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Author Topic: Worn Model M  (Read 2614 times)

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Offline Phaedrus2129

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Worn Model M
« on: Thu, 11 March 2010, 23:10:05 »
I'm still bottoming out on my Model M sometimes, and I know why. The switches are worn!

If you compare, say, home row with Print Screen/Scroll Lock/Pause the home row keys are definitely fractionally lighter (maybe by ~5-10g) and the tactile bump is less pronounced. They still work just fine, it isn't at all like what I've heard described for ruined springs. It's just... Worn.

Not nearly as much as my old HP multimedia board, mind. I used that for ~2 1/2 years and the home row is almost useless. These buckling spring switches have worn down as much in twenty one years as that old membrane did in four months. And that's impressive. But I think now I'm looking forward to typing on a board that hasn't seen such extensive (read: decades of) use.


EDIT: I think this was used in an office for data entry or something, because the numpad is worn almost as much as home row. I think this baby has seen some heavy use during its life.



But has anyone seen this in a Model M? Or am I just imagining things? Or are the switches bad?
« Last Edit: Thu, 11 March 2010, 23:14:41 by Phaedrus2129 »
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Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline EverythingIBM

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Worn Model M
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 11 March 2010, 23:27:05 »
Only you can know if you test out spring tension of other keys.

If the tension isn't good anymore, order some new key springs for your model M here:
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/112467

I bottom out my keys all the time, regardless of their condition (you should see my thinkpad, there's green markings from the keys scraping the black rubber layer off).
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Keyboards: '86 M, M5-2, M13, SSK, F AT, F XT

Offline Phaedrus2129

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Worn Model M
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 11 March 2010, 23:35:31 »
It's still ok as is. Definitely usable. But I do think I'll refurbish it at some point. Sending it to Unicomp is tempting, as a work saving method, but somehow that feels like it wouldn't be the same keyboard anymore, ya' know? ;)
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Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline EverythingIBM

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Worn Model M
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 11 March 2010, 23:42:35 »
Quote from: ripster;163362
It certainly happens.  Springs get mushy.

Unicomp will sell you a bag of spring/hammer assemblies (don't know the price, Webwit did this).  Then its $10 of bolts/nuts and you can refurbish the keyboard.

Or send the thing to Unicomp and they'll charge you $30 or so and just pop in a brand new inner assembly and reuse your case/keys.


I hope you mean by "inner assembly" that it's only the springs, not the whole plastic seating. If they did chuck the whole inner seating, well, mine's an older Model M with the extra braces; I wouldn't want them removing it!
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Keyboards: '86 M, M5-2, M13, SSK, F AT, F XT

Offline Phaedrus2129

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Worn Model M
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 11 March 2010, 23:49:56 »
Quote from: EverythingIBM;163366
I hope you mean by "inner assembly" that it's only the springs, not the whole plastic seating. If they did chuck the whole inner seating, well, mine's an older Model M with the extra braces; I wouldn't want them removing it!


Yeah, that's what I was thinking he meant... Unicomp has cost-reduced the housing and plates, so they aren't as durable. I wouldn't want it replaced with that version when I have the beefed up IBM original already.
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Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline EverythingIBM

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Worn Model M
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 12 March 2010, 00:36:45 »
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;163368
Yeah, that's what I was thinking he meant... Unicomp has cost-reduced the housing and plates, so they aren't as durable. I wouldn't want it replaced with that version when I have the beefed up IBM original already.


One of the problems they'd have, is, the old keys aren't compatible with the "new" backings (you'd have a lot of plastic smashing into itself).

I think it's best to just fix it up yourself; not that difficult.

Buy a screwdriver that fits from here, take off the bezel, and get to the springs. I think you might have the take off the little melted stubs.

Then you can get all of your dust buddies out of your model m:


So chop chop! Get that model M fixed up.
« Last Edit: Fri, 12 March 2010, 01:19:58 by EverythingIBM »
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Keyboards: '86 M, M5-2, M13, SSK, F AT, F XT

Offline Phaedrus2129

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Worn Model M
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 12 March 2010, 01:01:28 »
Maybe. After my G84-4100 arrives, though.

Though it sounds like it would be about $50 all up to refurbish it like that... Over halfway to a brand new Unicomp.
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Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline EverythingIBM

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Worn Model M
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 12 March 2010, 01:19:12 »
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;163377
Maybe. After my G84-4100 arrives, though.

Though it sounds like it would be about $50 all up to refurbish it like that... Over halfway to a brand new Unicomp.


The only thing which really needs fixing are the springs, right? Springs from clickykeyboards are only $1 per a set of 10. CHEAP!

You could always go dumpster diving for some new parts: which sadly I haven't been able to do since there aren't any computer dumps.
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Keyboards: '86 M, M5-2, M13, SSK, F AT, F XT

Offline Phaedrus2129

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Worn Model M
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 12 March 2010, 01:23:27 »
Manyak (I know y'all hate him) said that Unicomp will sell you a set of 104 for $10+shipping. So that's a win there!

But still it's probably:
Springs/hammers - $15
Nut driver - $10
Nuts/bolts/screws - ~$10-20

So $35-$45, plus I might need to pick up sandpaper if it's really rusted...

I know I'm just making excuses, but money is moderately tight. I still have some extra (I just bought a G84 after all) but I don't want to spend on something that isn't really a huge bother.


Also, the space bar squeaks. :p
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Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline Phaedrus2129

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  • Posts: 1131
Worn Model M
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 12 March 2010, 01:24:15 »
Quote from: ripster;163382
NIB Model M 1391401 on Ebay sitting at $46 currently.


Those always go up to $80-$120 at the last minute. It would be wonderful to have one though!
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Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline Phaedrus2129

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  • Posts: 1131
Worn Model M
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 12 March 2010, 01:40:13 »
I've got a Dremel somewhere... But I think it got lost somewhere when we moved, and I don't feel like sifting boxes.
Logged
Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W
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