Convert a ThinkPad 380ED Keyboard and TrackPoint Over to a USB HID Device

Most laptop computers use those "chicklet" keys, which seem dissatisfying when typing on them. Older ThinkPad laptops, on the other hand, offered full-size keys that felt much nicer when the keys were depressed. They also had that eraser head TrackPoint button that seemed to work much better than touchpads. Unfortunately, those keyboards couldn't be used with today's laptops and desktops as they don't provide a USB connector or act as an HID device.

While laptops like the ThinkPad T61 have built-in circuitry that allowed them to be connected via PS/2, older models such as the 380ED rely on external circuitry to do the conversion, meaning it can't readily convert over to USB. Retired engineer Frank Adams managed to transform the 380ED circuitry that turns the keyboard and TrackPoint into a USB HID recognizable keyboard and mouse.

Converting the TrackPoint circuitry was no easy task. As there was no readily available schematic, Adams and a friend had to measure resistance and voltage by hand. After a bit of tinkering, they managed to map the necessary FPC pins and wired it to a Teensy 3.2 that acts as the keyboard's key matrix. Coupled with a custom circuit board Adams designed, he managed to get the 380ED and TracPoint to be recognized as a HID keyboard and mouse.

Adams has uploaded a detailed walkthrough of how he accomplished his build on his project page. Although there is already a standalone ThinkPad keyboard with the TrackPoint, this is a good way to make use of an old laptop for sure.