When my A1200 keyboard died I replaced it w/Power Computings keyboard adapter. It didn't come w/an owners manual which I stated to Software Hut so they could insert one for the next buyer.
I installed it and those odd symbols you mentioned did appear and the pc keyboard wasn't responsive.
I switched it around [had to cut up the shield just to make it fit] and it worked great though the "Pause" wouldn't work so I replaced it w/my A2500 keybrd.
After talking to Russ at
http://www.mrhardwarecomputers.com/I found that their adapter was cheaper in price and programmable.
