MS optical Desk top Pro Wireless Keyboard problems

I have acquired a wireless MS optical Desk top Pro along with the CD. The mouse works fine, I can`t get the keyboard to work. My question is, the reciever for the pair has the small plugs for both devices. My computer has the larger 5? pin receptacle for the keyboard Ihave been using. I have used an adapter to bring the 5pin receptacle down to the small plug size for the keyboard . Is that where my problem lies? If so how do I go about getting another PS2 port?
I see a serial port that I can adapt down to the PS2 and plug the keyboard plugin there. Is that the answer?
Moore

 

Short answer: You can't get another PS2 port unless you get a new MoBo.

 

I take it from that I can`t use the serial port and an adaptor?

 

Almost always true, but there may be PS2 pinouts on your MB, in which case you get a connector on a ribbon cable with a PS2 port - not easy to find but available.

Second comment that may proivde some relief:
Was there keyboard software tat came with your wireless setup and have you installed it yet? That may be all you need to do.

 

Thanks, I got the software and installed it. I`ll look the board over and see what`s there. I assume the pinouts would be close to the same edge of the board as the existing socket?

 

On closer inspection I find that serial port referred to in my first post is labeled " serial port keyboard" I guess I`ll adapt it down to the proper socket and try it.
I`ve been an electrician for 40+ years and I`m a bit hesitant about plugging in to receptacles of unknown potential. Thanks for the assists, I`ll post back the results.

 

Glad to hear that you're making some progress. If you go to your MB mfg's website, you should be able to get a schematic of the board and/or designations for all the pinouts, including the ones you have appearantly found listed as serial port keyboard. I know I have a few old pS2 ports with wires that I keep in a loose parts box for just that type of thing. If you need help locating parts or pinouts, post back. Good Luck.

 

Hey,
If im wrong im sorry correct me, but a guy bought a PC in the othger day that was a P2 board, and no PS/2 port, but he had a new USB 2.0 card installed in it and that had 1 ps2 port, which i used for a mouse..(Ive never seen this before)
.. so im not sure if that will work as a keyboard port.. But the Card was a USB 4 port and 1 PS/2 PCI card. I think it was a Creative.. and i know they make a rang of different USB cards..1 - 8 ports ones..

So have a look around, on some dealers..or even ask them to do the home work for ya.

I have only seen one 5 pin to PS/2 adapter work, and it was sold with the wireless keyboard and mouse..Smart Star keyboard and mouse, but unfortunalty i sold that about 5 months ago..and cant get them any more....


Redghan

 

As per usual,lotsa good help. Thanks.
The serial port adapter didn`t work either. Maybe I`m just not destined to have a wireless keyboard. I`m going to abandon this project for a while. I`ve installed and removed the board and mouse so many times it`s got to be a drudge.
This computer is due for the compressed air cleanout treatment, I`ll dig in further when I have the case off.

 

There are adapters to make the AT connector accept a P/2 keyboard. The headder on most older AT mobos for P/2 are for the mouse.

I believe that to make a wireless keyboard work, you need a native P/2 input on the motherboard.