I've found various ones for the II-II+ models where the encoder is on the keyboard it's self, but none for the ][e or //e models with the AY-5-3600 on the motherboard.
I've got it in my head I could roll my own with a small Arduino (Nano maybe...) but I detest reinventing the wheel, so I thought I'd ask you folks if it's out there and I (or Google) has simply missed it.
One way to do a PS/2 to IIe keyboard adapter is to have a cable that plugs into the encoder socket itself, not the keyboard connector. Not the cleanest solution in the world. Otherwise your micro-controller must capture PS/2 data and then emulate an un-encoded keyboard - can be done, but not the mst straightforward thing to do.
regards,
Mike Willegal
On the one hand, the connector would be less disruptive, on the other hand interfacing at the socket would in effect replace the AY-5-3600PRO. Are they considered scarce? Prone to failure? Heck I could even bypass the ROM too. I'm just not sure that's all justified.
How about a USB keyboard?
https://www.tindie.com/products/option8/retroconnector-keyboard-interface-for-apple-iie/
Wasn't aware of that option.
I have to say tho that the broken links and inconsistency in the documentation is a bit concerning. I see three different boards in the photos (Version three with a solder masked buss that slides into a slot only for physical support is terrifying) and the pdf on GitHub when I finally found it shows version 3, and there are version 5 and 6 in the PCB folder... Leaves me with ????
Yeah, I hear you. Just saying it is possible. I've seen ones that did PS/2 keyboards in the past but my google-fu is letting me down at the moment and I can't find them. I may have to search through my bookmarks.
This one was made by Ian Kim in Korea, I don't know if he is still making them. His web site, as you can see in one of the pictures is www.apple2.net
http://quick09.tistory.com/m/1295?category=543306
Ian makes some really cool stuff, and occasionally has stuff for sale on eBay.
He does have some intriging stuff, but that isn't among his offerings at eBay ATM. Just as well, I've got a bunch of NANOs laying around here (somewhere) so maybe I'll press one into service as a translator.
As far as AY-5-3600-PRO chips go, I see them aplenty from one seller on eBay and at least one other source, so they aren't all gone yet. So I think I'll go the "plug into the keyboard connector" route unless someone comes along and compells me otherwise.
You might contact Ian and see if he would be willing to make one for you.
If I was going to do it myself, an Arduino would probably be the method I'd pursue.
Beware before purchase of the AY-3600-Pro.2 facts to bear in mind:1. It is known that this encoder was in the 80's one of the most faked chips. In former daysa recognizable amount of that chips have been "recycled" by fraud companies in south Chinaand distributed by sellers in Hong Kong.Among that faked chips have been AY-3600 chips without the extension "-Pro" with different internal decoding -polished on top and "relabeled" as "-Pro"-chips and distributeed as "NOS-chips".There is a pretty chance to get one of the faked chips.Only few companies performed function-tests on their purchases in that days so there are still a lot of such chipssold as "NOS" from sources in former HONG Kong and USA.It will be good idea to perform "check-back-mail" to seller. and order only few chips from differrent seller.
2. Therefor be forwarned about cheap sources - those "ggod" chips with function test will be sold more expensivefrom reliable dealers with guarantee.
speedyG
And there bays and girls is the compelling argument. I imagine a lot of hair hit the floor (after being pulled out) over that. Bad enough just listing a non PRO as a PRO but actually reprinting them. Man. [Censored] those guys.
Well I always wondered about lookup tables. Guess I'm going to learn. :)