Re: Keyboard lead

[Patricia M Godfrey pmgodfrey@xxxxxxxx]

REply to message from Manuel Castelao , 01 Feb 2005
07:53:22
≪Original IBM-AT keyboards (only 10 functions keys on the left, circa
1985), are they compatible with modern computers? I believe I performed
some unsuccessful tests a long time ago attempting to connect one of
those keyboards to a more up-to-date
computer. Any experience in that matter?≫

The AT keyboards would work with most XTs, but NOT with the original IBM
PC (or, in all probability, their clones. Nor will the original PC
keyboard work with anything later than an XT, I assume. In fact, I rather
think they wouldn't even work with XTs. Almost certainly not ATs. Scott
Mueller (_Upgrading and Repairing PCs,_ 6th ed., Que, 1996; being a
packrat has its advantages) claims that's because of "BIOS and electrical
interface problems."

And yes, I know exactly what Paul is talking about. I had a couple of
those keyboards with the odd connector on the keyboard end of the cable
(all long gone to recycling, I'm afraid). I think Compaq used them too.
Mueller's book, cited above, calls the keyboard-end connector a SDL
(shielded data link) connector; the DIN (standard or mini) at the other
end, he informs me, comes from Deutsche Indutrie Norm. Then he adds that
"The newer enhanced keyboards come with an externally detachable keyboard
cable that plugs into the keyboard port with a special connector, mcuh
like a telephone connector."

Patricia M. Godfrey
PMGodfrey@xxxxxxxx