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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: ed_avis on Tue, 17 January 2012, 08:34:23

Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: ed_avis on Tue, 17 January 2012, 08:34:23
Ebay item 120838484500 is a 1986 Model F keyboard.  It has a round DIN connector so I assume it's not a terminal keyboard.  The layout has gaps and function keys along the top, so does that mean this must be a PC-AT keyboard?  Or were some made with the larger layout but still XT-style electronics?
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 17 January 2012, 08:54:01
That is a terminal keyboard. Looks like a nice one. Note the 240 degree plug instead of 180 degrees.

Way out of my price range, however, but I have 3 almost exactly like it.

If Soarer's conversion works, it could make a really nice board, I would recommend it if you can afford it.

And if you have a couple of hours, and the inclination to engage in a project like this.
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: ed_avis on Tue, 17 January 2012, 08:56:07
How do you tell it is a terminal keyboard?  Simply because it has 122 keys?
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 17 January 2012, 10:35:27
As far as I know, all 122-key boards are for terminals, whether Model M or F.

Also, the 240 degree DIN plug is another giveaway. Terminals can have any of several different connectors.

And all mine are 6110347, I think that whole number line is for terminals.

Has anybody out there seen a 122-key that is not for a terminal?
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: Luhmaniac on Tue, 17 January 2012, 10:58:02
Geekhack member JohnElliott gives a description of this board on his website (http://www.seasip.info/VintagePC/ibm_6110344.html).
I'm not sure if it will work with Soarer's adapter. The board uses Scancode Set 3 but doesn't send break codes.
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: DaemonRaccoon on Tue, 17 January 2012, 12:18:24
Soarer's adapter will work.
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: ed_avis on Tue, 17 January 2012, 12:32:27
Thanks.  I'll stay on the lookout for PC-AT keyboards.
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: bootstrap on Tue, 17 January 2012, 12:43:33
Quote from: ed_avis;492604
Thanks.  I'll stay on the lookout for PC-AT keyboards.


This is a Model F PC/AT on auction: http://goo.gl/vqODs :smile:
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: ed_avis on Wed, 18 January 2012, 01:23:50
So the auction description of '5150/5160' is not correct.  (5150 is the IBM PC, and 5160 is the PC-XT.)  It certainly looks more like an AT keyboard than an older one, but perhaps it is one with AT layout but older electronics?
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: bootstrap on Wed, 18 January 2012, 03:17:02
That keyboard will work with any AT to PS/2 converter (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/495548) (even the cheap varieties) with or without a PS/2 to USB adapter (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=PS2-to-USB+adapters) (you have to be more selective about the latter because some won't work). I've had success with the Ziotek one (http://www.ziotek.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=10134).

Some sellers have only a scant idea of what they are selling. Unlike most Model Ms, the Model F PC/AT doesn't have something on its case to identify it as a "Model F." That spells opportunity. :biggrin:
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: dorkvader on Wed, 18 January 2012, 09:18:16
Quote from: bootstrap;493239
Some sellers have only a scant idea of what they are selling. Unlike most Model Ms, the Model F PC/AT doesn't have something on its case to identify it as a "Model F." That spells opportunity. :biggrin:
Like this "IBM Model M keyboard":
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Keyboard-/190628486750?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6257de5e

Looks like an XT model F to me....
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: bootstrap on Wed, 18 January 2012, 20:01:23
Quote from: bootstrap;493239
That keyboard will work with any AT to PS/2 converter (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/495548) (even the cheap varieties) with or without a PS/2 to USB adapter (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=PS2-to-USB+adapters) (you have to be more selective about the latter because some won't work). I've had success with the Ziotek one (http://www.ziotek.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=10134).

Some sellers have only a scant idea of what they are selling. Unlike most Model Ms, the Model F PC/AT doesn't have something on its case to identify it as a "Model F." That spells opportunity. :biggrin:


To be clear, I was referring to this keyboard: http://goo.gl/vqODs
Title: 1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 18 January 2012, 20:06:56
Late last summer a few of us were desperate for Model F ATs and drove the price well over $100 for a couple of months.

It looks like these are trading at more reasonable prices now, at least < $100