BACKLIT IBM MODEL M

[microsoft windows]

Anybody ever tried making one? I guess the main thing that would have to happen is the keyboard would need one piece keycaps. A backlit IBM Model M would look cool though, especially a 122-key unit. Any thoughts?

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Unless you could convince Unicomp to make backlit-compatible keys, I don't see where the effort would be worth it. Not to mention you'd have to rig up 122 LEDs in their own matrix on their own circuit, and provide them with their own power source.

You'd be better off placing a desk lamp over your keyboard.

[Vanilla]

Have you double checked that windows 98 supports backlit keyboards?

It's possible to self mod though considering the size of the model m case. Should'nt be too hard, the easiest way is to have the circuitry standalone and powered separately.

[Melvang]

The easiest way to implement backlighting on an M would be using EL mat or panels.  You would just need to cut holes to match up with the barrel plate, set it down, wire it up, turn on, and admire.  That being said, EL panels do get on the pricey side for something of that size.  I have seen that some places will cut EL panels to sized including holes, that would probably be the best bet, however would be the most expensive.

[1391406]

Anybody ever tried making one? I guess the main thing that would have to happen is the keyboard would need one piece keycaps. A backlit IBM Model M would look cool though, especially a 122-key unit. Any thoughts?

Phosphor Glow created a semi-backlit Model M:

[samwisekoi]

While as a user, hobbyist, collector, and huge fan of the Model M, I must categorically state that this is an anathema and a heresy.

I also can state that I have just disassembled a Model M and done some measuring, and find that there is 0.18" (4.5mm) gap under the keycaps when fully depressed.  That means that there is easily room for a prismatic reflective surface on the plate that could very nicely reflect light from side-mounted led strips.  3M™ Scotchlite™ Sheeting 7610 is a good example of such a surface treatment.

For example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCOTCH-LITE-REFLECTIVE-SHEETING-TAPE-3M-SILVER-/350154218923
Plus a few of:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/25137/lit-413/DarkSide_CONNECT_Dimmable_12_Modular_LED_Strip_-_White_-_Black_Sleeved.html?tl=g6c77s2118&id=VFyjgkDt

Might yield an interesting result.

Not that I would approve, endorse, or spend 45 minutes researching exactly what you'd need to do such a thing.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[rowdy]

Damn - for a minute there I thought someone had found a backlit Model M.

[microsoft windows]

Anybody ever tried making one? I guess the main thing that would have to happen is the keyboard would need one piece keycaps. A backlit IBM Model M would look cool though, especially a 122-key unit. Any thoughts?

Phosphor Glow created a semi-backlit Model M:

Show Image

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I remember hearing about that modification now that you mention it. I do agree it has a nice look to it and wouldn't be too hard for one to do. I wonder if anybody else has tried it?

[microsoft windows]

Have you double checked that windows 98 supports backlit keyboards?

It's possible to self mod though considering the size of the model m case. Should'nt be too hard, the easiest way is to have the circuitry standalone and powered separately.

Oh it supports 'em just fine.

[Smasher816]

Have you double checked that windows 98 supports backlit keyboards?

Afaik, almost every keyboard handles led lighting in it's firmware and is not effected by the computer OS. Just provide power and go.

[0100010]

Damn - for a minute there I thought someone had found a backlit Model M.

Click Clacks Micro M had a windowed Caps Lock, though I don't think it was ever determined if it was backlit or not.  I like to think it was.

[lightsout714]

MS Windows made a legitimate thread? What is this world coming to?

[rowdy]

MS Windows made a legitimate thread? What is this world coming to?

And the first post is not all caps!

[gameaholic]

That would be cool if someone modded one with reactive backlighting like a Ducky Shine or RGB lighting like the new Corsair boards. 

[FrostyToast]

Oh man, I really want to see some pimpin' BS boards. Outfitted with metal cases and all. I bet someone could get behind that bandwagon. One step forward from the crazy Korean customs we have right now! 

[microsoft windows]

There's certainly no shortage of Model M's to work with. I'm surprised more people haven't gotten into it.

[Melchior]

Yeah, take a couple meters of AWG30 or thinner multi-strand (the teflon coated stuff), and cut the insulation - solder the SMD led's directly onto the wire just like in those tubular X-mas lights....

Would require surgical application of super-glue for affixing the leds - but very possible to do (and GOOD soldering skills).

Now soldering the wires for 100+ LEDs, that's less easy than just taking a couple lengths of EL wire and using covering it with some black/opaque heat shrink to mask the parts you don't want glowing....

[katushkin]

MS Windows made a legitimate thread? What is this world coming to?

And the first post is not all caps!

Although the topic is to make up for that

If someone could make a backlit mod for a relatively cheap price, I think that along with bolt modding would be an awesome service I would be more than happy to pay for

[FrostyToast]

MS Windows made a legitimate thread? What is this world coming to?

And the first post is not all caps!

Although the topic is to make up for that

If someone could make a backlit mod for a relatively cheap price, I think that along with bolt modding would be an awesome service I would be more than happy to pay for

I bet you could pay someone $50 to do all of that work assuming they get some practice with it and get good at it.

[Elrick]

Oh man, I really want to see some pimpin' BS boards. Outfitted with metal cases and all. I bet someone could get behind that bandwagon. One step forward from the crazy Korean customs we have right now! 

I would buy a couple if they were available easily  .  Imagine an all metal casing Model-M truly made to last forever and use in battle, up close and personnel.

[dantan]

You'd be better off placing a desk lamp over your keyboard.

Reading this I exploded with laughter.

Many geeks have overly complicated solutions for easy problems. Rube Goldberg machine?

[rowdy]

You'd be better off placing a desk lamp over your keyboard.

Reading this I exploded with laughter.

Many geeks have overly complicated solutions for easy problems. Rube Goldberg machine?

Where's the fun and technical challenge in just moving a desk lamp around the desk?

[dorkvader]

You'd be better off placing a desk lamp over your keyboard.

Reading this I exploded with laughter.

Many geeks have overly complicated solutions for easy problems. Rube Goldberg machine?

Where's the fun and technical challenge in just moving a desk lamp around the desk?

This is geekHACK not geek-just-move-a-desk-lamp-around.

[skcheng]

UV on an SSK.   

[HPE1000]

Someone has made a backlit model m, they used led strips under the keys. If only I could remember where I saw it. :/

[vivalarevolución]

Phosphorglow got a few things figured out with this:

http://phosphorglow.net/store/products/1392595-october-9th-1987/

[Elrick]

Phosphorglow got a few things figured out with this:

http://phosphorglow.net/store/products/1392595-october-9th-1987/

I'm sure you can pay him to mod one Model-M for you easily.  He is an actual master in modifying any type of Model-M and have already bought a couple off him.

His keyboards look like it came from the factory all new and fixed  .