geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ttz on Mon, 21 March 2011, 06:25:37
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(http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss262/nenno_photo/IMG-20110321-00003.jpg)
Straight from the dumpster downstairs, please meet this IBM Model M keyboard. Unfortunately there's no sticker on it so I don't know exactly which model it is, it's got a RJ42-type cable in the back that terminated in a very vintage AT connector. It's dirty as dirty can be but it looks like all the switches are operational. As you can see from the exotic keys, this is a localized (Italian) version. I still have to crack it open as it's got bolts instead of screws, from what I have seen on the 'net it should be a model from around 1986. Any comments? :)
~ttz
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moar pics
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You asked for moar pics, here's another pic:
I managed to crack open the thing (which wasn't trivial as the bolts don't fit any of my tools, must be some imperial size and I only have metric tools).
Lo and behold, the mfg sticker:
(http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss262/nenno_photo/IMG-20110321-00004.jpg)
So this things appears to be a model M 1386717 made in the UK, probably out of Greenock, Scotland. MFG date is 03-12-1986. Inside it's as dirty as... well, as a 25 year old keyboard that has never seen a hoover before. There are some bits of plastic that are borked (retaining clips, methinks) but, on the business end of things, the keys seem to be intact. I don't have an AT adapter to check whether this thing is operational but chances are it still works.
Edit: No hits in Google for this specific model. Chances are it's quite rare.
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More Model M pr0n:
(http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss262/nenno_photo/IMG-20110321-00005.jpg)
The springs are all there... and so it a monumental amount of dust, but no signs of liquids, which is good
(http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss262/nenno_photo/IMG-20110321-00006.jpg)
Keyboard controller. Looks good enough given the age of the thing.
~ttz
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The model # is for the keyboard assembly, not the whole board - 1390343 is more likely to be the current one. Probably a relative of 1390131 and the like.
BTW, opening the board normally requires a thin-walled 5.5 mm (metric!) nut driver / socket.
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I've cleaned and tested the keyboard (long job that was...).
The kb was probably dropped quite violently as some of the internal plastics are kaputt. Mechanically, the only small problem is that F4 doesn't click like the other keys, the spring is a little bit deformed compared to the others. It still works though, so I will look into how to patch it together or replace the spring. Does anyone have a pic of the guts of a keyboard like this? I can't quite position where the ground hook goes and there must be something else as the pcb tends to move upwards and it really shouldn't. I might have forgot a screw that became dislodged when the kb was knocked over.
P.s.: In order to remove the bolts, since I didn't have a 5.5 tool I've used a pair of precision pliers. It works, but you have to be extra careful.
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looks like the same type mine is:
http://geekhack.org/album.php?albumid=101&pictureid=611
Model M 1390133 16-12-1986
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I have the same keyboard and still using it every day!
Yesterday I just cleaned it up and restored to MINT condition :)
I have no sticker outside, but inside, on the back of the keyboard i have this one:
url of image: goo.gl/9Y6Wn
album: geekhack.org/album.php?albumid=197
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Yeah it looks like Euro version of 1390131 (one of the earliest Model Ms). Great board indeed. Just clean it, do a bolt mod (as I can see broken rivets at your pics), if springs are a bit mushy or not clicking nicely get a set of new ones from Unicomp, then get a blue cube USB adapter and enjoy it as that's one of the best keyboards ever made - I have 1390131 which is bolt modded and currently is sporting Unicomp springs for quieter and lighter key action. I absolutely love it although I like my Mini more now as it's the same feel but takes less space on desk. It's not as well built though.