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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: fohat.digs on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:34:41

Title: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:34:41
Orihalcon has added a beige option for his excellent Model M replacement cables.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEIGE-USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271470078682?rd=1 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEIGE-USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271470078682?rd=1)
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: sebk on Thu, 01 May 2014, 03:02:19
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 01 May 2014, 06:16:12
It's about normal, and it includes a USB adaptor moulded into the plug.

I have one of the black cables - it lets my Model M work perfectly with my Mac - an excellent cable!

Well worth the price, even though it cost me more for one cable than did both of my Model M put together :))
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 01 May 2014, 13:24:45
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?

He makes these individually by hand and had to buy the components in quantity.

A standard M cable is likely to cost you at least $15 shipped and I think that they are pretty ugly and bulky. And you still have to get an outboard USB converter, another kludge.
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: sebk on Thu, 01 May 2014, 15:05:15
I didn't consider what the cable costs by itself. It is a pretty neat solution though for then the cable does give in.
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 02 May 2014, 17:55:46
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?

He makes these individually by hand and had to buy the components in quantity.

A standard M cable is likely to cost you at least $15 shipped and I think that they are pretty ugly and bulky. And you still have to get an outboard USB converter, another kludge.


I was looking for them for a while, and couldn't hardly every find them for under $20

Also keep in mind how ridiculously expensive the SDL end is. It's over $5 for the plastic, and I see he has included the upper and lower metal shielding and the ferrule. $40 is a bargain considering the materials cost alone.
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: Elrick on Fri, 02 May 2014, 23:27:44
Orihalcon has added a beige option for his excellent Model M replacement cables.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEIGE-USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271470078682?rd=1 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEIGE-USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271470078682?rd=1)

Thank you so much for this, looking everywhere for an all BEIGE connector to my Model-M's  :thumb: .
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Sat, 03 May 2014, 00:08:45
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?

He makes these individually by hand and had to buy the components in quantity.

A standard M cable is likely to cost you at least $15 shipped and I think that they are pretty ugly and bulky. And you still have to get an outboard USB converter, another kludge.


I get the cost, and think it's a fair price. What I don't get is why it must be USB in the first place, most of the time I just use PS/2.

Only one of my two M's even has an SDL connector, though, so I can't make much use of one.
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 03 May 2014, 08:28:58

I get the cost, and think it's a fair price. What I don't get is why it must be USB in the first place, most of the time I just use PS/2.

Only one of my two M's even has an SDL connector, though, so I can't make much use of one.

No need for USB at all if you use the original SDL-to-PS/2 cable and your motherboard accepts it.
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: HannibalChew on Mon, 05 May 2014, 15:11:32
Defiantly grabbing one of these when i find myself a model M.
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 05 May 2014, 15:17:12
Defiantly grabbing one of these when i find myself a model M.

Be positive and buy the cable now!

Then you won't have to wait for the cable if you suddenly find a Model M ;)
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: HannibalChew on Mon, 05 May 2014, 15:19:23

Be positive and buy the cable now!

Then you won't have to wait for the cable if you suddenly find a Model M ;)

Maybe i will actually, it will also force me into finding a model M asap!
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 05 May 2014, 16:01:50
Defiantly grabbing one of these when i find myself a model M.

Remember that Lexmark switched to fixed cables along about the mid-1990s.
Title: Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
Post by: Frenir on Mon, 05 May 2014, 16:05:55
Just purchased one these, hope to be able to use my model m soon.