PS/2 to PCjr Keyboard Converter - Schematic and Source

[jmetal88]

Well, the PCBs shipped a lot earlier than I expected, so they may actually be here before the end of the week. Right now, I'm trying to sort out assembly of the connectors and shielding. It's a little tricky.

[jmetal88]

The ferrules are going to look a bit messy because I was unable to find the proper tool to crimp them (I thought a coaxial F-connector crimp tool would work, but when I compared the ferrule to one at Home Depot, it looked like it would be too big), but here's the connector and cable you'll have to look forward to:

ferrule.jpg

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Sorry that's so terribly out-of-focus, I just was not able to get my phone camera to lock on to that very well.

[MikeModified]

Would it look a little better with some shrink-tubing over the ferrule? Hard to tell from the angle shown.

Mike

[jmetal88]

Would it look a little better with some shrink-tubing over the ferrule? Hard to tell from the angle shown.

Mike

It might, but I didn't think to order any and I'm not sure if I can get any locally (I probably can't unless Home Depot has some by chance).

EDIT: What do you know, Home Depot does have heat shrink. I might pick some up later.

[jmetal88]

Got a better picture with it actually sitting on a table:

ferrule 2.jpg

(439.31 KiB) Not downloaded yet

[jharre]

I'm kind of amazed that you were able to source the connector and shroud!

Somebody probably has a $175 crimping tool that will make it look very pretty, but is it really necessary? Probably not.

Heck, you could probably make a few bucks selling replacement PC Jr keyboard cables or just the connectors.

[jmetal88]

PCBs are due to arrive this afternoon. I plan to get at least one soldered up today, and will probably actually do two or three.

[James]

Calling "dibs" or is that some kind of obscure Brooklynese term

[jmetal88]

Here are the first two, assembled (except for the microcontroller in one of them, because I only have one microcontroller programmed so far and will probably make some final adjustments prior to programming the rest of them).

The one in the top of the picture was the second one finished, as you should be able to tell by the build quality being so much better than the one in the bottom of the picture.

first cables.jpg

(593.62 KiB) Not downloaded yet

[Brutman]

Those look *very* professional!