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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Tarzan on Sat, 12 October 2013, 20:19:20
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[I just wrote a whole post, and it disappeared... :( ]
I recently got a second one of the Minicom IV hearing devices for the deaf, made by Ultratec. This one looked identical to the one I bought a couple of months ago...
[attachimg=1]
Taking off the keycaps reveals no MX Black switches, rather some kind of Alps clones.
[attach=2][attach=3]
The keycaps are double-shot and MX-compatible, but kind of thin. The ones I got previously were thick, but this is obviously the cheap version of a TTY.
In order to use these keycaps on the Alps-ish switches, they used Alps-to-MX stem adapters. Neat!
[attach=4]
Net stuff I can use: one MX Black switch, set of WoB keycaps (with 1x Shift and Enter keys), and 40 Alps stem adapters.
Just in case anyone runs across these keyboard/telephony input devices on eBay and wants some background research, more information for the GH collective.
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Those aren't Alps clones. They have "Alps" written on them :-P
You need something for blind people, not deaf people …
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Okay, okay... So I wasn't used to seeing this kind of Alps, then! :))
Those aren't Alps clones. They have "Alps" written on them :-P
You need something for blind people, not deaf people …
Really? That tiny little oval logo says Alps? I need a magnifier...
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There are several different versions of these minicoms. The ones with Cherry keycaps, there are also some with SP (or their predecessor) doubleshots which looks like this one is, some with lasered or pad print...
First one I've seen with Alps but on the few Cherry ones I have disassembled I noticed the PCB had some different mounting points for other switch types. It's super odd that there is still a single Cherry MX for the spacebar.
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There are several different versions of these minicoms. The ones with Cherry keycaps, there are also some with SP (or their predecessor) doubleshots which looks like this one is, some with lasered or pad print...
First one I've seen with Alps but on the few Cherry ones I have disassembled I noticed the PCB had some different mounting points for other switch types. It's super odd that there is still a single Cherry MX for the spacebar.
These look like SP key caps. Pretty thin.
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what's more, these were made with actual cherry keycaps (as far as I can determine, they are the same) given the age, they can't be GMK and they are so similar in font, shape, thickness as to authentic Cherry, they can't be anything else.
I have two of these, but none with vintage alps switches! When I was poking around looking for one, I made a note of all the brands (and rebrands) I should pay attention to, then pared it down based on font. The 0 is a dead giveaway.
from what I can see, the rest is of similar manufacture to be the same OEM perhaps. Is the PCB a bit thin and odd looking? black soldermask?
I would also like to note the alternate position of the spacebar switch in the middle as well as holes for cherry stabilizers. Both mine have 8 unit spacebars.
I also like how backspace and return are alps z axis compatible. Those switches are familiar to me, though I don't think I've seen a cruciform keycap mount version before! This is likely one of the oldest alps to cherrymx adapter pieces there are.
Altogether an excelleth find. I've always liked these TTY's and I sometimes use mine to print out notes to my roommates. Maybe I'll get a bluetooth handset and explore the wonderful world of teleprinters.
lastly, here's the DT article on the switches. Once you see the ALPS logo stamped into the top of the metal there, it's hard to ignore, even if blurry.
http://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_low-profile_oval_slider
here's an excellent macro shot of one by our own mr a500
(http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9286/atarialps.jpg)
from here (http://atariage.com/forums/topic/105170-600800xl-keyboard-variants/page-2) (see also for more pictures)
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PCB:
[attach=1][attach=2]
[attach=3][attach=4]
Keycaps:
[attach=5][attach=6]
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Look what do we have in here -- some one made the ALPS to MX adapters professionally back in those days! :eek:
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Look what do we have in here -- some one made the ALPS to MX adapters professionally back in those days! :eek:
Nice necro
But seriously this is really cool. I wonder if people will buy these for the adapters?
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Some latest photoed attempt to 3D print that ended up total crap:
https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-to-alps-adapters-t4934-120.html
There will be some demand in some injection molded adapters.