Turning Apple Wired Keyboard to Wireless, Possible ?

[anubisX]

So here is the situation. I have a wireless Apple keyboard and it started acting up this morning. i became I, left Shift gives prefix I, right Shift opens up some Debugging mode or something like that on Firefox, 1 will not be alone so it took 8 as partner. Thought some key must be pressed in or software issue or it might be shorting inside, not sure if anyone spilled water on it. Errors started showing up and I took out the batteries and kept it in big rice jar. In the meantime, I was thinking if I could use a wired Apple keyboard and make it wireless so I can use it with the Mac Mini... I've 50'' plasma hooked up so wireless is the only option. Just an experiment if anyone tried it before. Connecting the cable to the portable charger and connecting the PnP Bluetooth dongle / adapter to one of the two USB ports on the sides of the keyboard. Do you think the Mac will couple easily without any issue ? What do you think ? Possible ? Anyone tried this before ?


Typing on on-screen keyboard is pain in the arse, kindly share your POV. Thanks.

 

[Calculagator]

That's not going to work. The usb ports are pass-through ports. Your keyboard is independent of whatever is plugged in to it: it doesn't have the ability to communicate with other usb devices.

 

[McHenryB]

Buy a USB extension cable: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/usb-20-a-male-to-a-female-12m-n50jb

 

[anubisX]

@Mc, I know about that, I just wanted to know if my stupid plan's gonna work but thanks anyway.

@Calculagator, thanks for the explanation, I'm not a technical person but that doesn't keep me from thinking technical, LOL. Any wireless solution you can suggest ?

 

[McHenryB]

There are a few bluetooth and USB adapters that would do this for a Windows PC (not Mac), but they cost nearly as much as, or more than, a new wireless keyboard.

 

[anubisX]

Yeah, you'right. The keyboard is still messed up. A gives AK, Q gives QI, 1 and 8 both gives 18, etc. I might buy the Logitech K480, seems nice but not so smooth and silent like Apple.

 

[Calculagator]

It's hard to beat the apple wireless keyboard. The logitech k400 does work and is much cheaper, but it's not nearly as nice.

 

[anubisX]

Good news. My keyboard is working fine again and I know what was causing the problem. DUST !

I let the keyboard sit for a week or so to dry out (if any moisture is there under the keys) keeping the batteries out. Then I blew compressed air through the sides of the keys so it dislodges any dust or sand from under the keys. Then I gave a few thumps on the back of the keyboard (keys facing down on table) so it'll clean out most of the remaining particles. Then I blew air again. Put the batteries in, turned it on, paired it.

Voilà

My keyboard is working fine again ! No problems anymore. That dust and moisture was shorting the keyboard effing up the mapping. Alternatively, you can take out each keys with your nails and clean them throughly underneath.

Anyone facing the same problem should try this and I hope, you won't have to throw-out your favorite keyboard.


Thanks

 

[anubisX]

Sorry for the late response.