Target mode w/o keyboard?

[jimjimx]

Is it possible to put a computer into Target mode without a keyboard?

I usually use Target mode headless as well.

Sometimes it's just annoying to connect everything... even if just for a few seconds.

 

[Cory5412]

If it's possible, it would be something you would need to turn the machine on and then enter OF mode to set up, then probably hope that the PRAM contents aren't lost, since that seems like the kind of thing that would be forgotten/cleared with a PRAM reset.

The stated purpose of SCSI, Firewire, and ThunderBolt Target Disk modes is generally for speedy file transfers and temporary troubleshooting, not to, say, use a G4 tower as an external hard disk box for another computer, which would explain why Apple didn't bother making it so you could semi-permanently declare TDM.

Depending on what you're looking into doing, it may be worthwhile getting an external disk enclosure to boot from, in lieu of TDM.

 

[waynestewart]

I only know of 2 ways to get into Target disk mode

Using a keyboard at startup

Using a mouse to select it in System preferences/startup disk

 

[rsolberg]

If you want an elaborate solution, you could add some USB HID libraries to a microcontroller and build a USB pushbutton that types 'T'.

You might be able to adapt the following to send the keycode for 'T' when a button is pressed.

http://blog.flipwork.nl/?x=entry:entry081009-142605:

 

[jimjimx]

Thanks Everyone..  : )

I'm just trying to use some of the files from my old machine, on my "New" 09 MacBook...

I was just trying to be lazier than, turn it on and hold "T", wait 10 seconds, than unplug the keyboard and get it out of the way....

Yes, a fast network, or Ext. HD, or bigger HD in Macbook, would ALL solve this, But, these will not be available to me for a while..

Thank you.