Has anyone ever added USB ports to a Model M, New Model M, or Mini M.
I use wired trackballs and it would be super convenient to plug these things into my keyboard rather then have the cable snake across my desk.
Adding USB ports to a Model M
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apastuszak
- Location: Bensalem, PA, USA
- Main keyboard: IBM Model M
- Main mouse: Kensington Slimblade Trackball
- Favorite switch: Buckling Spring
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
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LambdaCore
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: HHKB Professional Classic (currently in rotation)
- Main mouse: Logitech MX518
- Favorite switch: Capacitive Buckling Springs
If you're already working to make your M USB compatible, you could use a USB splitter to essentially have two ports
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LambdaCore
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: HHKB Professional Classic (currently in rotation)
- Main mouse: Logitech MX518
- Favorite switch: Capacitive Buckling Springs
I saw Andy J's thread just above this one about his Smart IBM PC AT Keyboard, you could even attempt something similar to a smaller extent if all you want are USB ports and you're handy with a soldering iron I suppose.
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AndyJ
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: i-Rocks compact
- Main mouse: Logitech Trackman
- Favorite switch: IBM buckling spring
You can open up a "laptop-size" USB hub - the Sabrent ones have a single screw - and remove the circuit board, which makes it a lot smaller.
On my "smart keyboard", the USB hub is a big problem; room for the plugs becomes a problem. So I'm planning to (hopefully) de-solder the connectors and hardwire the internal bits together.
If you de-solder the USB connectors from the board, that gives you the option of using panel-mount USB connectors, so you can put them wherever you want without the circuit board being a problem.
On my "smart keyboard", the USB hub is a big problem; room for the plugs becomes a problem. So I'm planning to (hopefully) de-solder the connectors and hardwire the internal bits together.
If you de-solder the USB connectors from the board, that gives you the option of using panel-mount USB connectors, so you can put them wherever you want without the circuit board being a problem.