Thinkpads Forum

Hey folks,

I've been in use of a 2504 unit and so far it's been pretty great...until now. I'd like to know if anyone's been having any power issues with their docks. If it helps at all, I'm using a T60 with it. Here's my predicament:

My external PS/2 keyboard has a trackpoint (IBM KPD8923) and throughout most of my time using it, I've connected it to my dock via a USB adapter and it's worked fine (for the most part; sometimes it cuts out). I decided to start using the combined PS/2 port for at least one of plugs, so I plugged in the keyboard to there while the mouse stayed on the adapter. I then got the idea: why not use the combined PS/2 port for both? It should work right? I'll have more USB ports available too. So I ordered a PS/2 splitter. After it arrived, I plugged it in, felt good now that my setup is a little more uniform, then turned on my T60. Keyboard worked, so I logged in. Desktop came up, dud mouse... I'm not sure if the mouse part of the splitter isn't functional, as I have no PS/2 mouse to test it with, or my trackpoint just isn't compatible for some reason. I then plugged the mouse port straight into the combined port by itself (something I should've tested before I'll admit) and it still didn't work. This has left me very confused. Why would the trackpoint work with the USB adapter but not purely through the PS/2 port itself?

To make matters worse, some of my USB devices cut out. I have a mixing console to hook up a pair of speakers and it just wouldn't turn on. It was at this point I began to think there was a power issue as well (or my dock's just a dud).

Has anyone here had similar issues?

I just tested, and I can get my T60 with Mini-Dock 2504 to recognize both mouse and keyboard through this port. Keyboard is PS/2, mouse is Microsoft USB, PS/2 compatible, through a USB-to-PS/2 adapter, and both are connected via a PS/2 splitter to the combo port. The mouse power light only comes up when the OS (XP) finishes booting, but that may be as intended.

Normally I would suspect the splitter or maybe the combined keyboard/trackpoint implementation being non-standard, but given what you report about the other USB ports, it may be that the dock has a problem. First and foremost, make sure you are using a 90W power supply with it (65W is not recommended with these docks), and if it's already 90W, maybe try a different power supply, if you have one available.

dr_st wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 10, 2019 3:01 am

I just tested, and I can get my T60 with Mini-Dock 2504 to recognize both mouse and keyboard through this port. Keyboard is PS/2, mouse is Microsoft USB, PS/2 compatible, through a USB-to-PS/2 adapter, and both are connected via a PS/2 splitter to the combo port. The mouse power light only comes up when the OS (XP) finishes booting, but that may be as intended.

Normally I would suspect the splitter or maybe the combined keyboard/trackpoint implementation being non-standard, but given what you report about the other USB ports, it may be that the dock has a problem. First and foremost, make sure you are using a 90W power supply with it (65W is not recommended with these docks), and if it's already 90W, maybe try a different power supply, if you have one available.

My power supply is already 90W. Would it be wise to get a stronger one? How much is too much? I'll also update you if I ever get a PS/2 mouse to test the port again. If it doesn't, then it's most likely the port itself.

Vivecus wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 10, 2019 11:36 pm

My power supply is already 90W. Would it be wise to get a stronger one? How much is too much? I'll also update you if I ever get a PS/2 mouse to test the port again. If it doesn't, then it's most likely the port itself.

For a T60, you don't need a stronger one. I was suggesting to try a different one in case the PSU is flaky (although it can be the dock itself).

dr_st wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 10, 2019 11:49 pm

For a T60, you don't need a stronger one. I was suggesting to try a different one in case the PSU is flaky (although it can be the dock itself).

I just realised that my power supply's not a genuine Lenovo one so that may be the issue here. I'll order one in and see if that works. If not, then I guess it's the dock. Thank you for the pointers, it's much appreciated!