USB Mouse splitter questions

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USB Mouse splitter questions

I recently purchased a new Macbook. As you know this comes with two USB ports. I would like to use the Macbook in "clamshell" mode, as detailed here http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3131

I have a PS/2 keyboard and a USB mouse. I went ahead and purchased a USB to PS/2 splittler as shown in this picture: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=usbps2+splittercables&hl=en&prmd=ivns&resnum=3&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=2394131472683903513&sa=X&ei=rh eBTb2pIIO-sAPO_YiQAQ&ved=0CGQQ8gIwAA#

I connect the USB splitter to the USB port on the Macbook and plug the PS/2 keyboard into the PS/2 keyboard port. Now since my mouse is a USB mouse, Logitech G5, I used the USB to PS2/ converter that comes with it. Shown here: http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/USB-PS2-2.jpg

That then plugs into the PS/2 female end of the USB splitter.

They keyboard works fine, but the mouse does not. It does not light up, therefore not getting power. If I plug the USB mosue into the second USB port. bypassing the splitter,it works just fine.

I have tried a completely different Logitech USB mouse. The second one, when connected through the connectors, lights up, but does not move. When connected directly to the USB port on the Macbook, it works just fine. I do have two of these http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/USB-PS2-2.jpg, so I can verify they are not bad.

Macbook A1342, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 16, 2011 1:27 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 29, 2011 11:44 AM in response to Derek Engel

Ok... I don't why you are using this hardware...

ps2 is old technology, and I don't get why you are attempting to make the mouse go from usb>ps2>usb. A cheap usb hub will remedy it, which is the reason why I'm guessing you are trying to make them both go through that cord (to keep a usb open for other things) and will give you even more ports to work with. With a hardwired cord, if it doesn't work, there really is nothing you can install to make it work (as all it is, is fancy wire crossing)

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Answer 2

Apr 2, 2011 12:12 PM in response to Derek Engel

I'm surprised that the keyboard works. I thought the PS/2 to USB issue was a little more complicated. I have an IBM Model M keyboard (best keyboard ever, that's why some of us are willing to put up with the outdated PS/2 technology) and I had to buy a PS/2 to USB adapter. According to clickykeyboards.com (http://bit.ly/dZvNIJ), USB adapters might not work, what you need is a converter (although your converter clearly worked for the keyboard). That may explain why the mouse is not working through the sequence of adapters that you are using. The splitter may not be able to use whatever the USB to PS/2 is sending through it. I am also looking for a solution to the same problem that you have, but I think that I will need a USB hub to connect to the MacBook's second USB port.

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Answer 3

Derek Engel Author

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Apr 4, 2011 6:45 AM in response to Derek Engel

I do have this all setup now, and I will explain what I have done. First, @ college_kid491, I was using this hardware as a cheap way to go. So I had to deal with using what I paid for. I know this is not an ideal situation, and I would love to have just bought the correct equipment.

My resolution was pretty simple. The key component is that I wanted to use my external monitor. In order to use an external monitor you have to use "clamshell" mode. I wanted to use the monitor as my main monitor and not extended. In order to accomplish this, you need to have a keyboard and mouse attached, and when you shut the lid the Macbook goes to sleep. Simply wiggle the mouse and it should wake up, and you can use your external monitor as your main monitor. In order to wake the Macbook up, I simply plug a USB drive into the Macbook. From there everything works great.

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