NeXT Computers

NeXT_Newbie · Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Rhode Island, USA

Does anybody know if it is possible to rewire or configure an old Apple Lisa keyboard to a PS2 or USB port? I'm would like to keep the stock look of the original keyboard but use it on a newer computer. Thanks!

cuby · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 167 Location: Coburg, Germany

I wouldn't recommend rewiring the keyboard - Lisa keyboards are relatively rare (I know someone rewired a NeXT non-ADB keyboard to work on a USB keyboard controller). On some of the Lisa sites, there are firmware ROM listings for the Lisa which also contain information about keyboard initialization and test - so perhaps it would be easier to interface the keyboard using a standard microcontroller (e.g., an Atmel AVR) to PS/2 or USB.

brams · Joined: 27 Dec 2005 Posts: 511 Location: Blackburn, England

Argh!

Would it not be better to keep a Lisa keyboard functioning as such in case somebody out there needs one?. IMHO it be such a shame to to convert it and possibly kill it in the process.

These old computers need all the help they can get if we want to show them in working condition to our kids. Crying or Very sad

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NeXTcube Turbo Dimension, NeXTstation Turbo Color, MP2100, Q840av, Q650, WS G4 500, Pismo G4 550, SGI Octane R12K MXE, BeBox 133.

dravier · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 103 Location: Nazareth, PA

Not knowing much about the connectors involved, but would it be possible to make a custom adapter? I say this because I agree that old equipment like this should be saved whenever possible (and the fact that I would love to own a Lisa at some point). It would be entertaining to sport at classic keyboard on a system... but I would hesitate to do so at the cost of an operable vintage keyboard like that. Good luck with whatever you choose.
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dravier

Turbo Color slab NS 3.3

"a little rebellion now and then is a good thing"
- Thomas Jefferson

NeXT_Newbie · Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Rhode Island, USA

Thanks all for the replies. Well, I want a Lisa someday so maybe I'll just leave it alone and find an adapter or something. It has a unique connector that looks like a stereo plug. Maybe I'll find something online. I took it all apart and cleaned it so that was pretty neat. I'm tempted to paint the case but then the keys will look bad... oh well.

Calhoun · Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

I came across this thread while trying to figure out how to use my NeXT keyboard (I think it's non-ADB - it came with a NeXTstation Color) with my current Mac powerbook. Anyone know how this might be possible?

Thanks,
Matt

Calhoun · Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

Or, alternatively, has anyone here successfully used an ADB-to-USB adapter to use a NeXT ADB keyboard with a present-day Mac?