I need to get an ADB mouse for a Macintosh Classic and I know that any ADB mouse would work, but I want to get the same mouse that shipped with the machine so that it can match.
It should be the 1st gen ADB Mouse. The classic came out in 1990, and the ADB mouse was available from 1987-1993 when it was replaced with the ADB Mouse II.
It should be the 1st gen ADB Mouse. The classic came out in 1990, and the ADB mouse was available from 1987-1993 when it was replaced with the ADB Mouse II.
I just looked it up, apparently some S-Video cables short the 2 pins together that ADB uses for data and power on, which can cause a short that can and will cause damage. Some people seem to say it’s ok but I wouldn’t risk it if I were you.
I just looked it up, apparently some S-Video cables short the 2 pins together that ADB uses for data and power on, which can cause a short that can and will cause damage. Some people seem to say it’s ok but I wouldn’t risk it if I were you.
Cheap S-Video cables tie pin 1 and 2 together, running the chrominance and luminance ground signals together. This is so they could make it a three core cable instead of four, at the expense of signal quality. On an ADB keyboard, those pins are for the power switch and ADB signal. While you'll probably not blow up anything, there's a good chance ADB just won't work on those cables.
If you have a multimeter, you can just check if there's continuity between pin 1 and 2.
BigMessOWires sells ADB cables for $5 each. I think they're just 4-conductor S-Video cables, but can't confirm that. I am using one on my Wombat USB-to_ADB controller. They work great. https://www.bigmessowires.com/shop/product/adb-cable-3-ft/