Kishsaver Club

[Techno Trousers]

I see now, I had just assumed it would have been the same as the left shift right enter key situation where they can easily be spit into 2.

It can be easily split into two. It's just that the two it splits into push the shift key very far away, or leave you with a 1x1 size shift.

I was actually flirting with the idea of using a 1x shift on the right to give myself another function key. I think I usually hit the very left of those crazy long right shifts anyway, but it would definitely take some getting used to. Too bad it's so time consuming to reconfigure the Model F flippies.

Maybe I'll stick something on top of my F-122 right shift to block of all but that left 1x area, and see how annoying it is to use.

[HPE1000]

My replacement kishsaver keycaps shipped today so hopefully I can get them by the end of next week. I will be sure to take the best pictures I can because I feel like others might be interested depending on the outcome.

(Fingers crossed they got all of the original legends correct )

[Joey Quinn]

This thread is really dangerous for me to keep looking at, a 60% BS is my ideal board. Either I'll make a custom 60% BS or I'll make it my goal to find one of these for sale.

[The_Beast]

This thread is really dangerous for me to keep looking at, a 60% BS is my ideal board. Either I'll make a custom 60% BS or I'll make it my goal to find one of these for sale.

Could try cutting up a model M:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44875.0

However, it's still just a model M (model F's IMO are a million times better than the M) and it's only a 65% but at least you'd be close and it's fairly cheap to do.

[Joey Quinn]

Could try cutting up a model M:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44875.0

I was thinking something like that with a new controller so I can rebind the keys and add some Fn layers. Ideally I'd be able to afford both so I can have the custom to play with and the Kishsaver for work and school.

[HPE1000]

Here were those replacement keycaps that unicomp made for me, if anyone was interested. The printing quality is lower than original ibm keycaps but I am not really complaining, I like them.

Unicomp even did front printing!

[HoffmanMyster]

Here were those replacement keycaps that unicomp made for me, if anyone was interested. The printing quality is lower than original ibm keycaps but I am not really complaining, I like them.

Unicomp even did front printing!

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I will never understand Unicomp's business model. An entire custom set for one customer is totally fine, but they won't even entertain the idea of doing custom colors (purple, for example), and it took a really long time to even get RGB options for printing. Oh well.

The set looks stellar! Part of me wants to do what you've done and return it to stock, but I think I'll stick with the layout I've got.

[HPE1000]

Here were those replacement keycaps that unicomp made for me, if anyone was interested. The printing quality is lower than original ibm keycaps but I am not really complaining, I like them.

Unicomp even did front printing!

Show Image

I will never understand Unicomp's business model. An entire custom set for one customer is totally fine, but they won't even entertain the idea of doing custom colors (purple, for example), and it took a really long time to even get RGB options for printing. Oh well.

The set looks stellar! Part of me wants to do what you've done and return it to stock, but I think I'll stick with the layout I've got.

Yeah, that doesn't make much sense. Perhaps they are afraid of the upfront cost, and the possibility that they might get stuck with a bunch of remaining sets because people don't stick to it and buy once they are done. They could always collect money upfront though.

The printing looks okay from a rather close distance, but if you get really close some of the legends are a little iffy with some dye splatter. I will take pictures of that tomorrow maybe, but overall they are great.

[Techno Trousers]

So... Just for our education, what magic words did you have to use to get them to create a fully custom set like that? I've inquired in the past and they weren't interested in printing anything custom on even a single key (e.g. Macro 1). The party line was "if the legend is not on a currently produced keyboard, it's not available".

Is love to get a couple of fully custom sets, especially front printed for the Kishsaver (arrows & nav keys)

[HPE1000]

It didn't require any sweet talking or anything. I sent them the model number and a ton of pictures and they were on it. It cost me $80 for the set and they got everything right as far as I can tell.

I wonder if they are more likely to do it if it was actually for a keyboard that others might order sets for as well. As in, they aren't going to bother making some crazy printed set that will take a ton of effort and only one person would ever possibly want it.

[HoffmanMyster]

It didn't require any sweet talking or anything. I sent them the model number and a ton of pictures and they were on it. It cost me $80 for the set and they got everything right as far as I can tell.

I wonder if they are more likely to do it if it was actually for a keyboard that others might order sets for as well. As in, they aren't going to bother making some crazy printed set that will take a ton of effort and only one person would ever possibly want it.

So what I need to do is alter my photographs of my kishsaver such that the legend color is purple, and then send them the photo, asking them to replicate this totally real and authentic old keyboard keycap set.  Got it.   

[The_Beast]

It didn't require any sweet talking or anything. I sent them the model number and a ton of pictures and they were on it. It cost me $80 for the set and they got everything right as far as I can tell.

I wonder if they are more likely to do it if it was actually for a keyboard that others might order sets for as well. As in, they aren't going to bother making some crazy printed set that will take a ton of effort and only one person would ever possibly want it.

So what I need to do is alter my photographs of my kishsaver such that the legend color is purple, and then send them the photo, asking them to replicate this totally real and authentic old keyboard keycap set.  Got it.   

They'll just think "If you already have a purple set, why would you need another"

[HoffmanMyster]

It didn't require any sweet talking or anything. I sent them the model number and a ton of pictures and they were on it. It cost me $80 for the set and they got everything right as far as I can tell.

I wonder if they are more likely to do it if it was actually for a keyboard that others might order sets for as well. As in, they aren't going to bother making some crazy printed set that will take a ton of effort and only one person would ever possibly want it.

So what I need to do is alter my photographs of my kishsaver such that the legend color is purple, and then send them the photo, asking them to replicate this totally real and authentic old keyboard keycap set.  Got it.   

They'll just think "If you already have a purple set, why would you need another"

They could have said the exact same thing to HPE.  He wanted a new set, so they did it for him.  I would like a replacement purple set, please.

[HPE1000]

It didn't require any sweet talking or anything. I sent them the model number and a ton of pictures and they were on it. It cost me $80 for the set and they got everything right as far as I can tell.

I wonder if they are more likely to do it if it was actually for a keyboard that others might order sets for as well. As in, they aren't going to bother making some crazy printed set that will take a ton of effort and only one person would ever possibly want it.

So what I need to do is alter my photographs of my kishsaver such that the legend color is purple, and then send them the photo, asking them to replicate this totally real and authentic old keyboard keycap set.  Got it.   

XD that will work

[snoopy]

Isn't it beautiful?

[HPE1000]

Isn't it beautiful?

(Attachment Link)

Where did you get it? 

[snoopy]

Isn't it beautiful?

(Attachment Link)

Where did you get it? 

Pulled from my attic. It is from the batch tinnie discovered.

[Aer Fixus]

Isn't it beautiful?

(Attachment Link)

Yes. Yes it is.

Knowing that it's in the hands of someone who appreciates it and who will eventually restore it or pass it onto someone who will care for it is wonderful. Once that is known, damaged items take on a whole new sense of beauty as it's not what they are now, but how far they will come, even if the end state is not currently known.

[Lurch]

[Joey Quinn]

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^-^

Lurch you got yours working right? I really need one.

[Lurch]

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^-^

Lurch you got yours working right? I really need one.

Yes sir! I'm making a lot of noise/typing on it now. :p

Installing the controller was a breeze (although still a bit nerve wracking). CPTBadAss' controller swap guide really helped.

Good luck in your search! They are much fun to type on. :)

[Lurch]

some quick and dirty before/after cleaning shots:

before:


after:



(x-post)


i'll get some more (and higher quality) pictures up once i decide what i want to do with the case...

[Joey Quinn]

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^-^

Lurch you got yours working right? I really need one.

Yes sir! I'm making a lot of noise/typing on it now. :p

Installing the controller was a breeze (although still a bit nerve wracking). CPTBadAss' controller swap guide really helped.

Good luck in your search! They are much fun to type on. :)

Thanks, I've been trying pretty hard to find one. Before I left for school I went around with a friend asking local banks about 4704 systems in general. We got a lot of "we can't say anything due to security reasons" but also found a few people who had worked with the systems and knew a ton about them. Sadly our only chance of finding any said they had all been shredded a few years ago.  :-X :'(

[The_Beast]

So I had some time, a polisher and a sand blaster.

A=Sand blasted paint off
B= Paint
C= Polished paint off
D=Polished and sand blasted





Plate blasted too


Still need to get the paint off without rounding the corners this much . I'll just have to get a drill attachment


I think I'm going to go with the polished and sand blasted with a clear finish top coat

[HoffmanMyster]

So I had some time, a polisher and a sand blaster.

A=Sand blasted paint off
B= Paint
C= Polished paint off
D=Polished and sand blasted

Show Image

Show Image

Plate blasted too

Show Image

Still need to get the paint off without rounding the corners this much :(. I'll just have to get a drill attachment

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I think I'm going to go with the polished and sand blasted with a clear finish top coat

A or D both look excellent IMO

That plate is sexy as hell

Those corners 

[CPTBadAss]

I like option D The_Beast.

[Joey Quinn]

So I had some time, a polisher and a sand blaster.

A=Sand blasted paint off
B= Paint
C= Polished paint off
D=Polished and sand blasted

Show Image

Show Image

Plate blasted too

Show Image

Still need to get the paint off without rounding the corners this much :(. I'll just have to get a drill attachment

Show Image

I think I'm going to go with the polished and sand blasted with a clear finish top coat

I'd say go with D, it sucks about the corner but at least you caught it early.

Do all model Fs have a metal plate or is it only the 4704 boards?

[HoffmanMyster]

I like option D The_Beast.

I think he intentionally made option D the best one.


He likes when people say they like D.

[exitfire401]

I wanna see the D

[The_Beast]

It took more time to do the A finish since the paint is so thick and the blast media was so fine. It took forever. Then I found a polishing wheel. Took the paint right off WAY FASTER. It would take maybe 3-5 hours to do the back of the tinsaver. It maybe took 45 minutes to get all the paint off, and maybe another 20 to get the surface finished fine enough to sandblast to get a consistent blast finish.

[Techno Trousers]

Do all model Fs have a metal plate or is it only the 4704 boards?

All Model Fs have a steel plate and at least a steel bottom plate. They're awesome.

[sleepy916]

A picture of my kish, needs the micro usb and it will be all good!

[Joey Quinn]

Do all model Fs have a metal plate or is it only the 4704 boards?

All Model Fs have a steel plate and at least a steel bottom plate. They're awesome.

Yeah they are, I tried Hoff's and CBA's. I can't get it out of my mind. I've been trying to source one for a few months.

[Touch_It]

Close enough 

Unicomp in background.

[dustinhxc]

A picture of my kish, needs the micro usb and it will be all good!

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ohhh yeah, very clean! Love it.  :thumb:

[atlas3686]

A picture of my kish, needs the micro usb and it will be all good!

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Looking good sleepy!

[hwood34]

Every time I open this thread, I get a little sadder

[snoopy]

It took more time to do the A finish since the paint is so thick and the blast media was so fine. It took forever. Then I found a polishing wheel. Took the paint right off WAY FASTER. It would take maybe 3-5 hours to do the back of the tinsaver. It maybe took 45 minutes to get all the paint off, and maybe another 20 to get the surface finished fine enough to sandblast to get a consistent blast finish.

why didn't you use some paint remover? that would have saved you a lot of trouble:



nearly no work and paint is falling of the kish within minutes.

[Touch_It]

It took more time to do the A finish since the paint is so thick and the blast media was so fine. It took forever. Then I found a polishing wheel. Took the paint right off WAY FASTER. It would take maybe 3-5 hours to do the back of the tinsaver. It maybe took 45 minutes to get all the paint off, and maybe another 20 to get the surface finished fine enough to sandblast to get a consistent blast finish.

why didn't you use some paint remover? that would have saved you a lot of trouble:

Show Image

nearly no work and paint is falling of the kish within minutes.

wish my paint remover had worked at least 1/2 as good as that.

[snoopy]

It took more time to do the A finish since the paint is so thick and the blast media was so fine. It took forever. Then I found a polishing wheel. Took the paint right off WAY FASTER. It would take maybe 3-5 hours to do the back of the tinsaver. It maybe took 45 minutes to get all the paint off, and maybe another 20 to get the surface finished fine enough to sandblast to get a consistent blast finish.

why didn't you use some paint remover? that would have saved you a lot of trouble:

Show Image

nearly no work and paint is falling of the kish within minutes.

wish my paint remover had worked at least 1/2 as good as that.

In my first attempt I had nearly no success... but then I found a good hint somewhere on the big internet.



HowTo:
http://deskthority.net/photos-f62/save-the-last-kishsaver-t8984-30.html#p190629

[STARLORDCOFFEE]

A picture of my kish, needs the micro usb and it will be all good!

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For the love of all things holy...that is the sexiest thing I've seen on GH to date. Im going to go cry now... :-[

[ctm]

60% buckling spring. This looks so amazing! I wish I could get one of these in the future!

[rowdy]

60% buckling spring. This looks so amazing! I wish I could get one of these in the future!

Be patient and alert.

Every now and again, on rare occasions, one might come up for sale!

[snoopy]

any idea how I could remove the dent from one of my kish? or who could do it? auto repair shop?

I don't wanna make it even more worse with a diy-try...

[vivalarevolución]

any idea how I could remove the dent from one of my kish? or who could do it? auto repair shop?

I don't wanna make it even more worse with a diy-try...

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I tried to take out my dent with a diy-try.  Didn't work too well.  Don't recommend.

[CPTBadAss]

I think you've got the right idea with an auto repair shop snoopy

[HoffmanMyster]

I think you've got the right idea with an auto repair shop snoopy

I'd have to agree. 

I think Photoelectric took her LZ-GH to an anodization shop and had some good luck with un-bending that, though I don't see explicit mention of which place (anodization shop or somewhere else) un-bent it in the thread.  Might be another option to consider.

[CPTBadAss]

Photoelectric took the board to a machine shop and I believe the shop had to use presses to straighten it out. I believe the ano shop was a separate place.

[cooldiscretion]

Very nice kish, Lurch. Someday I want to get one as well. I've seen some people have the split backspace. Is that a mod or do some models actually have that?

[CPTBadAss]

If you look at the barrel plate, you can shift the layouts by adjust the little white stabilizer pins. I've changed my layout to full ANSI with 1.25 - 1 - 1.25 on the bottom row. But you could easily make split backspaces or add keys.