PS/2 Port Functionality on the N-GO

The N-GO board includes a single PS/2 connector that is dual-purpose. It supports both a keyboard and a mouse. Internally, the firmware and FPGA core multiplex the PS/2 data lines, similar to the ZX Spectrum Next Issue 2B that it clones.

You can connect:

• A PS/2 keyboard only, plugged directly into the port; or
• A PS/2 keyboard and mouse together, by using a Y-splitter cable (a PS/2 dual adapter with one connector for the board and two female ports marked “keyboard” and “mouse”).

How to Connect Both

• To use both devices, you need a PS/2 splitter cable (also known as a PS/2 keyboard and mouse Y-adapter).
• It has one 6-pin mini-DIN male plug on one end (to connect to the N-GO board) and two female PS/2 sockets for the keyboard and mouse.

Once connected:

• The keyboard works normally for typing and ZX Spectrum BASIC input.

The mouse is supported through NextZXOS and other software that recognize the Kempston Mouse interface emulation provided through the PS/2 port.

Compatibility Notes

The PS/2 port uses true PS/2 signalling. Passive USB-to-PS/2 adapters only work if the connected USB keyboard or mouse supports dual protocols (PS/2 mode). Many older devices do; most modern ones do not.

Active USB-to-PS/2 converters (with a built-in controller) will also work but can introduce minor lag or require external power.

If you are mounting the board in a case with internal peripherals, you can route the Y-splitter cable inside the case for a cleaner setup.

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