USB to PS/2 adapter that is compatible with MS 4000 keyboard

[Paul]

First to answer the question of why I insist on using this particular
keyboard instead of another one:

Because it's the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used and
because I do a lot of writing. I can type all day long on this thing
without getting any pain in my wrists. It's got a *downward* slope
(opposite of previous MS ergonomic keyboards). Try it and there's no
going back.


Rob:

Yes, it could certainly be a fun project. But for me the learning
curve would require just way too much time. If you get things working
with the PIC16C74 microcontroller, please let me know.

I'll buy you something from your Amazon wishlist if you can come up
with a solution. Yeah, it's not much, but better than nothing.
Who knows, maybe you can then sell the damn things (or at least the
instructions on how to build one yourself) and make a fortune in the
process.

OK, here is a solution.

http://www.iogear.com/support/manual/GCS1732_1734v2.pdf
http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS1732&sec=Function Diagram#display

Purchase one GCS1732 and one optional G2L5302P cable kit.

The GCS1732 takes a USB keyboard and a USB mouse on the front.

Being a KVM, it can drive two computers on the back. By using the
G2L5302P cable kit, the interface offered is PS/2 keyboard connector
and PS/2 mouse connector. Which implies a protocol translation
from a USB keyboard to a PS/2 computer.

You'll never need to switch the KVM, because you're only using
it for the translation function.

The two items total are $140 from buy.com .

There are likely other KVM products that offer USB console
and USB/PS2 PC interfaces, so there may be a cheaper solution
out there. I'd read some reviews before buying, as some KVMs
like to hang or otherwise misbehave.

GCS1732 reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16817107415

Paul

 

[chris_k]

OK, here is a solution.

http://www.iogear.com/support/manual/GCS1732_1734v2.pdf
http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS1732&sec=Function Diagram#display

Purchase one GCS1732 and one optional G2L5302P cable kit.

The GCS1732 takes a USB keyboard and a USB mouse on the front.

Being a KVM, it can drive two computers on the back. By using the
G2L5302P cable kit, the interface offered is PS/2 keyboard connector
and PS/2 mouse connector. Which implies a protocol translation
from a USB keyboard to a PS/2 computer.

You'll never need to switch the KVM, because you're only using
it for the translation function.

The two items total are $140 from buy.com .

There are likely other KVM products that offer USB console
and USB/PS2 PC interfaces, so there may be a cheaper solution
out there. I'd read some reviews before buying, as some KVMs
like to hang or otherwise misbehave.

GCS1732 reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16817107415

Paul

Although expensive, this is probably what I'll end up doing if I can't
find a cheaper solution. Thanks.

 

[chris_k]

OK, here is a solution.

http://www.iogear.com/support/manual/GCS1732_1734v2.pdf
http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS1732&sec=Function Diagram#display

Purchase one GCS1732 and one optional G2L5302P cable kit.

The GCS1732 takes a USB keyboard and a USB mouse on the front.

Being a KVM, it can drive two computers on the back. By using the
G2L5302P cable kit, the interface offered is PS/2 keyboard connector
and PS/2 mouse connector. Which implies a protocol translation
from a USB keyboard to a PS/2 computer.

You'll never need to switch the KVM, because you're only using
it for the translation function.

The two items total are $140 from buy.com .

There are likely other KVM products that offer USB console
and USB/PS2 PC interfaces, so there may be a cheaper solution
out there. I'd read some reviews before buying, as some KVMs
like to hang or otherwise misbehave.

GCS1732 reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16817107415

Paul

Update:

I ended up buying this KVM/cable kit and can confirm that it works
with no problems.

It was a pricey solution, but worth it.