#Amiga kbrd compatibility
13 messages in this thread
Having just repaired an A3000 keyboard sent to me for that purpose, I would
like to test it. The repair was a mechanical one, but knowing that gremlins and
Murphy are alive and well, I really would like to do an electrical test.
Problem is, I have only my old A1000 (which appears to have the same
connector). What happens if I plug the A3000 keyboard into the A1000? All I
really want to see is that the keyboard gives a response for each key. Don't
care if it doesn't map correctly. Also don't want to have to buy the owner a
new keyboard.
Any help appreciated.
Regards, Hugh Holland
Hugh,
All of the 1000's I've ever seen use a modular handset type connector for
the keyboard. The 3000 uses a 5-pin DIN plug. In theory the 3000 keyboard
should work on the 1000 with the proper adapter. When the 2000 first
appeared, CBM had a trade in deal for 1000 owners. You traded in the
keyboard from the 1000 as a part of the deal. DKB made an adapter for
those keyboardless 1000's allowing a 2000 keyboard to connect up. The 2000
and 3000 keyboards are interchangable.
-Jim
MOS via Autopilot & Amiga
Jim,
Yeah, you're right. I didn't actually look at the rear of my A1000. My memory
must have been serving up the picture from the PC which has the DIN type
connector. Appreciate knowing that some simple wiring will yield a testable
setup. Would hate to blow someone else's keybooard.
Thanks and regards, Hugh
Hugh,
I've seen that wiring info somewhere. It was either here in the Amiga
Forum libs or on the Aminet CDROM. I need to go the other way- and put a
1000 keyboard on a 2000…
-Jim
MOS via Autopilot & Amiga
Jim,
I'm asking Phil Combs for a little more information, and also working toward
getting the article about the keyboard adapter faxed to me. It seems like your
A1000 kbd to A2000 system should about the same as the A2000/A3000 kbd to A1000
system. If I learn enough to make any sense, I'll pass it along.
Regards, Hugh
Hugh,
I figure when the time comes I can make the adapter… it's not a
high priority task around here right now. The problem has been finding a
modular phone handset socket. I'm going to have to find a junk phone to
steal one from.
-Jim
MOS via Autopilot & Amiga
Jim,
We have a really nice electronics supply store in town. I'd be very surprised
if they did not have the sockets available. They have all kinds of telephone
connector hardware. I will look the next time I get there (next week some
time), and if you haven't found one, let me know.
Regards, Hugh
Hugh,
All this discussion prompted me to look at the problem again. 🙂 It
appears that the wire spacing is the same between the handset plug and the
wall plug. The only difference is the width of the plastic body. I think
I'll be able to take a regular modular jack and glue some shims on either
side to center up the smaller handset plug. I can get modular sockets just
about anywhere. Thanks for the offer though…
Jim
MOS via Autopilot & Amiga
Jim,
I finally got a copy of the Phil Combs article about making an adapter, and
did just as it suggested. Took about 30 minutes to put it together. The store I
was counting on for a handset socket didn't have any. Phil's idea eliminates
the need to worry about a socket at all. The only difficulty is that the wires
in the handset coiled cord are fairly fragile.
It worked fine. Checked out an A3000 keyboard on my A1000.
Regards, Hugh
Hugh,
Glad to hear that you got it running. I know what you mean about those
wires in the handset cord. They're just like the ones inside stereo
headphones, another pain to repair. Still, they have to be that way if
they're going to be flexible enough to last any legnth of time. I plan on
getting a wall-mounted modular jack- they come with solid copper wires…
-Hack On!
-Jim
MOS via Autopilot & Amiga
Hello, Hugh. I wrote an article for Amazing Computing in 1990 that told how to
build a keyboard adapter that you'd need to test your keyboard. I can't post
it here (as they own the rights), but you should be able to find someone
locally who has the mag. Regards, Phil Combs
Phil,
Thanks for the input. Ironically, I just let all my A/Cs go since I needed to
clean house. I had that issue I'm sure. Just the knowledge that it can be done
helps however.
Regards, Hugh
Phil,
I have contacted the guy who got all my old magazines, and he is going to try
to fax me a copy of your article. He won't be able to get to it until next week
probably.
Meanwhile, I have the necessary 5-pin DIN, and telephone type connectors. I
have four colored wires on the A3000 (blue, grey, green, and yellow) plus a
black grounding pigtail. On the A1000 I have four colored wires (black, red,
white, and green). Is it just a matter of splicing the right colors together
with the adapter, or is there more to it than that?
Don't want you to bend your contract with A/C, but any technical help is
appreciated.