deskthority

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.

If you're already working to make your M USB compatible, you could use a USB splitter to essentially have two ports

Or build a little USB hub into the thing and use extender cables to expose the ports.

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.

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.