How to Hook Up an IBM Keyboard to an Atari Computer

Older Atari computers such as the ST and 7800 had their own custom-designed keyboards, but with the systems having been out of production for more than 20 years, those components are likely to be worn out and no longer work at their best. Fortunately, keyboard adapters such as QWERTYX and MPDOS Professional allow you to connect an IBM PC keyboard to your Atari computer, extending the life of your Atari and adding a modern interface to these vintage machines.

Things You'll Need

• IBM-to-Atari keyboard adapter such as QWERTYX or MPDOS Professional
• AT-type PC keyboard
• Serial mouse and joystick (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Connect a keyboard adapter such as QWERTYX or MPDOS Professional to the keyboard port of your Atari computer with the system turned off.

   • 2

     Plug the PC keyboard into the five-pin AT port of the adapter.

   • 3

     Connect extra peripherals such as a mouse and/or joystick to the other input ports of your adapter hardware (optional).

   • 4

     Turn on your Atari computer, which can now be controlled with the PC keyboard.