Laptop Touchpad -> PS/2 Cable?

[theSteve]

I am attempting to connect a touchpad from a Gateway SOLO 2150 to a regular ps/2 cable.

I apologize if I have posted this in the wrong category.

I would like to appeal to those of you who have knowledge of connectors and the inner workings of laptops and their touchapds. I was told that the touchpad connects to the laptop the same way that ps2 devices connect to a computer, so I have come to assume that if I make the right contacts, and install the correct drivers, the touchpad should work on my desktop pc.

Here is a picture of the hardware I have:
http://24.81.248.232/misc%20files/2150_touchpad_7001627.jpg

Here is a diagram of the connector that sticks out.
http://24.81.248.232/misc%20files/2150_touchpad_7001627b.jpg

I found information of a ps2 connectors pinouts on the following page, where there is a table that outlines the contacts, and their purpose:
http://www.networktechinc.com/technote.html

So now, I have come to collect the following information:
a ps2 cable has 4 functioning wires:
1. data - black
2. no function
3. ground - red
4. +5 - brown
5. clock - blue
6. no function


The laptop touchpad connector has 4 metal contacts, which I numbered in the diagram i mentioned above according to how I believe they should connect to the ps2 wires.

For the PS/2 cable, i'll be using a standard 6' long ps/2 extension chord, cutting off the appropriate end and stripping the wires inside.

Provided I can work on the small scale that is required, is this possible? And have I assumed anything incorrectly?


For those of you who are wondering why I'm doing this, it is for my Car-PC. I chose to use a laptop touchpad, because they are black and are not unsightly; which makes them the best candidate for a touchpad to build directly into my car's console.

 

[andrey]

I'm not really sure if all this even worth the effort and time, considering the fact you can just buy PS/2 touchpad for $10 - $15...

 

[theSteve]

Originally posted by: andrey
I'm not really sure if all this even worth the effort and time, considering the fact you can just buy PS/2 touchpad for $10 - $15...

that's fair enough, and i was completely expecting a few responces like yours, but i don't see it as a hinderance. i'm not in a rush, and i think it's a neat project... and i'd like to know if it'll work.

besides this, i've been unable to find a black ps2 touchpad that is the right shape or color for my purposes.

 

[theSteve]

I attempted connecting up the wires, rigging it to my hacked-off ps/2 extension cable.

The touchpad gave no response, but it also didn't give any smoke. So that was good.

If anyone could tell me (or just offer an opinion) as to whether the touchpad would show any signs of life upon boot-up, withouth having to install the drivers first.

I did download the appropriate drivers from the laptop manufacturer's website, but they do not let you install unless the computer can detect the touchpad is connected.... which after 9 or 10 tries, i was unable to make it do.

Any guesses or opinions would be appreciated.
If anyone knows of a company that makes a touchpad similar to the picture of the one i posted, i would appreciate the name of that company or touchpad model, as I wouldn't mind going that way.. if it comes down to that in the end.

Thanks

 

[theSteve]

ttt

 

[midnightrat]

Any luck so far? I'm also working on a car-pc, and some of those notebook touchpads look perfect.

 

[theSteve]

nope. no luck at all. i even tried sodering the wires right to the board in the touchpad, but it didn't work.

i think what i'll end up doing is buying one of those ugly ps2 touchpads, and swapping the plastic frame and buttons with those of the laptop pad..

if you hear anything, though, let me know.