A compact low cost solution to the problem of booting PCs and servers without a keyboard connected, the Multibug PS/2 Dummy Keyboard uses a tiny microcontroller to simulate the initialisation messages that a real keyboard would give.
Also enables PS/2 "keyboard wedge" devices, such as barcode scanners and magnetic stripe card readers to be used without a keyboard present.
Description
When building keyboardless systems, it is often a problem that the computer will halt with a keyboard error and prevent the system from being booted. Most newer motherboards have a BIOS setting that allows the keyboard error to be ignored, but many systems still in use do not have this option.
Also, when building keyboardless EPOS terminals and similar systems, a common problem is encountered when using barcode scanners with a "keyboard wedge" type interface, as they usually require a keyboard to be connected to the thru-port for the scanner to work properly.
This compact device provides an inexpensive solution to both these problems by providing the expected responses to the commands sent to the keyboard by the computer. The host is effectively fooled into thinking a real keyboard is connected.
*NEW* - Dummy Mouse equivalent now also available.
Features Compact size - circuit is housed in a 6 pin mini-DIN connector that plugs directly into the PS/2 keyboard socket. Overall size: 11mm diameter x 35mm long Responds correctly to all PS/2 commands from PC. On receipt of Reset command, produces valid BAT (Basic Assurance Test) completion code. On receipt of Request ID command, produces valid keyboard ID string. Powered by system's PS/2 keyboard socket. Compatibility with keyboard wedge devices. RoHS Compliant. 12 months standard warranty against failure due to manufacturing or component defect.
Applications Headless Server systems. Remotely managed servers. Embedded PC based systems that use touch screens or other methods for the user interface, for example - EPOS terminals, Digital Jukebox, presentation systems. Keyboardless applications requiring use of PS/2 "keyboard wedge" barcode scanners.
Customised variations of standard products can be produced to meet particular requirements of individual customers. Additional cost will depend on quantities required.
Compact size - circuit is housed in a 6 pin mini-DIN connector that plugs directly into the PS/2 keyboard socket.