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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: ed_avis on Thu, 11 April 2013, 08:22:52

Title: Is this 122-key a Model M or a Model F?
Post by: ed_avis on Thu, 11 April 2013, 08:22:52

Description says Model M, but stairstepped Alt keys indicate F.  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190816149468

The photo of the label on the back is inconclusive...

Title: Re: Is this 122-key a Model M or a Model F?
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 11 April 2013, 08:24:53

(http://az413224.vo.msecnd.net/img/16176/m_16176_27.jpg)

Plastic bottom is Model M, correct?

Title: Re: Is this 122-key a Model M or a Model F?
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 11 April 2013, 08:27:21

http://www.clickeykeyboards.com/model-m-buyers-guide/ (Ctrl+F 1389160)

(http://az413224.vo.msecnd.net/img/16176/m_16176_26.jpg)

Title: Re: Is this 122-key a Model M or a Model F?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 11 April 2013, 08:30:06

It is an M, but a very early one.

That is an F-style case with plastic back instead of metal.

I have been looking for one of those (cheap) and have seen that picture on ebay before.

Title: Re: Is this 122-key a Model M or a Model F?
Post by: ed_avis on Thu, 11 April 2013, 08:32:51

Thanks.  I continue to hunt down a cheap F122 just to nick the spacebar stabilizer from it.

Title: Re: Is this 122-key a Model M or a Model F?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 11 April 2013, 08:58:11

Oh, yes.

I could build another F-122 from the parts I have on hand, if I only had another spacebar.

The spacebar is the same size as the M, but the F wire is considerably thinner.

I do not think that it would be hard to fabricate a more generous tab and epoxy it to the plate to accommodate the M wire. I have considered bending a "Z" shaped piece of wire, such as a 1cm section from a large paper clip. There is little pressure on the tab, it would not have to be overly strong (the stock press-fit plastic ones certainly aren't).

Wondering about a compatible spacebar is another reason that I have wanted to get my hands on one of those very early M-122s.