ADAM Keyboards - A Few Questions

[Ikrananka]

I'm curious to know if there are any differences between the ADAM keyboards that came with North American ADAMs and those that came with the CBS ADAMs sold in Europe.

 

Sadly I still have never owned an ADAM and have never used one of the keyboards. So, are the keyboards any good? How do they feel to use? Any typical issues with them that have developed with age?

Edited October 12, 2018 by Ikrananka

[NIAD]

All ADAM keyboards are identical no matter where they were sold.

 

The keyboard is outstanding... one of the best of it's time and still receives rave reviews from those new to the Adam.

 

The hand controller attachment was a brilliant idea by someone at Coleco and the hand controller can be used as a numeric keypad and cursor control in programs such as SmartWriter.

 

The feel is very sturdy and I still like it better than modern keyboards.

 

No common issues. They are built to last.

[NIAD]

Any issues continued...

 

Well, they do tend to discolor/yellow like the rest of the system if not protected from sunlight.

[Ikrananka]

Thanks Jim - great info and much appreciated.

 

I don't want to buy a full ADAM system, just not enough room to collect any more large items, so I've been considering buying just an ADAM keyboard and a PC interface for it. That way I can use ADAM software in an emulator but with the keyboard giving me that authentic feel of an original ADAM.

[NIAD]

Is the Adamnet-to-USB Keyboard Adapter still available? I thought the guy (was it IntyDave?) made one small run and that was it.

[Ikrananka]

Yeah, he doesn't have any more but has asked if I'd be interested if he made more. I most certainly would. Perhaps there'd be sufficient demand for another run?

[NIAD]

Tell him i'm in this time!!!!

[Ikrananka]

They're not cheap - apparently $70 each with the last batch.

[NIAD]

I recall.

 

What interests me is we should be able to connect the adapter to the CollectorVision Phoenix using a USB-PS2 adapter

[Ikrananka]

I like the sound of that. I've been back in touch with David and will let you know if he'll be able to make a couple for us.

 

BTW - I'm also in the market for an ADAM keyboard cable, side tray and white controller. I'm looking for near new. Don;t suppose you have any you'd be looking to sell?

 

Cheers

Andrew

[NIAD]

No extras available but either MilliV or Adamcon should be able to help you with all those items.

[Ikrananka]

Thanks - I'll ask them.

[ed1475]

I like the sound of that. I've been back in touch with David and will let you know if he'll be able to make a couple for us.

 

BTW - I'm also in the market for an ADAM keyboard cable, side tray and white controller. I'm looking for near new. Don;t suppose you have any you'd be looking to sell?

 

Cheers

Andrew

 

I would also like to get one. If it isn't too late.

[Ikrananka]

 

I would also like to get one. If it isn't too late.

 

I'm not even sure if David will be making any more yet. He said possibly towards the end of the year although he may put some together in the meantime. As soon as I hear back from him with any update I'll let you know.

[HDTV1080P]

If a ADAMNET to USB interface existed then one could use low cost $5 USB Windows keyboards on the ADAM memory console. Or even a ADAMNET to PS/2 adapter would allow a $10 Windows keyboard to be used. The ADAM keyboards are harder to find these days unless its bundled with the complete ADAM system.

[NIAD]

It does exist but it's one way.... hook up an Adam Keyboard to a PC. Or you could hook it up to the CollectorVision Phoenix using a USB to PS/2 cable.

Edited October 18, 2018 by NIAD

[HDTV1080P]

It does exist but it's one way.... hook up an Adam Keyboard to a PC. Or you could hook it up to the CollectorVision Phoenix using a USB to PS/2 cable.

That is a great invention to connect a 1983 ADAM keyboard to a Windows PC. Maybe one day someone well make a ColecoVision/ADAM cartridge slot that connects to a PC by USB cable.

 

Maybe since the ADAM memory consoles are breaking from old age there is not a demand. However it would be nice to have a Windows keyboard connected to a real ADAM memory console.

Edited October 18, 2018 by HDTV1080P

[NIAD]

Modded PC Keyboards for use on the ADAM were done by Gary Bowser (Oasive Pensive Abducutors... remember the Adam Image Maker of which only 1 exists and Dale Wick owns) and a few others back in the 90s.

 

No real advantage as the ADAM Keyboard is a well designed piece of hardware that has stood up well to the tests of time.

[intvdave]

The 3 that wanted the interface will be receiving them soon!

 

If anyone else is interested, I have 2 more. Please check out:

 

http://intellivision.us/adam_intfc/adam_intfc.php

[NIAD]

If a ADAMNET to USB interface existed then one could use low cost $5 USB Windows keyboards on the ADAM memory console. Or even a ADAMNET to PS/2 adapter would allow a $10 Windows keyboard to be used. The ADAM keyboards are harder to find these days unless its bundled with the complete ADAM system.

As I mentioned above, a PS/2 Keyboard was converted for use with the ADAM. The mod was internal in the keyboard and then a PS/2-ADAMnet Adapter was made. I think this one was modded by Thomas Mackie.

Edited November 13, 2018 by NIAD