geekhack
geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: nubbinator on Tue, 09 September 2014, 22:45:46
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These came up before and I got mine for $40 shipped from this seller (http://www.ebay.com/usr/ronneher62xf?_trksid=p2047675.l2559). This time it's new seller and about $20 more expensive. They're cool little keyboards and fun to play around with.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Japanese-Lettering-Typing-Computer-102-Keyboard-Letter-Type-Model-6112884-/380994210683?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item58b5064b7b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Chinese-Lettering-Typing-Computer-102-Keyboard-Letter-Type-Model-6113442-/380994154944?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item58b50571c0
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/380994154944 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/380994154944)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380994210683 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/380994210683)
More info about these keyboards:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52888.20 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52888.20)
They can be converted to USB with Teensy:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50437.0 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50437.0)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54706.0 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54706.0)
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These came up before and I got mine for $40 shipped from this seller (http://www.ebay.com/usr/ronneher62xf?_trksid=p2047675.l2559). This time it's new seller and about $20 more expensive. They're cool little keyboards and fun to play around with.
He has shipping set to "Expedited" by default. Check the shipping options and the normal price is much more reasonable. $12-$14 in the US, so still under $44. And for multiple boards he's only adding a few dollars shipping for each, so you can get two for under $80 - you could probably contact him to arrange one of each type for lower shipping as adding one of each to shopping cart doesn't apply the discount.
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He has shipping set to "Expedited" by default. Check the shipping options and the normal price is much more reasonable. $12-$14 in the US, so still under $44. And for multiple boards he's only adding a few dollars shipping for each, so you can get two for under $80 - you could probably contact him to arrange one of each type for lower shipping as adding one of each to shopping cart doesn't apply the discount.
Thanks, I missed that. Totally reasonable for a NIB board that's a cool piece of history.
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I have two of these, love the switches. Didn't realize there was a way to get them working already. Woot!
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Too bad it´s 55$ shipping for swedes... :/
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Really tempted to get these just for the caps to my M0110
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I have two of these, love the switches. Didn't realize there was a way to get them working already. Woot!
That's just your standard handwiring. Or reusing the same matrix. Or cutting off one side of the matrix to add diodes (I've done this one it was terrible don't do it).
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I have two of these, love the switches. Didn't realize there was a way to get them working already. Woot!
Consult Dorkvader；he has experience with these things. Basically wired up a teensy to the keyboard matrix.
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The Pingsaver!
Also, it's really cool to take something that is 30+ years old out of the box for the first time. :D
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These are getting dangerously close to my, "I don't need it, or really even want it, but for that cheap I'll buy it" price.
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The Pingsaver!
Also, it's really cool to take something that is 30+ years old out of the box for the first time. :D
OK, dunno if you have noticed, but there is a funny smell to old Model Fs. And it's not mothballs.
Anyway, this didn't have that funny smell. It had the Nice New Smell. Which I'm preserving by keeping it in storage, heh. My greatest disappointment was that because the keyboard controller and valuable-looking parts of the matrix was on the right side, you can't saw it down and create a Kishsaver easily. Although it is much lighter than Model Fs, the construction is also way too solid to cut down easily. Otherwise I was REALLY aching to turn it into Kishsaver + numpad.
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My greatest disappointment was that because the keyboard controller and valuable-looking parts of the matrix was on the right side, you can't saw it down and create a Kishsaver easily. Although it is much lighter than Model Fs, the construction is also way too solid to cut down easily. Otherwise I was REALLY aching to turn it into Kishsaver + numpad.
Dammit. This was the only reason I was even considering this keyboard.
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My greatest disappointment was that because the keyboard controller and valuable-looking parts of the matrix was on the right side, you can't saw it down and create a Kishsaver easily. Although it is much lighter than Model Fs, the construction is also way too solid to cut down easily. Otherwise I was REALLY aching to turn it into Kishsaver + numpad.
Dammit. This was the only reason I was even considering this keyboard.
Oh it's still possible. The easiest way is likely to direct-wire though.
I'm thinking of getting another one so I can keep it original, and have the second one be the "heavily modded" version.
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Price lowered to $24.95 + shipping.
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Bah @ cutting down rare boards. BAH!
Heretics and infidels, all of you!
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Bah @ cutting down rare boards. BAH!
Heretics and infidels, all of you!
agree. big boards are beautiful.
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Bah @ cutting down rare boards. BAH!
Heretics and infidels, all of you!
agree. big boards are beautiful.
The second one is for the other hand.
So you have one non-cut one for RH typing and any tenkey-work you need to get done, and the second one is for the left side of your split KB.
Price lowered to $24.95 + shipping.
This is the price they were before. A total steal and I recommend you snap them up! Modding them is quite simple and I am happy to help answer questions about it (or do it for you (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=61288.0) )
Right now I'm working out how to use an arduino pro micro as the new controller to save money. ($7 instead of $16+$7 shipping)
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Right now I'm working out how to use an arduino pro micro as the new controller to save money. ($7 instead of $16+$7 shipping)
What you save in cash, you pay for in time and frustration. #TeamTeensy #PJRC
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Bah @ cutting down rare boards. BAH!
Heretics and infidels, all of you!
agree. big boards are beautiful.
BBB <3
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I know it's been a while since this topic was posted to, but I just wanted to add my voice to Dorkvader's about these wonderful boards—which amazingly are still available at $24.95 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIB-IBM-Japanese-Lettering-Typing-Computer-102-Keyboard-Letter-Type-6112884-/380994210683) plus shipping.
I just received mine (the Japanese version), and I'm sure glad I took DV's advice and got one. They are indeed a "total steal".
This is a very solidly made board. I haven't looked inside mine yet, but it's obvious from its weight that there's a substantial steel plate in there. The switches are delightfully responsive, and the board's resonant quality does give it a distinctive bell-like tone that, personally, I find delightful.
And the keys! Spherical, double-shot (why has no one mentioned that?), and with a pronounced row contour that may look daunting at first, but which I find perfectly ergonomic.
This board may look ridiculously long in its photos, but it's virtually the same width as a Model M; its lesser depth just creates the illusion it's extra-long.
I'm sure looking forward to doing the controller replacement, mapping the keys, and putting this sweetheart into action. If you have any interest in rare, unusual and particularly enjoyable KBs, I hope you won't miss your chance to get one of these at such a bargain price.
And yes, in addition to everything else, NIB IBM—how often does that happen? Sayonara, A.
[edit] These have speakers behind their grilles! Something else no one's mentioned. :?)
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I believe that a regular xWhatsit Model F controller works with these, but have not tried it myself. Would save the hassle of having to hand wire!
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Subtotal (1 item):
$29.35
Shipping to 91750:
$27.35
Cry for Shipping fee
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Subtotal (1 item):
$29.35
Shipping to 91750:
$27.35
Cry for Shipping fee
Check again. The seller has default shipping set to "Expedited". Change it to standard and it's $14.91.
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Subtotal (1 item):
$29.35
Shipping to 91750:
$27.35
Cry for Shipping fee
Spend thousands on Clacks, Bros, and custom keyboards, no problem. Get a fantastic deal on an uncommon/rare old NIB IBM keyboard, complain about shipping cost.
I don't get GH sometimes.
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And the keys! Spherical, double-shot (why has no one mentioned that?), and with a pronounced row contour that may look daunting at first, but which I find perfectly ergonomic.
[edit] These have speakers behind their grilles! Something else no one's mentioned. :?)
the NKRO is a huge feature for me, that's not always listed.
I believe that a regular xWhatsit Model F controller works with these, but have not tried it myself. Would save the hassle of having to hand wire!
This is not the case without serious modification (the type of modification that would completely negate the Xwhatsit simplicity). The sense lines are normal but the strobes are muxed. I believe soarer added the muxtrobe feature to his firmware specifically for these boards. source. (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50437.msg1193047#msg1193047)
however, a controller replacement and soarers KB controlelr code will work. Hasu and soarer also figured out the protocol (same as kishsaver) and you can do an adapter though it's not as nice. source (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54706.0)
About the shipping: These are a bargain at twice the price. Converted with a $5 APM, they are easily better than any $60 KB I know of available today.
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Well, I have $45 in my Paypal account and I like weird old stuff, but, really, who am I kidding?
I don't even like linear switches, so it would probably be mostly an exercise in buying it and holding it until I could turn it for a profit.
But, please indulge me 2 questions:
(1) is there any reasonable source for key caps? outside of ancient Apple gear, which is goofy anyway, and
(2) is this an all-metal case?
Thanks
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TI-99 (Texas Instruments), some Radio Shack/Tandy TRS-80s have them, the M0110 and M0110A have them, and I know I've seen a few others.
I believe it is, but I can't remember.
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(2) is this an all-metal case?
Had to dig it out because I knew I saw it this morning, but it seems it is plastic. Here is the post I saw about that:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52888.msg1179024#msg1179024 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52888.msg1179024#msg1179024)
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And of course people did mention the DS caps and the speaker over in the original thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52888.0). I should've known, there's no way you guys would miss features like that.
(2) is this an all-metal case?
Fo, when I got mine, I did think it was metal—it's so stoutly made, compared to M's. Maybe it's because the case is more rounded and vertically compact, but it's one solid board. And even if you don't generally like linear switches, it provides such distinctive acoustic feedback, you may not care.
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And even if you don't generally like linear switches, it provides such distinctive acoustic feedback, you may not care.
I think it was dv who nicknamed it the pingmaster.
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Yep—our ol' Dork's a real cutup. :?)
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This keyboard is beautiful and of awesomely high quality. It just reminds me of the hulking, solid computers of my childhood.
That said, if you do not like linear switches, DO NOT touch it. The green alps are way more linear/smooth than Cherry reds or blacks. That, and their high actuation, makes them a dream to type on for some people. But lack of feedback is awful in my eyes.
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Well, I have $45 in my Paypal account and I like weird old stuff, but, really, who am I kidding?
I don't even like linear switches, so it would probably be mostly an exercise in buying it and holding it until I could turn it for a profit.
But, please indulge me 2 questions:
(1) is there any reasonable source for key caps? outside of ancient Apple gear, which is goofy anyway, and
(2) is this an all-metal case?
Thanks
Switches are not linear. I don't know how this got started. They feel like MX browns to me. Now they are linear at the actuation point (since it's so high) but there is a period of tactility just over halfway down.
Case is similar to the displaywriter beamspring. Not metal but certainly the next best thing.
TI-99 (Texas Instruments), some Radio Shack/Tandy TRS-80s have them, the M0110 and M0110A have them, and I know I've seen a few others.
TRS80 model III I believe, They are usually listed as the "alps" version and go for a lot since it's one of the best TRS-80 KBs I guess people like to upgrade their one.
Also found in vintage (late 1970's early 1980's I think) Heathkit / Zenith. The Z-100 series had them. All other KBs with them are somewhat uncommon. Note that the apple ones have the cream / beige coloured switches
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...That, and their high actuation, makes them a dream to type on for some people. But lack of feedback is awful in my eyes.
What kind of "feedback" do you need? You certainly know when you've pressed one of them, and you just pointed out how easily actuated they are—so what's the problem?
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...That, and their high actuation, makes them a dream to type on for some people. But lack of feedback is awful in my eyes.
What kind of "feedback" do you need? You certainly know when you've pressed one of them, and you just pointed out how easily actuated they are—so what's the problem?
As someone used to using heavy switches, I rest my hand on the keyboard without issue on all other boards. On this one, I often actuate by accident because the slightest pressure works. Also, without tactile feedback I often do not realize that I have repeated the actuation.
It's a dream board for some people I guess. Totally not my style.
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Fair enough. Personally, though, this board is so "musical", if it also clicked and bumped, I'd feel like someone was standing next to me blowing a party horn and throwing confetti.
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These are fantastic boards for the price. I prefer to get them direct:
http://meci.com/nib-ibm-chinese-lettering-typing-computer-102-keyboard-letter-type-model-6113442.html
http://meci.com/nib-ibm-japanese-lettering-typing-computer-102-keyboard-letter-type-6112884.html
Mendelson's is great if you are in the Dayton, OH area. If you want a bunch shipped at cost just shoot them an e-mail or pick up the phone!
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Nice! Those guys seem to carry a bit of everything, don't they? "Step right up, folks—get your clothing, get your kitchen implements, get your books, get your, uh... rare new-in-box IBM mechanical keyboards!" :?)
Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but it boggles my mind that anyone would turn down a NIB IBM for $25, even if it required a Teensy. And as far as I know, these were the only IBM boards with Alps switches; that alone makes them highly collectable.
As a musician, I have a theory regarding their exceptional pinginess. Traditional Japanese and Chinese music emphasize trebly, tinkly tones. Apparently these types of sounds have a special appeal to Asian ears. (It's well known how Japanese pianos like Yamahas and Kawais emphasize the upper registers, and get brighter as they're played.) Could this be why IBM chose these uniquely tuned, ping-emphasizing switches? Maybe not, but it's fun to think about. (BTW, these musings are strictly musicological, and not racist, in intention.)
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Heh. That's a funny theory regarding music. Nope, that's just how these switches work, AFAICT.
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I have been eyeing one of these for quite a while. Still have money tied up in projects/commitments for a while though.
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Anyone know of an official name for this series? Currently have it listed as a Pingsaver since the P/N is useless. :p
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The PN is not useless at all! It tells you if the keyboard is Chinese or Japanese, and if it has a 00 or 000 key on the numeric keypad.
Pingsaver. Nice. But these are not space saving keyboards at all. They are comparable in size to an F107. Plus they have a plastic casing, not the cast aluminum casing of Kish series keyboards.
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Pingsaver. Nice. But these are not space saving keyboards at all. They are comparable in size to an F107. Plus they have a plastic casing, not the cast aluminum casing of Kish series keyboards.
That's why I favored the "pingmaster" moniker but it never caught on.
Despite them being plastic, they remain one of the most thoughtfully constructed KBs I've ever seen. NKRO, doubleshots, speaker, excellent attention to detail (take the end of the DB4 connector apart if you don't believe me) the "thumb keys" on the bottom row are properly rounded, etc etc.
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I'd be all for Pingmaster if the community would come to an agreement. I just can't remember that I have an IBM Model 6113442. :p
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All in favour of Pingmaster? [raising hand]
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Aye
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That's what it was, Pingmaster, not pingsaver. I haven't opened mine still, but I think it fits.
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Pingmaster sounds good to me.
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I bought one, I couldn't stop myself.
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I bought one, I couldn't stop myself.
You'll love it.
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I bought one, I couldn't stop myself.
You'll love it.
I'm just hoping I can figure out how to get it working.
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I'm just hoping I can figure out how to get it working.
dorkvader answered this earlier, and Soarer solved this years ago:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50437.msg1193047#msg1193047
hasu got this working on TMK too.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54706.0
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I'm just hoping I can figure out how to get it working.
What—you mean you don't speak Chinese or Japanese, like the rest of us? :?D
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:(lol
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Some of the Chinese models available again for $34.95 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Chinese-Lettering-Keyboard-Typing-102-Keyboard-Letter-Type-Model-6113442-NIB/381019318430?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3Dd4256e182c32467f913d9609236c8d71%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D272390655940 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Chinese-Lettering-Keyboard-Typing-102-Keyboard-Letter-Type-Model-6113442-NIB/381019318430?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3Dd4256e182c32467f913d9609236c8d71%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D272390655940)
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$35 actually seems high. They were ~$26 for a while. Don't recall if shipping was included at that price.
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:-[
$35 actually seems high. They were ~$26 for a while. Don't recall if shipping was included at that price.
I seem to remember the shipping being an additional $13 or so.
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The shipping for these boards used to be many times the actual cost, over $100 iirc.
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The shipping for these boards used to be many times the actual cost, over $100 iirc.
Not in the US. Badwrench is correct, when the price was around $25, shipping was around $13
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The shipping for these boards used to be many times the actual cost, over $100 iirc.
Not in the US. Badwrench is correct, when the price was around $25, shipping was around $13
Yeah, but it's prevented many foreign buyers including me from buying one :P .
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The shipping for these boards used to be many times the actual cost, over $100 iirc.
Not in the US. Badwrench is correct, when the price was around $25, shipping was around $13
Yeah, but it's prevented many foreign buyers including me from buying one :P .
Well, no help there. Seller is still charging for shipping outside the US. Twice the board price to the UK.
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The shipping for these boards used to be many times the actual cost, over $100 iirc.
Not in the US. Badwrench is correct, when the price was around $25, shipping was around $13
Yeah, but it's prevented many foreign buyers including me from buying one :P .
If you want to have one shipped to me, I have no problem shipping it for you from here in California.
pm me your shipping info and I can get you a quick shipping quote :thumb:
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The shipping for these boards used to be many times the actual cost, over $100 iirc.
Not in the US. Badwrench is correct, when the price was around $25, shipping was around $13
Yeah, but it's prevented many foreign buyers including me from buying one :P .
If you want to have one shipped to me, I have no problem shipping it for you from here in California.
pm me your shipping info and I can get you a quick shipping quote :thumb:
Oh no I already have one and even made a video review of it ^^ . I traded for a USB-converted one with a European, that way I circumvented the shipping and converting issues. Thanks for the offer though :D .