Possibility of modding a 5pin DIN connector to USB

hKing

07 Apr 2020, 13:43

Hello there,
I kinda like the coiled cables that come with some of the old Cherry boards.

I already found a guide about how to modify a 5pin DIN connector to PS/2. Is it possible to further modify the cable to

mini USB (for my 60%) - USB male (my PC)?

https://www.instructables.com/id/Old-Ke ... converter/

Findecanor

07 Apr 2020, 14:08

So.. in other words you want to build your own custom USB cable out of an old PS/2 cable?
Both USB and PS/2 use four wires + shield, so yes, that should work.

You should be able to find the connectors at electronic component retailers. Some custom keyboard shops also have parts or kits: custom USB cables is a thing.
I have also seen a thread or two on forums about how to make a straight cable into a coiled cable, if you'd want to go that route instead. And then there are ready-made coiled USB cables with paracord sleeving in a few shops. There is a whole lot out there to find.

hKing

07 Apr 2020, 15:59

Thanks a lot for your input.

I don't want to completely build a new cable, I just want to rewire the existing old cable with new usb-connectors.

Do you know about some wiring diagrams? So that I can see which wire has to be attached to which usb-connector...

Findecanor

07 Apr 2020, 16:19

hKing wrote: 07 Apr 2020, 15:59 Do you know about some wiring diagrams? So that I can see which wire has to be attached to which usb-connector...
You should be able to find a wiring diagram in the connector's datasheet which should be available on the web shop where you would buy it. (If a shop does not provide datasheets for its components then it is a pretty crappy shop and should be avoided ...)

Rauha

07 Apr 2020, 17:37

If I understand correctly, you do not want to modify 5pin DIN connector ( as the title says), but just use old keyboard cable with modern USB mini and USB A plugs?

For that, cut the DIN connectors from the cable. Then use use this digram. It shows USB A and USB mini pin outs. 5pin DIN cable has 5 cables for the 5 pins, so it should be easy.

Image

hKing

07 Apr 2020, 19:05

Perfect picture, thanks!

The 5pin DIN connector has 5 wires.

Would it be easier to not use one wire (the thicker shielded black one) and just split the normal black one for the mini USB?

If not, can I just solder the normal black wire and the shielded black wire together to the corresponding pin outs?

I'd solder both black cables to the Standard A USB "GND"

I am not an electrician so maybe I am thinking too hard :lol: :lol: :lol:

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