How to Hook Up a PS2 Keyboard With a USB Adapter
A keyboard is essential for interacting with a computer. Many users have their favorite make and model of keyboard, ranging from standard to multimedia. In situations where an older computer is replaced by an upgrade or a second computer is introduced to complement the other, issues may arise with PS/2 keyboard compatibility; some computers, such as laptops, don't have room for PS/2 connections. To remedy the problem you can use an adapter to connect your PS/2 keyboard to your laptop or other USB-compliant computer.
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Instructions
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Visit any online or local retailer of electronic devices to purchase a USB-to-PS/2 adapter. Read the package and look at the contents carefully to ensure you have the right device. The adapter will have a "female" PS/2 slot for your keyboard's "male" PS/2 connector. The adapter will also have a "male" USB plug, which goes into the "female" USB slot on your computer. In between the two connection types will be a simply and small box of circuitry translating the signal from PS/2 to USB.
You may also conduct research prior to making a purchase by visiting the USB-to-PS/2 adapter manufacturer's website for specifications. As an example, Belkin offers a USB-to-PS/2 adapter with model number "F5U119vE1." To verify compatibility, navigate to Belkin's website (see Resources) and input "F5U119vE1" in the "Search" box. After clicking on the link, the next page verifies Belkin's model will connect a PS/2 keyboard to a USB port.
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Connect the "male" end of the PS/2 keyboard to the "female" end of the USB-to-PS/2 adapter. Be sure the pins are matched to the appropriate slots and snug.
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Connect adapter to computer. Connect the "male" USB end of the adapter to the "female" USB slot on the computer, ensuring a good connection.
Allow the computer's operating system time to recognize the new USB interface. Generally, USB adapters are plug-and-play, meaning no software installation is required. Signs that the adapter is being recognized are pop-up balloons from your taskbar by your time clock and/or sounds and alerts on your PC speakers.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to keyboards, USB adapters can also be used with PS/2 mice. Also if you wish to share a PS/2 keyboard, mouse, and monitor between two computers, you might consider a KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switch, which accommodates USB-to-PS/2 connections (see Resources below for details).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit adaptateur ps2/usb image by PASQ from Fotolia.com
