Issues With Old 1988 IBM Model M Keyboard on Windows 10

CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 15:04

Hey all,

Bit of a niche topic but I reckon there's probably a lot of OzBers familiar with this keyboard

Recently got my hands on a IBM Model M but having trouble getting it to work on my Windows 10 laptop. I'm using this active PS/2 to USB adapter but the keyboard fails to respond using this - none of the keys register. I initially bought this adapter but didn't realise it wasn't 'active', so that obviously didn't work either.

The Num Lock light comes on during Windows start up but then turns off when I get to the lock screen. The keyboard's recognised in Device Manager as a 'HID Keyboard Device'.

I've tried different USB ports, shutting down my laptop and then plugging in the keyboard through the adapter but it's always the same result.

Any help would be much appreciated! TIA.

Electrical & Electronics Computer Peripheral IBM Keyboard

Comments

  • Hybroid on 03/08/2023 - 15:11
    +2

    This post from slance310 suggests disabling USB Legacy Support in BIOS would fix it.

    • CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 15:30

      Thanks for the suggestion, saw that earlier though no change in outcome :/

  • rumblytangara on 03/08/2023 - 15:15
    +2

    Has the M been confirmed to work prior to this?

    Have you tried a different computer?

    I would suspect that the second adaptor isn't good either- I mean, these are cheap and cheerful items with no real documented standards about them. I would expect that there are fairly trustworthy sources for 'known good' adaptors to be out there other than random Ebay listings.

    • CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 15:36

      Has the M been confirmed to work prior to this?

      Confirmed by the eBay seller as working, I just sent them a PM to ask what type of setup they were running with to get it to work for them

      Have you tried a different computer?

      Yes, on a separate Windows 10 device but same outcome.

      I would suspect that the second adaptor isn't good either

      Yeah, I do reckon this could be it. Will probably just bite the bullet and buy one of the more expensive adaptors then or wait and see what the seller says.

      • spackbace on 03/08/2023 - 15:55
        +1

        Has the M been confirmed to work prior to this?

        Kinda important to know before putting more money down the drain

        • CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 16:08

          Confirmed by the seller just then as working. Wasn't being sold as scrap parts/defective

          They said it was mainly used with older hardware with dedicated PS/2 ports, so have a feeling it's the cheapo adapter I bought. Reddit threads I've posted have come to the same conclusion, been recommended to get a better adapter

      • rumblytangara on 03/08/2023 - 16:00

        Would have hoped to have had the adaptor bundled with the keyboard if it was a private seller, but oh well.

        First Google result was this: https://www.clickykeyboards.com/product-category/ps2-keyboar…

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/08/2023 - 15:22
    +6

    It's quite likely your 1988 IBM Model M Keyboard wasn't designed to meet Windows 10 2015 requirements.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 03/08/2023 - 15:29
    +1

    I've found a few serial/PS2 convertors don't work. Even 20 years ago the Targus and Belkin units were not always successful.

    You maybe able to change the numlock status in the registry?

  • hmac on 03/08/2023 - 15:40

    Can I ask why? So many good keyboards available for affordable prices

    • CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 15:49
      +3

      Gift for my older brother who was always interested in getting one - modern keyboards don't use the buckling spring switch design, which is what makes this keyboard so popular.

    • rumblytangara on 03/08/2023 - 16:05
      +3

      The 'good keyboards at affordable prices' these days are a bit meh, to a tech enthusiast. They all use essentially the same mechanical design (clones of the Cherry MX switch), which has certain limitations built into it. To move beyond 'meh' then you're well into the prices that one of this vintage boards will go for.

      The 1980s Model M happens to use a totally different design which is impossible to replicate using the Cherry approach. There are attempts at facsimiles, but they feel fundamentally different. They are also old school in build- far higher build quality and materials. Off memory they weigh in at about 3kg.

      There is one company that still makes them new- they bought out the old IBM production gear decades ago: https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/UKBD

      • Ice009 on 26/09/2023 - 23:28

        There is one company that still makes them new- they bought out the old IBM production gear decades ago: https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/UKBD

        Wow, these look interesting. Thanks for the link. I am currently using a Filco Majestouch with blue switches, but I always wanted to try one of these old IBM keyboards out for an extended amount of time, as I recall borrowing one from a friend years and years ago when my crappy rubber dome keyboard failed. I got to use the IBM for a few weeks I think it was, and remember really liking it. Didn't know what I was using at the time, really, as it was such a superior typing experience. I should I looked for one, but instead I think I bought a rubber dome Logitech gaming keyboard ;).

        What keyboard/s do you currently use? Do you have one of these IBM remakes?

        • rumblytangara on 27/09/2023 - 09:46

          What keyboard/s do you currently use? Do you have one of these IBM remakes?

          Daily board is a standard Realforce, and I have a couple of original Ms rather than the newer Unicomps. I've got a bunch of more obscure boards but I stopped obsessing ages ago and just settled on the current one.

          MX Blues are my most disliked switch because of the high pitched click, and the click being a purely aesthetic mechanism rather than a fundamental part of the switch. Don't use them in a room with anyone else- even if they don't say anything they will still be silently hating you. Same with Ms TBH but bucking spring is so loud they'd definitely speak up.

  • skid on 03/08/2023 - 16:19
    +1

    Haven't tried it myself, but I reckon this would work: https://cplonline.com.au/startech-usbps2pc-usb-to-ps-2-keybo…

    It looks like it has a small circuit box to process the ps/2 signal into USB HID.

    • CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 16:49

      Cheers, will look into it!

      • skid on 03/08/2023 - 17:03

        Saw in the feedback for the ebay USB adapter that you linked to and they said that it works with their Model M. Maybe there is something wrong with the keyboard?

        https://www.ebay.com.au/fdbk/feedback_profile/exteek?filter=…

        This adapter worked perfectly with my Model M keyboard.
        USB Male to PS2 Female Adapter Active Converter Cable Barcode scanner KVM Switch (#133759053449)
        b***4 (456)
        AU $6.95
        Past 6 months

        I'd try to plug a powered USB hub between the laptop and the PS/2 adapter in case the laptop is not supplying enough power to the adapter.

  • Ghost47 on 03/08/2023 - 16:49
    +1

    Those Ebay listings mention the adapters are compatible up to USB 2.0, does your laptop have USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports?

    • CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 17:04

      USB 3.0, but I suspect it isn't actually a true active adapter that's the issue. It's advertised as such but it obviously isn't working. I'll return them if I'm bothered too, they were only a few bucks each (you get what you pay for I guess)

      Thanks anyway for the help

  • JimB on 03/08/2023 - 16:49
    +2

    Time to downgrade to that Pentium PC

    • WhyAmICommenting on 03/08/2023 - 20:23
      +1

      486 DX4-100 is where it's at

      • JimB on 03/08/2023 - 21:18

        I remember the AMD 486 DX4 went up to 120Mhz.

        • WhyAmICommenting on 03/08/2023 - 21:56

          Didn't know that - but I know the Intel 4-100 was better than the AMD 2-100, at least for games.

          • JimB on 04/08/2023 - 09:39
            +2

            @WhyAmICommenting: From memory the Cyrix 5x86 133Mhz was the fastest socket 3 CPU (486).

            Only the rich could afford intel inside.. the commoners used AMD and Cyrix haha

            The good old days.. if I invested (and reinvested) what my SCSI card and CD Burner cost me in CBA shares, I could have retired by now haha

  • JIMB0 on 03/08/2023 - 17:04
    +1

    Maybe you need to get an old computer with an inbuilt motorised coffee cup tray.

  • iridiumstem on 03/08/2023 - 20:28
    +1

    My ps/2 keyboard wasn't working and I think it was basically doing what you are describing. Following this tutorial actually made it work with my PC (that said mine was direct to PS/2 port and by the sounds of things you have a converter so not sure what this would do).
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyMogAluoSk

    Not sure whether this would work, but at least it's worth a try?

    • CrispyChrispy on 03/08/2023 - 20:38

      Thanks for the suggestion, tried that earlier but nada. I think it's the adapter that I'm using that's the issue. Thanks anyway

  • garetz on 03/08/2023 - 21:34
    +1

    I have a model m, works fine, you need a specific adapter, cost me about $35 at the time i got it.

    the ebay seller called it "NEW PS2 to USB Adapter Converter Keyboard Barcode Scanner CardReader IBM Model M"

    bought in 2014, not sure its available anymore.
    Sellers name was ARAMKOLT

  • CrispyChrispy on 21/09/2023 - 23:14
    +3

    … In case anyone was following

    Managed to fix the issue, opened up the keyboard and reseated a loose ribbon cable. Works like a charm now.

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