Keyboard cables

[Lutiana]

So the keyboard cable I have is having issues as near as I can tell the problem is at both ends (behind the connectors). I can replace the RJ11 end easily, but how do I fix the other end?

While I am at it, is there a way to run a normal XT keyboard off the port on the back? I am hoping there are some DIY instructions I can use to make it work.

Thanks in advance!

[jmetal88]

Nah, there's not really a DIY way to run any keyboard but the PCjr keyboard from the back. I mean, it could be done, but you'd have to figure out the differences in the codes sent from each keyboard and use a microcontroller to convert them and such. Kind of complicated. There were commercial products that allowed XT keyboards to be hooked to the PCjr, but I haven't seen any pop up on ebay.

[Lutiana]

Nah, there's not really a DIY way to run any keyboard but the PCjr keyboard from the back. I mean, it could be done, but you'd have to figure out the differences in the codes sent from each keyboard and use a microcontroller to convert them and such. Kind of complicated. There were commercial products that allowed XT keyboards to be hooked to the PCjr, but I haven't seen any pop up on ebay.

Yeah, after reading Mike's article on the keyboard differences I realized it was not as simply as just wiring an adapter.

Any ideas on how to fix the PCjr end of the cable I have? Is there a place to buy those crimp on ends or am I going to have to jerry rig something? I'd prefer to use the kb wired for now.

[Brutman]

The RJ style clip being broken is fairly easy to fix. But you said your keboard cable has problems at both ends. What is the problem with the end that goes to the computer?

The pins on the computer side are pretty strong, but will not survive somebody forcing a connector in the wrong way. Always insert your cables in a gentle manner, with full visibility. You do not want to try to replace a pin with those connectors ...

[jmetal88]

Someone who's decent with assembly language should be able to modify the code for this project to translate AT scancodes to PCjr scancodes. Changing scancodes for single keystrokes should be pretty simple, looking at the code (and I know some of them are the correct scancodes already), but I don't know enough assembly to figure out how to make it send the Fn scancode plus the number key scancode whenever a function key is pressed.

http://wiki.vintage-computer.com/index. ... _converter

[Lutiana]

What is the problem with the end that goes to the computer?

The pins are fine, there is wear on the cable where it meets the connector and I have to jiggle and bend it to get it to work. It looks like the connector was crimped onto the cable. You can imagine how annoying it is to get the keyboard to work when both ends have a semi-broken wire in them.

The interesting thing to me is that the service guide displays a 6 position RJ11 connector, but my cable has a 4 position connector on it.

[jmetal88]

Actually, now I'm thinking that making a keyboard adapter might be a fun little project. I can't really find tutorials of the scope I'd like for the PIC or AVR microcontrollers, but I did find a decent one for the 8051 that I'm reading through now. I'll see if that can help me figure out what's going on in the assembler code or maybe help me write my own routines to accomplish the AT->PCjr decode.

EDIT: If I end up trying this, I'm sure it won't be ready any time reasonably soon. By all means, if anyone else is interested, and already has the knowledge required to make this work, please jump in!