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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: codek on Sat, 06 November 2010, 19:48:45

Title: IBM MODEL F with Serial Connector
Post by: codek on Sat, 06 November 2010, 19:48:45
I found one like this online.  Is there a Serial to USB converter that will work for this?


Here are some crappy pics

(http://i55.tinypic.com/zj6vxx.jpg)

(http://i54.tinypic.com/15wc58j.jpg)


Other info

24 May 85
PT-NO- 4176919
ID NO M6546
EC NO 833677
PLT NO J1

SKU: 29159
Title: IBM MODEL F with Serial Connector
Post by: HaaTa on Sat, 06 November 2010, 19:52:32
Not really...unless you like building your own converters.

If you don't want lots of work, then Model F AT.
Title: IBM MODEL F with Serial Connector
Post by: Pylon on Sat, 06 November 2010, 21:39:54
It's not the standard DB-9 serial connector. They're 5291-2s with a DA or DB15 connector, which fits into the standard Game Port but isn't electrically compatible. They won't work on the PC as of yet. I have one I found on the curb.

However, some of the keys might be useful and fit on the Model M. There's a key with Help, and one with Print.
Title: IBM MODEL F with Serial Connector
Post by: codek on Sat, 06 November 2010, 23:19:04
added pics and more info to original post
Title: IBM MODEL F with Serial Connector
Post by: Sam on Sun, 07 November 2010, 00:09:32
Quote from: ripster;243673
Hmm.  PLT J1.  The Model M's use that code too.

Isn't the "PLT" number the code for the plant where it was built?  If so it would only make sense that the same plants building the Fs also built Ms.
Title: IBM MODEL F with Serial Connector
Post by: Sam on Sun, 07 November 2010, 00:17:34
Here's a link to a post by Daniel Beaver with a pic of what I believe is the same keyboard:
http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=222579&postcount=119 (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=222579&postcount=119)

That box it's connected to I believe is a 5291 terminal.  Not that this information helps you any in making it work with a PC, but just thought you might want to see how it was actually used.

I'm planning to buy one of these boards someday and study the interface myself.  It's a bit down on my list of priorities though at the moment.
Title: IBM MODEL F with Serial Connector
Post by: Pylon on Sun, 07 November 2010, 06:55:01
I have a taken apart one if you want it.