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A rather odd solution to my control set up? Feedback & advice please!

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MonMotha:
USB is very much a one-way system.  It can move data either way, but it's entirely host/device (master/slave oriented).  A USB hub will not work "backwards".  There should never be any need for USB gender changers unless somebody is using the wrong plug to begin with.

Those USB to PS/2 adapters are usually passive.  They work on many devices because there's a de-facto standard for dual mode devices and their pinouts.  The device actually natively speaks either USB or PS/2.  The device must support this with those passive adapters.  You cannot plug a pure USB device into most of those adapters and expect it to work.  There are likely real "translators" available, but it's going to cost more than a couple bucks.

PS/2 splitters are almost universally made for laptops with dual-mode ports.  You likely don't have one of those, so it won't work.  Operation is usually flaky even on properly equipped laptops.

After reading what you're attempting several times, I'm still not sure exactly what you're going for, but I can basically guarantee you it won't work.  USB just doesn't work like this.

Oh, and for the love of all that is holy, please modify the giant links so that the URL is hidden and won't break the page layout.  This is horizontal scroll mania.

CathalDublin:
Ive doubts of this working but I'd try these before changing to usb to change back again

http://sewelldirect.com/PS2Splitter.asp

http://www.datapro.net/products/ps2-splicer-coupler-md06ff.html

http://www.datapro.net/products/ibm-pc-keyboard-cable-kb5-m-m.html

slapaham:
Haha cynos - you have totally read my mind, that's where my train of thought led me too! I'm now buying more leads as this solution is far simpler! MonMotha - I agree, if the original plan worked then I would be very surprised - however, I have learnt a lot from your post that will serve me well in future!

Thanks everyone!

severdhed:
you'd probably be much better off buying an ipac and the xbox adapter...or an x-arcade and xbox adapter

MonMotha:
Splitting PS/2 like you're talking may or may not work, as well.  The protocol does have the keyboard generate the clock and data when direction flows from the keyboard to the PC, so that's OK.  Both ports would just see a keyboard hooked up that happens to send identical (and identically timed) data, assuming it can drive both inputs (which it likely can).

However, when the link is placed into reverse (e.g. to set the key lock lights), the host PC side generates the clock and takes over the data line.  The system is open collector, so this doesn't present an electrical conflict, but if both sides try to do it at the same time, it certainly won't work.  A more interesting effect is that the other host port will see the LED change (or whatever) message as though it was sent from the keyboard.  This could be misinterpreted as a keypress or similar.

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