DIY PS/2 Keyboard Adapter for LSDj (Game Boy)

NOTE: Link cables all vary in design. We can not guarantee that this tutorial will be applicable for your cable.

Parts Required:

Gameboy & Gameboy Color Link Cable (Aftermarket preferred)
DIN 6 / PS/2 female adapter - http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/MD-60J/C...
Wire Strippers/Cutters
Heat Gun (Possibly a blow dryer)
Flat head screw driver
Soldering Iron / Solder
Multimeter/continuity tester (If you retain the Game Boy color cable)

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Step 1: Disassembling the Cable

This mod can be tricky because it requires you to add a 5V pin to the cable, if you want to power your keyboard from the GameBoy's 5v line. It is worth noting that most (all?) Game Boy color cables already have the 5v pin connected and wired.

Decide whether or not you would like to retain the GameBoy color connector. The mod is simpler if you do them independently, because you do not need open the box to rewire the 5v. If you choose to only use one connector, be sure to cut as close to the box as possible, because you need some slack on the cable.

Step 2: Access the Wires

Carefully use a heatgun to apply heat to the silicone sleeve. Rotate it constantly and be cautious not to apply too much heat. 5-10 seconds should be more than enough for it to slip right off. It is very easy to melt the plastic, so be sure to constantly check while doing this. A blow dryer may suffice if you do not own a heat gun.

After the sleeve is removed, you need to uncrimp the metal from the cable. I do this with a flat heat screw driver.

The plastic piece has two plastic "clips" in the middle of the metal. You will need to unclip these to remove the plastic.

Step 3: Relocating the 5V

Now that you have access to the wires, you will need to relocate the 5v.

Fortunately this cable has 4 wires. Otherwise we would have to sacrifice ground, and only use the shield for ground.

The pin can be remove by carefully pushing down the clip. Once it is removed, you can slide it in to the 5v position.

Take note of the wire colors and write down the corresponding connection based on the diagram.

You can now slide the metal piece back over the cable and re-crimp it.

Step 4: Rewiring the Box

If you chose to retain the Game Boy color connector, you will need to do some rewiring inside of the box.

You can pry it open with a flat heat screwdriver.

You might find that the inside is coated with epoxy or glue. In this case, the wires were exposed, allowing for rewiring. If there is hot glue on the wires, try exposing it to rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can allow for hot glue to be easily detached. If you rip out any wires, you may just have to continue the mod with only one connector.

The wire colors are not consistent among the connectors. I used a multimeter with the continuity tester to determine which wire is which. You may need to as well.

Step 5: Soldering

Before doing any soldering, slip the sleeve over the cable. If you forget to do this, you will have to de-solder all of your connections!

Refer to the note you made in the previous step of the wire colors. You can cut off any excess wires now.

After soldering, be sure to test your unit before assembling the DIN 6 adapter, because they're basically impossible to disassemble after putting them together.

If your device does not work, see the next step for troubleshooting.

Step 6: Testing and Troubleshooting

Boot up your Game Boy with LSDj.

In the project window, set the SYNC to "KEYBD"

Toggle to the "phrase" screen and press a few buttons on your keyboard (some are nonfunctional). If it works, then it is safe to reassemble your adapter. It is good measure to add glue, or some reinforcement to the solder connections, because the cable can't be disassembled anyway.

If your keyboard doesn't work, follow these steps:

Update LSDj to the latest version. Keyboard support was lost in a few versions.
Use fresh batteries. If the batteries are low, LSDj may run, but the keyboard may not work.
Check your soldering for shorts.
Compare your connections to the diagram. Assure you did not refer to them in reverse.

If the LEDs light up on the keyboard when you power up your Game Boy, that means that you have successfully rewired the 5V, and that ground is connected properly. If your keyboard is not working, it is likely a software issue, or you have reversed the Clock and Data lines.