ADB == Mini-DIN?

Amad3U5 · Jan 19, 2013, 12:46 PM

I want to buy an Apple Extended Keyboard to use with my MacBook Pro. Naturally, this means that I must purchase an ADB to USB adapter. However, no manufacturer seems to make these anymore, and the scarce units on eBay are incredibly expensive. So I discovered that ADB is simply Apple's version of Mini-DIN, and found Mini-DIN to USB adapters for significantly cheaper.

So my question is: can I use a generic 4-pin Mini-DIN to USB adapter for use with my Mac, or must I opt for the more expensive ADB to USB?

Intell · Jan 19, 2013, 12:56 PM

While they share the same connector, they do not share the same electrical signals. It'll fit, but not work.

David Schmidt · 04:04 PM

Not only that, but you're confusing the connectors. The ADB port is NOT the 8-pin mini-DIN serial port you're finding adapters for. ADB is a 4-pin mini-DIN connector that shares the physical characteristics (but not the electrical ones, obviously) with S-video.

Here's an adapter that looks like it'll do ADB:

But these serial adapters won't:

blesscheese · Feb 9, 2013, 09:59 AM

Dave Schmidt is correct in his pictures...the top one is the Griffin iMate ADB to USB adaptor, which will work, but is now very rare:

Newegg page

The bottom pictures are of a serial to usb converter, which has a differing number of pins.

Following up on Dave's comment, I have regularly used S-Video cables with my ADB Mac Keyboards and old Mac's, and have never had a problem.

Jan 19, 2013, 12:46 PM	#1
Amad3U5 macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sydney	ADB == Mini-DIN? I want to buy an Apple Extended Keyboard to use with my MacBook Pro. Naturally, this means that I must purchase an ADB to USB adapter. However, no manufacturer seems to make these anymore, and the scarce units on eBay are incredibly expensive. So I discovered that ADB is simply Apple's version of Mini-DIN, and found Mini-DIN to USB adapters for significantly cheaper. So my question is: can I use a generic 4-pin Mini-DIN to USB adapter for use with my Mac, or must I opt for the more expensive ADB to USB? __________________  27" Sandy Bridge iMac; 13" 2012 MacBook Air; iPhone 5  ______________________________________________________________ In a world of without walls and fences, who needs Windows and Gates?
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Jan 19, 2013, 12:56 PM	#2
Intell macrumors G4 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Inside	While they share the same connector, they do not share the same electrical signals. It'll fit, but not work. __________________ Last edited by Intell; Yesterday at 11:50 AM.
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Jan 19, 2013, 02:27 PM	#3
David Schmidt macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Southeastern USA	Not only that, but you're confusing the connectors. The ADB port is NOT the 8-pin mini-DIN serial port you're finding adapters for. ADB is a 4-pin mini-DIN connector that shares the physical characteristics (but not the electrical ones, obviously) with S-video. Here's an adapter that looks like it'll do ADB: But these serial adapters won't: Last edited by David Schmidt; Jan 19, 2013 at 04:04 PM.
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Feb 9, 2013, 09:59 AM	#4
blesscheese macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Central CA	Dave Schmidt is correct in his pictures...the top one is the Griffin iMate ADB to USB adaptor, which will work, but is now very rare: Newegg page The bottom pictures are of a serial to usb converter, which has a differing number of pins. Following up on Dave's comment, I have regularly used S-Video cables with my ADB Mac Keyboards and old Mac's, and have never had a problem.
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