[NBLUG/talk] FC4 ppc iBook - External USB keyboard (sort of)

[Dave Sisley]

Hi, everybody:

I am trying to configure an iBook running FC4 (ppc) so that it can read 
input from a barcode scanner.  Ordinarily, we use these devices on a 
regular intel (iX86) box through a keyboard wedge (essentially 2 lines 
going to the ps2 keyboard plug).  This way the box can accept input from 
the keyboard or from the scanner - when we scan a barcode, the number 
appears in whichever field has focus as if it had been typed in.

First problem is that an iBook has no ps2 plugs, so I have tried a 
ps2->usb adapter and I've also got a cable from the scanner manufacturer 
that replaces the ps2 cable with a usb cable.  But I can't get the iBook 
to read any input. 

I've googled a bit, but haven't found anything yet.  I'm guessing this 
is a mac thing, related to the fact that you can't plug in an 'intel' 
usb keyboard to a Mac and expect it to work, but it will read from a Mac 
usb keyboard.  It may be I'm not using the right terms.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks,

-dave.

-- 
Dave Sisley
dsisley at sonic.net
roth-sisley.net