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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: trievalot on Thu, 24 June 2010, 07:26:19

Title: Please identify
Post by: trievalot on Thu, 24 June 2010, 07:26:19

is it ALPS? and is it worth $50 in this condition?

Title: Please identify
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 24 June 2010, 07:29:26

It looks like one of those calculator boards without the LCD screen...

Title: Please identify
Post by: trievalot on Thu, 24 June 2010, 07:36:28

i think its a cheese sandwitch

Title: Please identify
Post by: chimera15 on Thu, 24 June 2010, 07:40:22

Very good chance it is, but there were also rubber domes made like this.  I have a focus board that is rubber dome, and not alps.


I think the middle key section gives it away though as likely being a focus/northgate clone.

Title: Please identify
Post by: trievalot on Thu, 24 June 2010, 07:50:45

if its an FK-9000 then it SHOULD be, rite?

Title: Please identify
Post by: didjamatic on Thu, 24 June 2010, 08:28:26

Yep. (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/29410/subcatid/0/id/406362)  Nice keyboard, $50 is a good price.

Title: Please identify
Post by: kishy on Thu, 24 June 2010, 14:58:32

That looks remarkably like an FK-5001. Screen looks like it's there CH, just lighting is bad.

Differences...note LEDs are in the keys, and it doesn't look like the logo plate is removable (for DIP switches underneath). Also key layout above calculator looks a bit off because KB Lock and Calc Lock are one combined toggle key on this one.

(because the KB/Calc lock key is present, it definitely has a calculator)

Key profile looks a bit funny...might be Alps, might not.

Title: Please identify
Post by: trievalot on Thu, 24 June 2010, 19:07:09

How can they TELL if its a ALPS?

is there an easy way? (just click the key?)

Title: Please identify
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 24 June 2010, 19:09:36

Pop a keycap.

See if it clicks? Well, that would limit it to... about a dozen switch types?

Title: Please identify
Post by: didjamatic on Thu, 24 June 2010, 19:42:19

Based on it's vintage, the unikey arrow cluster, make, model and the link I posted above... it has ALPS.

But then again, I just opened a Qtronix board I got in the mail that I was certain had Cherry Blues in it and BAM! rubber dome.  Straight into the recycle bin.

Title: Please identify
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 24 June 2010, 19:44:12

It could have Alps-like switches. If this was the case, this could make the keyboard more, or much less desirable than an Alps keyboard.

Title: Please identify
Post by: trievalot on Fri, 25 June 2010, 06:17:35

well, definately a FK-9000,

ordered, and apparently in original box!

Title: Please identify
Post by: EverythingIBM on Fri, 25 June 2010, 13:55:42

Quote from: trievalot;196212

well, definately a FK-9000,

ordered, and apparently in original box!

Don't those things need some type of discontinued battery to be able to turn on?

Title: Please identify
Post by: kishy on Fri, 25 June 2010, 17:23:28

CR-2032 if it's like a 5001. 3 for a buck all over the place.

Title: Please identify
Post by: spolia optima on Fri, 25 June 2010, 17:40:59

Quote from: EverythingIBM;196354

Don't those things need some type of discontinued battery to be able to turn on?

It should work without battery when plugged in.

Title: Please identify
Post by: trievalot on Fri, 25 June 2010, 17:57:08

will the calculator work powered off the USB to PS2 to AT convertor?
(if i dont add in another battery i mean)

Title: Please identify
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 25 June 2010, 19:44:33

I'd recommend reading my review of that very same keyboard here (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:8097).