the fact that he did not gave you the cable (RJ11 to PS/2 ?) is quite strange IMO...
the fact that he did not gave you the cable (RJ11 to PS/2 ?) is quite strange IMO...
Out of the 5 or so Ms I've bought on eBay, only 1-2 have had SDL to PS/2 cables.
Fortunately IBM still uses SDL in their POS KBs, so I'm looking into getting more straight ones cheap.
I wouldn't be so hasty. The 1390120 is a much nicer KB. thicker plate, proper wire stabilizers, yours is even the early-production ones with the "barcode" label. It's worth far more than a normal 1391401.
Up to you of course.
Sorry, not really a great find, as I've already bought it. But I have a question and wasn't sure where I should post it.
I bought THIS (http://www.ebay.com/itm/121255164719?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_38wt_1153) item on eBay: an IBM Model M 1391401 keyboard. This is my first Model M. He listed it as 1984, I just figured he was listing the IBM copyright date.
This is what I got:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12108989206_23ed1ae009.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/110684646@N05/12108989206/)
is SDL what we call RJ11 in France ? (looks like ethernet connectors but with less pins, used one phones and fax)
is SDL what we call RJ11 in France ? (looks like ethernet connectors but with less pins, used one phones and fax)
No, the Model M has its own special cable. You will need one. These are expensive but great:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271367683396?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2ec63d44
Wow! Thanks for all the input. Really makes me feel better about the whole thing. The board is pretty filthy, but it looks like some quality time with the caps and case should clean most of it up.
Can anyone tell me if Soarer's converter or hasu's firmware works on this model?
Also, one last small question. The board I got had little stickers on some of the mods. The stickers are clear with two little colored dots. I've seen this on several other boards coming from the same time period. Can anyone tell me what the deal is with these stickers?
Can anyone tell me if Soarer's converter or hasu's firmware works on this model?
This has the old-style label that I think is very cool, and the heaviest internal plate. Personally, I like the LEDs but some people really like these oldies, especially with the great label.
That said, soarer's converter will work on PS/2, if you do want to hardware remap the keys or something.Can anyone tell me if Soarer's converter or hasu's firmware works on this model?
Not needed. It works just fine with modern PCs once you get the cable.
I also recently bought an IBM 5155 (non-working), mainly for the XT Model F keyboard. Anyone know if that SDL to USB cable will work for the XT as well?
The US version of this:Show Image(http://deskthority.net/wiki/File:Portpc.jpg)
Sorry, I'm still new and learning all this stuff.
is SDL what we call RJ11 in France ? (looks like ethernet connectors but with less pins, used one phones and fax)
You guys are making me feel better and better all the time!
There are a few people here who are absolute Model M enthusiasts
I know it's not what you ordered, but in my opinion, this is better.
Maybe you can complain to the seller and get a partial refund for the lack of a cable, but if it were me, I would be happier with this than with a 1391401.
He had me send him a pic of the cable port so he can check if he has the right kind. Here hoping he can find one for me.
At this point, I'm not holding my breath for getting an original cable. I'll feel extra lucky if he gives me a cable that fits at all (anything with a SDL connector?) or a little bit of a refund. If the seller falls through completely I can always fall back on the SDL to USB cables linked above.
Unicomp sell a SDL - PS/2 cable for considerably less than the SDL - USB cable: http://pckeyboard.com/page/Cables/1395110
Unicomp sell a SDL - PS/2 cable for considerably less than the SDL - USB cable: http://pckeyboard.com/page/Cables/1395110
While that's true, if you're looking to hook it up to a computer without a PS/2 port, you'll need the cable + a PS/2->USB converter which will likely cost in the same ballpark as the SDL->USB cable without the quite as compact form factor. If you have several PS/2 keyboards your needs may be different, but with just one, the single cable may be a better option.
You're making me want to get one of my Model M out again!
There are a few people here who are absolute Model M enthusiasts - it is amazing how much Model M knowledge there is around here :)
You're making me want to get one of my Model M out again!
There are a few people here who are absolute Model M enthusiasts - it is amazing how much Model M knowledge there is around here :)
So true, here on Geekhack some of these enthusiasts could open a public gallery of IBM keyboards and conduct a tour of all the models they possess. In fact I would pay easily just to see and hear which keyboard models deserve particular attention from those interested in Model M's.
Probably they could run a "take-apart" session showing how to totally disembowel a Model-M for complete cleaning. If anyone would run that type business spreading the love of Model-M ownership, then I'll fly on over just to see it 8) .
Currently got some Model-M's sitting in boxes in the basement for future cleaning and fixing. Always loved the way they felt on your fingers when typing but the sad, lazy bastard in me hasn't the time to totally rip apart any to clean and/or replace parts. Maybe one day when I retire........
One other thing...ITs the same as any AT/PS/2 model M keyboard. It should support all three scancode sets, from what I have been able to determine (http://www.seasip.info/VintagePC/ibm_1391406.html). Also should speak XT to work on your 5155.
Can anyone tell me which scan code set the 1390120 uses?
Probably they could run a "take-apart" session showing how to totally disembowel a Model-M for complete cleaning. If anyone would run that type business spreading the love of Model-M ownership, then I'll fly on over just to see it 8) .
In fact I would pay easily just to see and hear which keyboard models deserve particular attention from those interested in Model M's.
Probably they could run a "take-apart" session showing how to totally disembowel a Model-M for complete cleaning.
Do yourself a favor and get some scrap lumber to make a simple frame - it will save a lot of frustration.This is an excellent idea. I always get by with a small stack of books on each side, and it's a lot harder than if I had a frame.
Man I should have read this this morning! I have an M behind me that I've been meaning to bolt mod for my brother since christmas, I could post a full takeapart.
it's the 'realignment ' of everything once it's all been cleaned.
but having an expert to carefully show how it's all done successfully, would be worth more than anything.
... If you can wrangle a cable out of the seller, all the better.