The Sinclair QL Forum

For use with my Aurora (SuperHermes Lite), I am on the lookout for a mini keyboard, without numeric keypad, and with a PS/2 plug. Because it's set up on a very small desk, I require a keyboard which is quite compact, no more than about 12-13 inches (30-33cm) wide.
I bought one a few days ago (a Perixx Periboard-409) which is ideal in terms of size, but sadly does not work with SuperHermes Lite. Presumably, the modern keyboards with PS/2 plugs are really USB-style ones in disguise, and don't work with SuperHermes.
I have a standard keyboard 102 key keyboard which works fine, but it's just too big for the desk space.
Would consider a swap or buying an unwanted keyboard known to work with QL systems.
For information, this is the Perixx keyboard to give an idea of what I am looking for:

Its probably more that the signals don't get wiggled in a fashion identifiable as being a real ps/2 port so the firmware gets confused!

XorA wrote:Its probably more that the signals don't get wiggled in a fashion identifiable as being a real ps/2 port so the firmware gets confused!

Same difference in terms of end result, modern keyboards with PS2 plugs don't work with SuperHermes. I have tried a lot of keyboards with this, all the older ones work, none of the newer ones do (whether they have PS2 plugs or USB/PS2 adaptors).
Have been totally unable to find an older, compact PS2 keyboard even though standard sized ones are still quite easy to find.

You need wings on your desk

vanpeebles wrote:You need wings on your desk

Unfortunately, the desk is in an alcove with no room to add "wings" otherwise I'd have taken you up on that suggestion. A full size keyboard would just about fit, but no room for a mouse.
Looks like the beloved Aurora might be consigned back to the attic after all and I'll be limited to a PC unless I can find a small keyboard that works with SuperHermes Lite

Would a usb to ps2 adapter work?

Tried the USB to PS2 adapters with several keyboards, none worked.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adesso-Mini-B ... Swqu9VJaEa

Something like that?

vanpeebles wrote:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adesso-Mini-B ... Swqu9VJaEa

Something like that?

Looks like that Perixx keyboard, which was also a wired PS/2 but failed to work. Reluctant to spend any more without knowing it works first given the number of disappointments so far. But yeah, that's the kind of size of keyboard I was looking for.

Just a thought, and sorry if I'm going a bit on the hardware side. But is it a case of the newer keyboards not supplying full 5 volt signals. maybe only 3, or a bit volts, which SuperHermes cant handle.

And all you need is a buffer IC to bring the signals back up to 5 volts. Just a little box that sits between the keyboard and SuperHermes, powered by the supply for the keyboard.

Martin Head