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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 13 November 2012, 08:32:22

Title: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 13 November 2012, 08:32:22
Hey all,

I have a spare Model M that I'm not using that I want to mod into an SSK.  I've just been wondering if there is a guide anywhere that could help me make a "ghetto" SSK.  I believe there used to be a guide on this, and I am pretty sure I remember people doing this before, but I just can't find anything on it.

All help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-CLiB

P.S.  To the mods/admins, if you feel this thread should be posted in the "making stuff together" sub-forum, feel free to move it.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: esoomenona on Tue, 13 November 2012, 09:36:41
Ooh, I look forward to seeing how this turns out for you.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: SmallFry on Tue, 13 November 2012, 10:17:46
Kawa should know some stuff... since he is currently the SSK hoarder for his project...:D
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 13 November 2012, 10:26:41
(http://www.animationplayhouse.com/Telephone-1.gif)

CALLING KAWA!!!!
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Lanx on Tue, 13 November 2012, 11:05:22
it's a simple mod
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12388.0
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 13 November 2012, 11:09:29
it's a simple mod
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12388.0

Lanx I love you... this is incredibly helpful!  Looks like I know what I'll be doing this weekend...
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: esoomenona on Tue, 13 November 2012, 11:11:56
it's a simple mod
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12388.0
Sweet. If you sanded that even afterward, and then maybe painted it, it could be really nice!
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: esoomenona on Tue, 13 November 2012, 11:12:37
CLiB, make sure to record everything in a build thread.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 13 November 2012, 11:14:00
CLiB, make sure to record everything in a build thread.

Will definitely do that.  I'll document the entire process and take a **** ton of pics.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Lanx on Tue, 13 November 2012, 11:19:20
pretty sure you'll be doing a bolt mod to it too.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 13 November 2012, 11:22:53
I will most likely have to.  Where can I get the nuts and bolts for a bolt mod?
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 13 November 2012, 12:39:43
McMaster-Carr is the place to get bolts.

The come by the 100s, so you will get enough for 2 bolt mods - hooray!

I think that you will be pleasantly surprised at how cheap and fast they are.

The 4th photo is a package of self-tapping screws that are good for the front, where there is a plastic ridge which interferes with the nut.

You can skip them, a pack of 10 costs more than the packs of 100 of the others!

Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: SmallFry on Tue, 13 November 2012, 12:42:15
SCHWING! This is getting better and better!
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 13 November 2012, 12:46:50
Thanks fohat.  I'm browsing around their site now, but I'm unsure if I'm looking at the right ones or not... any way you could post a link to the right ones?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: wcass on Tue, 13 November 2012, 14:32:25
i did this with a model M 122.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=20999.0;topicseen (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=20999.0;topicseen)
i'll try to repost the pictures tonight.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: wcass on Tue, 13 November 2012, 21:34:36
i was unable to modify my old post - not sure why.
so here are the pictures that go with it:

Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: SmallFry on Tue, 13 November 2012, 22:16:53
A SSK Unsaver! Nice mod, I had forgotten that you had done that!
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 07:33:29
Wow, very nice wcass.  Never seen anyone do that with a 122 before...

Thanks so much for all the pics/links guys, this is so incredibly helpful...

And I must also give thanks to Ripster (apparently he's been watching this thread) for showing me some of his guides on reddit, they are also very helpful.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Batmann on Wed, 14 November 2012, 07:49:55
That, my good sir, is the hell of an interesting mod!

Someone's gonna have a busy week-end I guess ^^
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 07:51:30
Well I might start it this weekend, but I won't be able to finish until I get the bolts I need for the bolt mod.  Either way, I'll take a **** ton of pics for you guys.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Batmann on Wed, 14 November 2012, 07:57:46
the cutting part looks pretty technical though o.O
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:08:52
That's the only part of this mod that scares the crap out of me.  I hope like hell I don't mangle it up too bad...
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:11:13
Nice part is that M's are cheap and abundant.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:26:47
Nice part is that M's are cheap and abundant.

Exactly, which is why I am willing to take the risk...
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:31:49
You are a good work poster. Tsk tsk CLiB!
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:38:37
What's wrong with posting at work?  It's not like I have anything better to do at work...

Not the case today though.  I actually have work to do for once!  :eek:
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:42:45
Nothing is wrong with it, 'specially since I'm currently in U.S. History...whoo...
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:44:53
Sorry I did not post a more useful screw order before.

The bottom item, #4, is self-tapping screws that are easier to install at the front row (near the spacebar). You can use nuts and bolts by clipping little notches out of the plastic ridge, or ignore them altogether. It irritates me that 10 of them cost more than 100 of the others. If I remember correctly, there are about 7 in that row, and that 7 would be subtracted from the "50-ish" bolts needed for the whole job.

I think I still have a couple of M-122 carcasses that I scavenged for keycaps that I would sell fairly cheap to someone who wanted to try this.

Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:46:19
I was just about to say that you shouldn't be talking cause I know you're in class/school right now


Then again, I am too. AutoCAD class is boring when you've taking 4 years worth of AutoCAD in high school and have a summer job that is entire AutoCAD based
Title: Re: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:51:26
I was just about to say that you shouldn't be talking cause I know you're in class/school right now


Then again, I am too. AutoCAD class is boring when you've taking 4 years worth of AutoCAD in high school and have a summer job that is entire AutoCAD based
LoL! I know, we are watching a video and I'm thread crapping, productive I know. ^-^
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:16:59
Thanks fohat, that's exactly what I needed.  I'll order those Friday once I get paid...
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: jkercado on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:32:26
AWESOMENESSS.

Now I know what to do with the extra Model M I have. This, plus change it to USB. Heck yeah!
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:38:07
I have a Model M with an Industrial case on the way. Maybe I should chop that mofo up...?
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:42:19
I have a Model M with an Industrial case on the way. Maybe I should chop that mofo up...?

An Industrial Model M?  I wouldn't chop that one up if I were you...

If you want a Model M that you can mod, I still have one of mine for sale if you're interested.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:42:36
I have a Model M with an Industrial case on the way. Maybe I should chop that mofo up...?

No, do it to a non-industrial


Think of the children
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:43:28
I was only kidding about that... And I'm still interested in that board of yours. I just keep getting caught in other stuff... sorry :\
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: wcass on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:49:47
a chop job like this leaves an ugly scar unless you take care to finish and paint it.
 
the beuty of the industrial is the color - so if you are going to paint it anyway, use the most common available case and paint any color you like.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:52:57
I was only kidding about that... And I'm still interested in that board of yours. I just keep getting caught in other stuff... sorry :\

Don't worry about it, I've been holding onto it just for you... along with the SiiG MiniTouch if you still want that too.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: TheQsanity on Wed, 14 November 2012, 11:01:12
Fancy stuff. :)
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: jkercado on Wed, 14 November 2012, 13:31:20
I think my scale modeling skills will come in handy in this project. :D I can bondo and sand nicely, can even simulate the texture. I also wonder if plastic cement works with the IBM plastic. You know, the very thin, watery cement that actually melts the plastic.
Title: Re: Guide to mod a full-sized Model M into a "ghetto SSK"?
Post by: Batmann on Sat, 17 November 2012, 16:55:58
How are things going?
Still 10 fingers?