Found a Leading Edge DC-3014 keyboard. Now what?

[Snapplepop]

Hey guys, first time posting. I just had a question that's probably been answered but I've found so much conflicting information I just figure I'd ask.

I found a Leading Edge DC-3014 keyboard. It's got Blue ALPS and an XT connector. What do I need to get this working on a modern machine? Will a AT/XT to PS/2 converter just not work? Do I need one of those USB hubs like this one here (http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/prod ... xtusb.html)?

Thanks. Sorry for asking a question that's probably been answered.

[Muirium]

I'm typing this from an XT Model F with Soarer's converter right now. Hagstrom's box also works. It's up to you. I use my converter with XT and PS/2 keyboards (and soon to add RJ45!) so Soarer's was the better choice for me.

[Snapplepop]

I'm typing this from an XT Model F with Soarer's converter right now. Hagstrom's box also works. It's up to you. I use my converter with XT and PS/2 keyboards (and soon to add RJ45!) so Soarer's was the better choice for me.

Ah, it seems Soarer requires you to build it yourself. I'm afraid wiring is a bit beyond me. I guess Hagstrom's box is for me, then.

So I can't just use an XT/AT Adaptor that you can buy at a store because of the layout, right? That's why you need a box?

[Muirium]

Okay: although they look different, AT and PS/2 talk the same language: "AT". It's just a different size of plug. That's how those simple adapters work: they're just wires between the ends. But XT is a different protocol and requires active processing. Confusion alert: the same big 5 pin DIN plug is used for both XT and AT! A round of applause for mid 1980s IBM please…

Soarer's converter (which is indeed DIY) is smart enough to talk all of these (and adds re-mapping, layers and macros which is extra neat) and that's the one I know.

Hagstrom's site doesn't mention AT at all, so I guess it only knows XT.

I've no experience with Leading Edge keyboards either. The Wiki only mentions the Leading Edge DC2014, which is XT. If yours is XT, Hagstrom's off-the-shelf box should work.

[Snapplepop]

Okay: although they look different, AT and PS/2 talk the same language: "AT". It's just a different size of plug. That's how those simple adapters work: they're just wires between the ends. But XT is a different protocol and requires active processing. Confusion alert: the same big 5 pin DIN plug is used for both XT and AT! A round of applause for mid 1980s IBM please…

Soarer's converter (which is indeed DIY) is smart enough to talk all of these (and adds re-mapping, layers and macros which is extra neat) and that's the one I know.

Hagstrom's site doesn't mention AT at all, so I guess it only knows XT.

I've no experience with Leading Edge keyboards either. The Wiki only mentions the Leading Edge DC2014, which is XT. If yours is XT, Hagstrom's off-the-shelf box should work.

Thank you very much, it does get really confusing. I will order the box this weekend.

[Muirium]

The Leading Edge DC2014 looks a similar layout as my IBM XT, but with Alps switches:

Leading Edge DC2014:


IBM PC/XT:


If yours looks like the later IBM AT instead, I wouldn't take XT as a safe assumption. The AT is what it says it is!

IBM PC AT:

[Snapplepop]

The Leading Edge DC2014 looks a similar layout as my IBM XT, but with Alps switches:

Leading Edge DC2014:


IBM PC/XT:


If yours looks like the later IBM AT instead, I wouldn't take XT as a safe assumption. The AT is what it says it is!

IBM PC AT:

Hmm. Maybe it is an AT. I will check when I get home, is there any way to tell just by looking at the plug?

And if it is an AT, I just need the adapter, right?

[Halvar]

Congratulations, that's a great find!

First thing you should do is check if there's a switch somewhere on the backside with a caption saying something like "AT/XT". They're not very visible sometimes, in some cases just a hole in the case with a switch on the pcb underneath. Most keyboards with this kind of connector have a switch like that. If that's the case, you just need to switch to AT and you're fine with a common "dumb" adapter to PS/2.

If there is no switch. just try it out, maybe it's still AT protocol (although it's not very probable given the layout).

[Halvar]

Seems to be AT, so just buy a PS/2 adapter (and a cheap PS/2->USB converter if you want) and you're fine

http://curio.egloos.com/m/343195
http://cryo.egloos.com/1724665

I'm a bit envious, blue Alps are great switches...

If you'd like to sell it let me know ...

[Muirium]

Made in Korea? Oooh, cool. Looks a nice old school Alps keyboard. Halvar's links hint pretty heavily to this being AT: so try a cheap AT>PS/2 adapter before you bother with Hagstrom.

Fortunately, plugging XT into AT by accident is quite safe. The only difference is the protocol. They just won't understand each other!

[Daniel Beardsmore]

Nice looking board! Appears to be AT:

http://zonam.egloos.com/3413724

Interestingly, those doubleshot keycaps are manufactured identically to the ones on the Zenith Supersport SX notebook.

Don't forget to document it on the wiki once you've confirmed its connection type :P

[Muirium]

Indeed, the caps look very familiar from below. Wonder who made them.

Leading Edge has the weird distinction of having two completely different logos: one in awesome Futura by the looks of it, and the other less impressive one they put on the top. Ho hum.