipac require a ps/2 keyboard to be plugged into it in order for it to work when plugged into the PC?
Title: Re: How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old ipac2 board?
Post by: Fidelio on December 25, 2017, 09:20:17 pm
Quote from: Titchgamer on December 25, 2017, 02:55:06 pm
I suspect that the problem may lie with the adapter.

I suspect the same too as the USB cable works as expected in other applications.

I realized today that the adapter is really one for converting USB devices to use with a PS/2 port.  The pin-out and continuity test shows that the PS/2 pins are connected to the appropriate USB pins, which is confusing.  I'll see what happens when I get my proper PS/2 -> USB converter in a couple of days.

Quote from: Titchgamer on December 25, 2017, 02:55:06 pm
Only other thing I can think of and I apologise for it sounding daft but Have ypu checked its plugged into the correct port on the board? I remember there being 2?

No worries -- thank you for being thorough!  There are two PS/2 terminals, and I am indeed connecting to the "PC USB/KB" terminal.  The other is for keyboard pass-through to PC.
Title: Re: How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old ipac2 board?
Post by: AndyWarne on December 26, 2017, 03:51:06 am

There is information on this subject on www.ultimarc.com/ipacusb.html (http://www.ultimarc.com/ipacusb.html)

If this does not help I can try to help via email: andy@ultimarc.com
Title: Re: How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old ipac2 board?
Post by: Fidelio on December 26, 2017, 10:41:03 pm
Quote from: Titchgamer on December 25, 2017, 02:55:06 pm
I suspect that the problem may lie with the adapter.

Confirmed that this was indeed the problem.  Windows 10 properly detected the board when I used a PS/2 male-to-male cable and a PS/2 female-to-USB A adapter.

Thanks to everyone for your patience and advice!
Title: Re: [Solved] How do I get Windows 10 to detect an old PS/2 ipac2 board?
Post by: Titchgamer on December 27, 2017, 03:33:10 am
Quote from: Fidelio on December 26, 2017, 10:41:03 pm
Quote from: Titchgamer on December 25, 2017, 02:55:06 pm
I suspect that the problem may lie with the adapter.

Confirmed that this was indeed the problem.  Windows 10 properly detected the board when I used a PS/2 male-to-male cable and a PS/2 female-to-USB A adapter.

Thanks to everyone for your patience and advice!

Glad you are sorted :)