[Info-vax] DEC Mouse and Keyboard adapter

[Joseph Floyd]

I'm currently working on a PS2- to- DEC mouse converter.  This is based upon an open source project I wound online.

https://hackaday.io/project/19576-dec-mouse-adapter

My goal is to use a common PS2 mouse with a VaxStation and VAX-2000.  Staring with the code referenced above I have developed a pretty responsive and stable PS2-to-DEC mouse solution using an Arduino Mega 2560.  

Since the Arduino Mega 2560 has several hardware serial UARTS I'm thinking about extending the design to include PS2 keyboard-to-DEC keyboard support.  The hardware interfaces would be implemented on an Arduino Mega Shield.  This boils down to a couple of PS2 connectors, couple a bi-directional serial-to-ttl level converter, and some DEC specific adapter cables. MINI-DIN7 and MMJ modular.

There is an E-BAY listing for something like I have in mind.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184857154983

This device has a selling price of $350.  Internally it may just be an Arduino, but I really don't know.  

Once I have an Arduino Mega Shield manufactured with the needed hardware I would most likely sell the shield as a cheap ($50 or so) way to interface PS2 mice and keyboards with a VAX.  

Is there any interest in such a shield?

Joe