Thinkpads Forum

Hi all

I've been trying to figure out a way to use a recent model (e.g. T480) touchpad externally by USB.

I've seen a few hackaday and instructables posts showing some older touchpads are PS/2, and can be converted to USB with some rewiring.

Does anyone have any experience, or know where I could find a technical manual for a recent model touchpad?

I've been thinking of integrating one into a frankenpad (e.g. my beloved X61s) or rigging up a secondary thin/tall touchpad just for scrolling on the right side of the keyboard on my T480s.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated? Thanks in advance

Anything later than the xx40 might be awkward to use, as the trackpoint buttons are part of the toucpad module.
While I've yet to play with touchpads, I've done a bit of research a while back. Regarding Regarding USB conversion, a normal USB to PS/2 converter can be used, or you can get fancy with micro-controller boards like the Teensy or some Arduino clones.
As for the pinout, it helps to get an actual touchpad and start googling for the part numbers silkscreened on the circuit board itself. Others have done this sort of thing before and some may have used the same touchpad that you have in your possession.

Regarding the X61, fellow forum member Vavet made a touchpad mod a while back.

many thanks!