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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: micalH on Sat, 16 May 2020, 14:55:29

Title: Alfa Micro Keyboard?
Post by: micalH on Sat, 16 May 2020, 14:55:29

Hi guys, I recently purchased a keyboard and it seems like it's from a set up in the 80s called Alfa Micro AM1000, do anyone know what is the keyboard? What kind of switch does it have?
Here's the ebay post: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Vintage-Alpha-Micro-AM-1000-Computer-Terminal-Keyboard-WYSE/193468706213?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
pictures will come up soon

Title: Re: Alfa Micro Keyboard?
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 16 May 2020, 15:47:20

You paid $400 for a keyboard you didn't know anything about? Brave!

I would recommend the Deskthority Wiki's Switch recognition guide (https://deskthority.net/wiki/Switch_recognition) the next time for identifying the switich.
These look like vintage SMK (https://deskthority.net/wiki/SMK_J-M0404_series) but could also be a clone that looks very similar: it can be difficult to tell without finding any markings.
The manufacturer Wyse is a well-known manufacturer of computer terminals. Many terminals made by Wyse were sold under other brands.

Title: Re: Alfa Micro Keyboard?
Post by: micalH on Sat, 16 May 2020, 17:28:36

Lol. Didn’t pay $400 but paid $100. Just really wanted a vintage keyboard. Here’s some extra pictures. Looks legit to me

Title: Re: Alfa Micro Keyboard?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sat, 16 May 2020, 17:49:26

I accuse the designers of some modern switch matrixes of being crazy for connecting random keys but back in the day they can't have been - just look at that routing!

Good luck getting it working and I hope it feels good :thumb:

Title: Re: Alfa Micro Keyboard?
Post by: micalH on Sat, 16 May 2020, 17:56:31

After some research I think this keyboard is using vintage SMK J-M0404 switches, and the double shot keycaps are reallly thick. I donno how to get it working tho. Looking for some adaptors for the 10-pin terminal connector.

Title: Re: Alfa Micro Keyboard?
Post by: Maledicted on Mon, 18 May 2020, 12:56:00

Quote from: micalH on Sat, 16 May 2020, 17:56:31

After some research I think this keyboard is using vintage SMK J-M0404 switches, and the double shot keycaps are reallly thick. I donno how to get it working tho. Looking for some adaptors for the 10-pin terminal connector.

This (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50883.msg1122882#msg1122882) may be of help.

It has to do with the WY-50 keyboard, specifically, but the connector is (probably) the same.

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=50883.0;attach=44499;image)

Does the header for the cable look something like this?

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=50883.0;attach=47204;image)