Lexmark M13 with DIN and serial connector: how do I cable/convert it?
- ohaimark
- Kingpin
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Siemens G80 Lookalike
- Main mouse: Logitech G502
- Favorite switch: Blue Alps
- DT Pro Member: 1337
I just picked this up from elecplus' stock and I'm trying to figure out the wiring. I'll pull it apart later to get some photographs of the internals, but in the meantime I'm looking for speculation.
My primary concern at the moment is whether the trackpoint has a combo mouse feature set (serial + PS/2) or not. Is there an easy way to determine that without buying a PS/2 to serial converter and plugging the possibly dangerous combination into something?
If it has a combo feature set I plan to buy a black "Y" cable from Unicomp, strip the modular end, and use a twin converter.
Alternately, is there a microcontroller based converter that will handle the mouse and keyboard simultaneously?
Finally, do any of you know of a USB "Y" cable that has dual data lines that can be purchased separately from a keyboard? That would allow me to use two microcontrollers (one for serial mouse to USB, one for keyboard conversion), in the worst case scenario, to handle output.
- elecplus
- Location: Kerrville, TX, USA
- DT Pro Member: 0082
- Contact:
Since the pointer is tested working on the 9-pin serial, a serial to USB converter will work for that. An Orihalcon PS/2 to USB will work for the keyboard. This does take up 2 USB slots, but it works.
- elecplus
- Location: Kerrville, TX, USA
- DT Pro Member: 0082
- Contact:
Sorry, I tested it with an Orihalcon DIN to USB cable.
- ohaimark
- Kingpin
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Siemens G80 Lookalike
- Main mouse: Logitech G502
- Favorite switch: Blue Alps
- DT Pro Member: 1337
No worries. I do plan to replace the cable, as it really detracts from the keyboard's aesthetic value. I'm trying to avoid using two separate cables, which is why I'm grappling with this.
- y11971alex
- Location: Toronto, ON
- Main keyboard: MacBook Air
- Main mouse: Microsoft Sculpt Comfort
- Favorite switch: buckling springs
- DT Pro Member: 0172
Is this a Model M in Lexmark livery or another type of keyboard?
- elecplus
- Location: Kerrville, TX, USA
- DT Pro Member: 0082
- Contact:
It is a model M buckling spring.
- ohaimark
- Kingpin
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Siemens G80 Lookalike
- Main mouse: Logitech G502
- Favorite switch: Blue Alps
- DT Pro Member: 1337
Yep yep. It's from when Lexmark modified their tooling for square labels. GTSI and Dell also took advantage of that design.
I think the square labels look particularly nice. They match the LED sticker.
I think the square labels look particularly nice. They match the LED sticker.