Q. I have a keyboard from the original IBM XT (5150 or 5160). Will it work on my PC? A. This is the second most popular question that we receive. The IBM XT keyboard looks very similar to the IBM PC AT keyboard, with a set of 10 function keys on the left side of the keyboard.
But the important difference is that the IBM XT keyboard has 83-keys and does not work on a modern PC without an XT to AT converter box.
Differences between XT and AT keyboard signal protocal
The XT and AT keyboards are NOT compatible. The only way a XT keyboardwill work on an AT computer is if you’ve got a motherboard and BIOSwhich are specifically designed to support both keyboard types.The keyboards differ in at least the following ways: 1. The XT kb. generates 2 start bits, 8 data bits, make/break bit, and a stop bit. The AT kb. is 1 start bit, 8 data, 1 parity, and a stop bit. 2. The XT uses a make/break bit to indicate key up/down. The AT sends one byte for keydown and two bytes for keyup. 2. The XT keyboard scan codes have different values than then AT keyboard make/break codes (for corresponding key locations). 4. The XT keyboard doesn’t accept any of the command strings accepted by the AT keyboard. 5. The XT keyboard is reset by fiddling the clock and data lines; the AT keyboard accepts a reset command string.
Finally, an electronic custom-made blackbox to convert IBM XT keyboard signals into standard IBM AT keyboard signals.
5-pin DIN female connector (XT input) to blackbox electronics to 5-pin DIN male connector (AT output).
Allows you connect an 1981-1983 83-key XT keyboard to any 2005 personal computer (*** may require additional use of adapters, see figure 3. additional adapters not included)
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