Serial port keyboard configurable to USB?

[8thMan]

I've been bitten by the Frankenmac bug and plan to install a Mac Mini in an SE/30 case, along with a new internal SVGA monitor. Is it possible to wire the original serial port keyboard to USB? I would like to keep it as stock looking as possible.

I know this is a ridiculous project but don't try to reason with me.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

I've been bitten by the Frankenmac bug and plan to install a Mac Mini in an SE/30 case, along with a new internal SVGA monitor. Is it possible to wire the original serial port keyboard to USB? I would like to keep it as stock looking as possible.

I know this is a ridiculous project but don't try to reason with me.

Yes, mount a Griffin iMate internally.

 

[8thMan]

Yes, mount a Griffin iMate internally.

WOW! That's just what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[8thMan]

Yes, mount a Griffin iMate internally.

Unfortunately the Griffin iMate is not supported in 10.4.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

Unfortunately the Griffin iMate is not supported in 10.4.

Aw, maaaan!

I've got an old B&W G3 that is as upgraded as it can get as my main desktop, using a positively ancient ADB Apple Extended Keyboard. (The best Apple keyboard ever made, IMHO; and easily an equal to the IBM Model M keyboard.) The B&W has a native ADB port that works just fine in 10.4, but when it comes time to replace it, I was hoping to get an iMate and keep the keyboard!

 

[8thMan]

Aw, maaaan!

I've got an old B&W G3 that is as upgraded as it can get as my main desktop, using a positively ancient ADB Apple Extended Keyboard. (The best Apple keyboard ever made, IMHO; and easily an equal to the IBM Model M keyboard.) The B&W has a native ADB port that works just fine in 10.4, but when it comes time to replace it, I was hoping to get an iMate and keep the keyboard!

Well, I found another ADB-USB adapter but I'm not sure if it is compatible:

http://www.42u.com/nti-usb-to-adb-adapter.htm

And I agree -- those old ADB keyboards were a real quality item and great to type on -- not like the cheap acrylic crumb-catchers that come with modern Apple products.

 

[Mechcozmo]

I've been bitten by the Frankenmac bug and plan to install a Mac Mini in an SE/30 case, along with a new internal SVGA monitor. Is it possible to wire the original serial port keyboard to USB? I would like to keep it as stock looking as possible.

I know this is a ridiculous project but don't try to reason with me.

What monitor are you using? I'm doing the same to a Mac 512K (can't use that keyboard, hehe).

 

[8thMan]

What monitor are you using? I'm doing the same to a Mac 512K (can't use that keyboard, hehe).

Any 9" VGA or SVGA grayscale monitor should work. There are a lot of cheap monochrome CRT monitors on eBay. You could also go color LCD, which would save space, but I haven't been able to find any that fit exactly; most have an aspect ratio of 16:9 rather than 4:3 of standard CRTs. Also, the curve of a CRT fits snuggly to the bezel, whereas the flat LCD will require some working to keep it from looking cludgey.

 

[mavherzog]

I'm curious if either of you ended up completing this project. I'd love attempt a similar project once I return home from Iraq.