Searching for cables...5-pin MIDI same as AT Keyboard? \ VOGONS

Searching for cables...5-pin MIDI same as AT Keyboard?

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First post, by torindkflt

Posted on 2017-03-06, 21:32

torindkflt Offline

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I'm currently in the process of searching for a cable that I can use to connect my 486 build to a KVM switch that supports AT keyboards. A nearby "that place still exists?" RadioShack has 5-pin MIDI cables on clearance. I know the connectors themselves are physically identical, but is the wiring from end to end electrically compatible to work as a drop-in solution for AT keyboards? Or is there some sort of cross-over or disconnected pins somewhere in the middle that makes MIDI cables unsuitable for use with AT keyboards?

Reply 1 of 5, by gdjacobs

Posted on 2017-03-06, 21:39

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MIDI cables are straight through. Not sure if that answers your question.

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Reply 2 of 5, by kenrouholo

Posted on 2017-03-06, 21:41

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Yes they are both DIN5 (5 pin DIN connector) and the MIDI cables are wired straight through, which is exactly what you want whenever you use any kind of extension cable. So yes, you can use a MIDI extension cable as an AT keyboard extension cable and vice-versa, and you can hack up cables for one to use with the other.

If you do hack up any cables, always use a multimeter to check which wire color goes to which pin because that is not standard.

If necessary you can also just buy the bare connectors. Again, DIN 5 for AT/MIDI, and MiniDIN 6 for PS/2.

Yes, I always ramble this much.

Reply 3 of 5, by Jepael

Posted on 2017-03-06, 22:02

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I haven't checked, but MIDI cables normally don't use other than 2 wires plus shield so it is possible some MIDI cables with only 2 wires won't work.
AT keyboard needs 4 wires and not necessarily the shield at all.

Reply 4 of 5, by kenrouholo

Posted on 2017-03-07, 17:36

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Jepael wrote:
I haven't checked, but MIDI cables normally don't use other than 2 wires plus shield so it is possible some MIDI cables with only 2 wires won't work.
AT keyboard needs 4 wires and not necessarily the shield at all.

I've bought cheap MIDI cables on Ebay and have cut them up and they've been fully wired, but I suppose it's possible that not all do. Good point.

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Reply 5 of 5, by Ampera

Posted on 2017-03-07, 18:46

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Wait, Radio shack has DIN-5 cables on clearance? I need to pick some up....

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