Hi, I recently got a Mac Mini G4, I've used OSX (10.5) on it and have used the keyboard on ...well a lot of other operating systems and computers, but when I use it with Morph OS, the Keyboard doesn't type anything.

I never heard of anything like this happening, the keyboard is usually the thing that always works, at least in my experience.

Strangely, I've had the same exact problem when using Risc OS on my Raspberry Pi (I've been on an operating system binge, I love trying out new and exotic OS's) I don't know if that's related, the Mini and Pi are both pretty small, Morph OS and Risc OS are both niche hobbyist operating systems that only work on specific hardware that originate from dead and missed companies (Acorn and Commodore)...but that's where the similarities end, so it's probably a coincidence, if there's a connection I'm stumped.

The keyboard in question is made by Unicomp. It's a modern version of the classic "Model M" keyboard from IBM. It uses USB, no weird PS/2 to USB adapter to mess things up.

I've tried unplugging it and plugging it back in and sprayed some compressed air on the USB ports just to be sure there wasn't anything obstructing it. I've also tried the other USB port. Same problem. I also don't have any other USB keyboards to try out (like the original Model M, this thing will last forever), but my keyboard works on other computers and on the Mac Mini when using OSX so I don't think that's the problem.

So..... has anybody here had a similar issue? If so, what did you do to remedy it? If nothing can be done is there a virtual keyboard hiding in the settings somewhere? (mouse and video work, actually got the resolution right unlike Haiku and eComstation, didn't need any wonky command line stuff to get it right like MintPPC did either)

I'm not familiar with Morph OS or Apple hardware, did I miss some kind of driver package or was there a special version for G4 Mac Mini's I may have missed?

(tldr: keyboard doesn't work, is there anything I can do?)

Does it work in OpenFirmware (Mini)? If not, this keyboard seems not to be recognized by hardware and will be unusable for your Mini.....
You can try to use a hub between keyboard and Mini - hubs sometimes may correct foulty USB-implementions ......

>> my keyboard works [...] on the Mac Mini when using OSX

> Does it work in OpenFirmware (Mini)? If not, this keyboard seems not to be
> recognized by hardware and will be unusable for your Mini.....

How would it work in MacOSX then?

A Hub?, hmm, didn't think of that. I think I have an old powered one lying around somewhere.

I'll have to try that. It could be a while until I get the spare time. I'll report the results in case anybody else has the same problem and searches this later.

Thanks.

Quote:

Could it be that MacOS can fix faulty USB-hardware better than MorphOS?

My experience is, that some (HID) hardware wouldn't work under OF, in most cases also don't run under MorphOS. On the other hand I've seen such hardware running under MacOS then....

Bad news, the powered hub, didn't change anything. I'll have to wait until I can find a cheap USB keyboard to use.

On the bright side, anybody with a Unicomp keyboard who bothers to search the forums will see this and learn that they simply need a different keyboard.

Secondly you seem to have no idea how much heat a cpu can create within a second. If you take a cpu without any cooling, put your finger on the cpu and turn the computer on for a second, your finger is most likly burned.

I managed to get a cheap USB keyboard from Staples, and that worked. If anybody is keeping a hardware compatibility record, might want to put down that Unicomp keyboards don't work on Mac Mini's.