Interesting device

[DigitalNZ]

Hi Everyone,

I've recently come across a rather interesting piece of hardware while cleaning out the school server room. I can't seem to find anyone who can tell me for certain exactly what it is and what it is used for... Normally they ask me to identify older hardware...

Anyway, I was hoping that someone here will either own one of these or could tell me what they are used for...

(I'd imagine it was used for using a certain keyboard with a different computer.)



All help is very much appreciated,

Regards,

Daniell

 

[markyb86]

I'm 90% sure of it being a converter of IBM AT keyboard and mouse to macintosh, and not the other way around. The closest information I can find of a different but similar unit is here

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/136868/Qvsr-Console-Converter-Cv-160.html#manual

I have seen a device like this but it was a little newer with only adb and ps/2 connectors. What sort of jack is that on the front of the device, is that a BNC connector? If so it's closer to that one in the manual there than I thought.

 

[Macdrone]

Looks like its for using different vintage keyboards with one unit. Has 2 adb, 128/512/plus keyboard ports and old PC keyboard port. I can't see the other side but would guess it goes to a Mac tho.

 

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

Power connector? None of those three interfaces can power very much, I'd think ADB would be the only one that could power a unit like that.

It looks quite similar to my ADB powered KeyStone Adapter, with a 128k-Plus twist but no Serial Mouse connection . . .

. . . which makes me think it's a Mac->PCKBD wedge.

Skunkworks PS-2 <-> ADB Project

 

[DigitalNZ]

Thanks for the rapid replies! ;D

The plug that's not shown in a photograph is a DIN 6 socket as shown in the link below. Someone else said it could be power. I didn't find a PSU with a DIN connector though.. http://www.smartpropoplus.com/DNN/Portals/0/Cables/DIN-6_Diagram.gif

A (PC) technician that I know to suggested it was a form of KVM switch... My problem with that theory was that a KVM switch would be easier to switch between devices, this only has the DIP switches which require you to open the unit up. Also there are no video connectors on the unit.

I use one like this (just for video) between my B&W G3 and AGP G4... http://cdn-images.sewelldirect.com/products/SW-4473/SW-4473.jpg

Daniell

 

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

The Power Brick Connector for the APS Technologies Portable HDD case I got for the PB100's stock 20MB HDD back in the day has exactly that type of power connector. It just has the three top pins in your pic implemented, the bottom three are missing, but there is room for them.

I'd say it was more of a Mac KBD Converter for a KVM setup if that's the direction it works. Lack of V & M provision to/from the PC side makes me wonder though.

 

[markyb86]

Well being it has mac plus AND adb, maybe its a KVM only for mac's that that have their screen built in?

and maybe there is some sort of Function key combination from the IBM keyboard that switches between the two?

 

[James1095]

You can easily figure out where the device gets power. Just follow the power pins from any of the ICs, they're well documented. I don't see a regulator on there so it will need 5V to that pin.

I wouldn't be surprised if it can accept power from any of the keyboard connections. There is nothing on that board that would draw a particularly large amount of current.

 

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

IF, it's a KVM, more likely just the K part thereof, my guess is that the extra pins on the "Power Connector" led to the switchbox and the V&M portions of the KVM along with the power source. Buzz those six lines and see where they lead inside the box.

 

[techknight]

Dump the EPROM. that will tell ya.