All I know is the 131 is an AT protocol board with stiffer springs (and possibly "proper" stablisers on the 2x and larger keys). I'm not sure about compatibility with that particular cable or whether it could require a Soarer's or if there really is a problem with the board. At least it doesn't seem to be a terminal board. Hoping a model M guru will post with more useful info...
I don't think the 1390120 and 1390131 have stiffer springs. Mine didn't at any rate. Also, I think they abandoned the "proper" stabilizers for horizontal keys (only KBs I have with them are model F), on the older Ms, the vertical keys can have wire.
Now, it's true that a lot of the older boards require more power, the ID innovations should be able to power them no problem. I haven't had an issue with any keyboard yet. I don't think a soarer would fix it.
The flash of the lights is usually the keyboard POST. I think it might have a bad controller. Soarer and HID_listen would probably have more info.
So I recommend trying with a soarer converter if you have one available but I think the fix will be to replace the controller.
G'day
We gave just using SDL to PS2 directly to computer a go today (which I know works with other Model Ms because it is how I use my SSK).
We also tried Soarers, In the excitement I think I forgot HID_listen but I did try keyboard tester and nothing came up. None of the keys worked and I think the big thing was that the lights for the locks would not come on at all.
I don't think the light turning on when it boots is the proper start up as it was only the Numlock (Quackles will have to confirm this, my memory is getting worse) that came on and only for a second. I hope that someone else who has a Model M could confirm the light sequence (is it just one light or all of them and for approx how many seconds). I think that if the lights are wrong for POST, it is a good indication that there is something wrong with the controller.
Has anyone got any other ideas?
If not would any sort of standard controller work (so would the controller for a 401 work with a 131? and has anyone got any ideas as to where to look for a replacement controller. The other path is to use a teensy as a replacement, has anyone got any links to some tutorials/more info for this path (I believe it is just map the matrix, wire it in and apply some firmware and it is the firmware that I would like to read up on).
Any and all help, comments, remarks, opinions, banter and parts offers would be much love.