Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!ukma!s.ms.uky.edu!jayh From: jayh@ms.uky.edu (Jay Hofacker) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware Subject: Re: Query: AT / XT keyboard incompatibility? Message-ID: Date: 7 Apr 91 04:59:59 GMT References: <1991Apr7.001043.6459@cbnewsj.att.com> Distribution: na Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences Lines: 28 davet@cbnewsj.att.com (Dave Tutelman) writes: >I have had no success getting a new 286 motherboard to recognize my >keyboard. I have tried two different known-working XT-style keyboards: >one a Keytronics 5151 and one a no-name clone. >The dealer from whom I bought the motherboard replaced it, but told >me that I need a keyboard with an "AT switch". >I thought that all keyboards using a 5-pin DIN connector were compatible. >In fact, I checked out the no-name clone KB in a Compaq 386 box, and >it worked fine. >Am I wrong? If so, what should I be damn sure of when I shop a >keyboard for the new motherboard? XT and AT keyboard are different. XT keyboards are 'dumb' with respect to the Numlock/Capslock lights. If you hit one of those keys, it toggles the light, but if capslock or numlock is altered by a program, the light is not toggled. ATs communicate back to the keyboard the status of the Caps/Num/Scroll lock lights so the lights reflect what the real state is rather than what the keyboard thinks. Most keyboard can switch between XT and AT modes, check underneath the keyboard or under the name logo on top for dip switches to set the mode. -- Jay Hofacker, sysop of the Audio/Visual Exchange, (606)254-1751 3/12/24 MNP 5 Mail: jayh@ms.uky.edu / uk02779@ukpr.uky.edu -- Yes, my signature is only 2 lin