This small system helps take a look at hundreds of outdated PS/2 keyboards

Some classic pc keyboards, particularly models just like the IBM Mannequin M, are nonetheless fairly fascinating. Normally they’re in style amongst mechanical keyboard or retro computing fans who need period-correct {hardware}. YouTuber Midwest Cyberpunk had hundreds of those outdated keyboards and wanted a approach to take a look at them. So he constructed this small Arduino-based system that shows the textual content enter from PS/2 keyboards.

IBM developed the PS/2 port customary within the ’80s for the IBM Private System/2 collection of computer systems. By the ’90s, it was the usual for connecting keyboards and mice to PCs. USB made the PS/2 port virtually out of date within the ‘00s, which implies that there aren’t many fashionable computer systems that also have PS/2 ports. Midwest Cyberkpunk may have used a classic pc for testing his keyboards, however wished a extra transportable possibility. This PS/2 Keyboard Tester system is simple to hold and supplies prompt outcomes.

Within the customized 3D-printed case is an Arduino Nano, a do-it-yourself breakout board, a LiPo battery charger and booster board, and a 16×2 character backlit LCD. The Arduino sketch makes use of a PS/2 library that may learn the character hex codes from customary keyboards. As soon as powered on, Midwest Cyberpunk can merely plug the keyboard into the system. Any key he presses on the keyboard will present up on the LCD display screen, so he can shortly press each key to make sure that all of them work. It’s an environment friendly and inexpensive approach to take a look at massive portions of classic keyboards in a brief period of time.