Rather strange keyboard problem

Hassknecht

Hassknecht

For hate's sake.
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Today I found a nice old PS/2 keyboard in an IT-garbage container. It looked fine and had that awesome "click" and was quite heavy, so I took it home.
Strangely, when I plug it in, my computer does not boot anymore. It seems to remain in some "pre boot" phase, the power LED is off but the CPU fan is at maximum. Also, there's no signal on the monitor.
I've read that some of the old keyboards require more current from the PS/2 port than modern boards can provide. The sticker on the back says 250mA, which should be well within the limits of an ordinary board, and the board worked fine with another PS/2 keyboard which draws 200mA.
Does anybody have an idea what could cause this problem?
Could an electric fault in the keyboard shortcircuit the PS/2 port and somehow disrupt the whole boot cycle?
It's an Asus P5e board, everything runs fine different USB and PS/2 keyboards.
I really hope someone can help, because that keyboard just feels great :)
 
I'd be more inclined to believe there's something wrong with your PS/2 port but it sounds like other PS/2 devices work... it's possible there is some electrical problem within the keyboard itself so the computer gets stuck during the detection phase. Or it could be a strange incompatability between your motherboard and just this particular device. Try it on a different computer maybe?
 
I don't have a different computer to try it on.
The PS/2 port is working, I have a different PS/2 keyboard that works perfectly.
Yes, it's probably a defect in the keyboard. Next week I'll open it up and see what I can do.
 
SkuLL said:
What if, right, the keyboard is rubbish, because you got it from the bin? :shrug:
Click to expand...
That's likely, but they throw a lot of good stuff into those containers, too. Recently, I found a working HP48G programmable calculator that someone threw away because apparently some batteries leaked in it. The calculator is not damaged, and now I've got a nice programmable calculator.
Well, if it's broken beyond repair, it's no loss. But if I can repair it, I'll have a nice keyboard free of charge.
 
UncannyGarlic said:
Have you opened up the keyboard to see if the board is fried or to test if the cable is broken?
Click to expand...
Not yet. I'll be back home on Monday, I'll check it then. That thing is weird to open, though, no screws as far as I can see. I'll see what I can do.
Mutoes said:
Have you checked the connector of the KB, any twisted or broken stuff there.
Click to expand...
Nope, no faults on the connector.
/edit: Weird, I tested the keyboard on my flatmates PC, and it worked.
Now I just need an adapter :D
/edit: Got a converter, now I'm using a supremely awesome vintage DEC keyboard that cost me only 13€ while an IBM M in good shape costs ~30€ if you're lucky. I punched those numbers into my calculator, it makes a happy face.
 
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