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geekhack Community => Reviews => Topic started by: chyros on Sat, 25 May 2019, 08:32:14

Title: HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)
Post by: chyros on Sat, 25 May 2019, 08:32:14

Today we look at what's probably the most complex switch design I've ever seen, in a very interesting early 70s control pad. Thanks for HaaTa for explaining to me how these little devils work! :D

Title: Re: HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)
Post by: flurryvelvet on Sun, 02 June 2019, 04:16:53

Those switches are like... the polar opposite of an oki spring

Title: Re: HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)
Post by: chyros on Sun, 02 June 2019, 08:46:58

Quote from: flurryvelvet on Sun, 02 June 2019, 04:16:53

Those switches are like... the polar opposite of an oki spring

Yes, which all the more enhances the elegance of the latter's design! :)

Title: Re: HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)
Post by: natAT on Sun, 02 June 2019, 21:44:07

I've watched this excellent video more than a few times. Can still only say: I've never been so happy to be utterly confused by a switch.

Engineers usually have some set of requirements to be satisfied in a design. Heck knows what those requirement were with these ;D.

Title: Re: HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)
Post by: Charli931 on Tue, 25 June 2019, 23:55:37

I always preferred the MHz key/mouthfeel on the HP8660B. I could never get used to the high pitched ping of the SWP WIDTH. Famously, Hewlett wanted "CLEAR KYBD" to just say "CLEAR", but you know now Packard could get.

Title: Re: HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)
Post by: Evie2136 on Tue, 23 July 2019, 23:33:17

Old HP was weird. They used an incomprehensible protocol for their terminal boards. I wouldn't be surprised if this is equally or more crazy.

Title: Re: HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)
Post by: chyros on Wed, 24 July 2019, 01:59:58

Quote from: Evie2136 on Tue, 23 July 2019, 23:33:17

Old HP was weird. They used an incomprehensible protocol for their terminal boards. I wouldn't be surprised if this is equally or more crazy.

I'm not convinced this even speaks a protocol xD .