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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: rblevin on Sat, 02 November 2019, 13:09:11

Title: Advice on NOS Lexmark Model M13 cable repair/replacement
Post by: rblevin on Sat, 02 November 2019, 13:09:11

Hi all.

I have a new (old stock) Lexmark Model M13 that works perfectly, all rivets intact. The only issue with it is the cable, which is dried out, cracked, and frayed. Please see https://imgur.com/a/jYPX73C for photos. The cable terminates in a 5-pin DIN for the keyboard and a DB9 for the mouse. I'm looking for suggestions on how best to address the aging cable. As I see it, my options are:

∙ Do nothing. It works.
∙ Use electrical tape to secure the weak spots.
∙ Use mesh tubing (suggested by the good folks at ClickyKeyboards.com, and I have ordered this): https://is.gd/Mu6zd1
∙ Use plastic electrical tubing: https://is.gd/gGadoG
∙ Use heat-shrink electrical tubing, suggested by a friend: https://is.gd/kAkRP6
∙ Use a cable organizer: https://is.gd/Ms7e2G
∙ See if Unicomp can repair it. I asked them via their support portal, they said no. But someone told me to call them and I might get a different answer, so that's the plan for Monday.
∙ Babysit eBay and watch for a replacement cable. Unlikely, I think.
∙ Babysit eBay and find a cheap M13 and use it for parts. Unlikely, though, as I'm told this cable problem is common with the M13.
∙ Buy an SDL cable and retrofit it (is this even possible?): https://is.gd/dvwGMV

Looking forward to your suggestions and advice.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Advice on NOS Lexmark Model M13 cable repair/replacement
Post by: Snowdog993 on Sun, 03 November 2019, 12:56:13

Get a new cable from Unicomp.

(https://i.imgur.com/0KOwkO3.jpg?1)

Title: Re: Advice on NOS Lexmark Model M13 cable repair/replacement
Post by: rblevin on Sun, 03 November 2019, 19:37:02

Would that cable work? This keeb has a 5-pin DIN and DB9 connectors. I'd have to rewire it I guess ...

Title: Re: Advice on NOS Lexmark Model M13 cable repair/replacement
Post by: Snowdog993 on Mon, 04 November 2019, 12:04:57

Quote from: rblevin on Sun, 03 November 2019, 19:37:02

Would that cable work? This keeb has a 5-pin DIN and DB9 connectors. I'd have to rewire it I guess ...

Just contact Unicomp and tell them. Yes, you can get the cable with the 2 PS/2 connectors that directly attach to the controller.
They can help you.

Edit.

I am aware you have the 5 pin din and the serial mouse connector. Perhaps in your case you may have to replace the controller as well. Don't fret. It's very easy to do. If you are not too sure about taking the keyboard apart and replacing the cable, you can probably not do anything and sell it to someone that will do that.