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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: berserkfan on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:35:18

Title: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: berserkfan on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:35:18
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-OF-64-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Mechanical-Buckling-Spring-USB-Keyboard-AS-IS-/191474899591?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2c94cb1a87

64 for $9.99 starting bid???

Lets sign up at least 20 people for this. If each is willing to contribute $20, they can bid $400 shipped.

Maybe let Ezrahiliyer or some volunteer sort out the keyboards. I'm pretty sure they aren't really faulty.

I'm willing to be No.1.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Defect on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:41:54
I want an M.  I'm in.

How much you think shipping will be?

Edit: these are Unicomp.  Still down for 1 or 2 if were saying 20 bucks each.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:43:05
I would totally get in on this.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: DrHubblePhD on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:43:28
I'm in, sounds like a good idea!         
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:45:06
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62060.0 dv's teardown
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: MythicalWagyu on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:45:52
****, I'd get one for work - count me in!
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:49:30
Also need to find someone local to pick them up so you don't pay the freight shipping plus secondary shipping.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: JinDesu on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:50:34
I'd be in
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: MGH on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:53:50
I may be down for 2
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: n0rvig on Wed, 07 January 2015, 12:56:51
Is interesting... even with an ISO enter key.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:11:29
Is interesting... even with an ISO enter key.

These would be prime candidates for ISO-to-ANSI mods.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: MGH on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:15:41
I'm in for one, I will be attempting an ansi 60% mod with a janky case.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Xonar on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:19:14
I got one of these from another auction. It's a good enough keyboard despite the build quality being a bit questionable. I'm not really interested in participating in this since I already have one, but I think you guys should go for it! It's a fantastic deal.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:35:27
Hmm, does it not bother anyone that the seller states that a large percentage are faulty? Description says that he is selling them this way because he gets complaints daily from buyers wanting to return them because they have stopped working. If they are brand new and many are bad from the start, the long term longevity probably won't be there either.  Just curious what everyone else thinks. Problem with these is the cost to reship and The likelihood of failure that the re-seller would kind of have to assume.

I know berserkfan doubts that they are actually faulty, but I do not think the seller would be listing them like this otherwise. They had been selling really quickly since he was charging so little to begin with.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:37:26
So we'll get 45 project boards to work on. What's wrong with that?
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:39:17
I'm wondering where this seller got them from to start with.

Could there be some protocol issue where these are made to speak to something other than a modern pc or something other than windows?
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Xonar on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:43:13
If the quality concerns you, definitely don't go for this. This board is probably one of the worst Unicomp has ever made. But I still think for most it's worth giving it a try for such a low price. If it's faulty the keycaps, barrel plate, or case can be salvaged for another Model M, the board could be repaired / upgraded, etc.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Touch_It on Wed, 07 January 2015, 13:56:03
hmm, let me think about this, but I'm probably down for 1.

Just a thought, what if everything in the universe lined up and we (collectively) put in 1 bid and got them for say $20.00. :DDDDDDD
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 07 January 2015, 14:58:38
hmm, let me think about this, but I'm probably down for 1.

Just a thought, what if everything in the universe lined up and we (collectively) put in 1 bid and got them for say $20.00. :DDDDDDD

Great idea in theory, but one rouge bid and it'd be ****ed.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Wed, 07 January 2015, 15:43:24
Yeah, they would definitely be interesting for key caps and cases, just would need to make sure that everyone kind of knows what to expect prior to doing a group buy. I'd say expect one that doesn't work, but hope for one that works

Given that so many have issues, it is probably safe to assume it is the controller (given that the membranes are new and really can't be much wrong with them) which may have intermittent problems which might not show up when testing prior to shipping. My guess is that the seller started testing them all prior to shipping but still got complaints after arrival, which again fits why he would list like this rather than listing just The ones that tested bad.

When people are thinking $20 each, is that to include shipping?  Probably would be interested in one either way.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: mason on Wed, 07 January 2015, 16:35:14
I'm down for one
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: minh278 on Wed, 07 January 2015, 17:03:08
Ill join this buy
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 07 January 2015, 17:21:41
PBT dye-sub keycaps for <$0.25 each are probably worth it on their own.

If someone could determine whether the "problems" are consistent (eg all bad controllers) then solutions would be easier to formulate.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: JWK on Wed, 07 January 2015, 17:21:51
I'm in. 
$20 for three and whoever does the pickup gets the 4 extras?
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Sygaldry on Wed, 07 January 2015, 17:24:51
I'm in!

Why don't we just set up an auction sniper for 400 dollars, that way the chance of the bids going so high stays low.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: dorkvader on Wed, 07 January 2015, 17:48:57
When people are thinking $20, is that to include shipping?

I estimate it'll take at least $17 to ship these.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: dante on Wed, 07 January 2015, 18:46:21
Why couldn't they unearth 64 Kentucky Wildcats Unicomps :(
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Wed, 07 January 2015, 18:59:22
Yeah, I was thinking the $20 including shipping didn't seem realistic, but at the current bid, actually could be in that realm.  Doubt it will stay there though.

I think before deciding on a snipe amount, you'd have to know what people are willing to pay including shipping.  I'd be surprised if the auction price went for more than $20 per board, but have to also figure in that whoever actually does the buy deserves something for their time testing and reshipping. 

Would buy one assuming the cost shipped to the USA is $40 or less.  Mostly interested to see the manufacturing quality in person, since I hear that these are not so great.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: berserkfan on Wed, 07 January 2015, 19:53:37
Geek cooperation needed, simple as that.

Since some boards are faulty we cannot have more than 21 people, just to stay on the safe side. When I made my post I deliberately assumed 2/3 failure rate. EG I was hoping to get 1 fully working and 1 faulty for parts.

I am also definitely not intending to use this keyboard as my daily driver. The cheap price and the known failures suggests that they should be used for experimentations - eg replacing controller with teensy, bolt modding for first time, etc.

It is best that a professional modder like Orihalcon or Ezra get the boards first and sort them out for everyone. As part of his benefits, he can keep the extra parts. EG 21 faulty boards will provide enough parts for Orihalcon or Ezra to work on the next year or two.

Once we have agreement that we do one single snipe bid 1-2 seconds before auction close, the actual bidding amount should be left to discretion of Ori/ Ezra and must be kept secret. We don't want some mischievous person to bid one cent lower just for fun. One way to do this could be to be much more conservative that our max price - eg max bid $300. If a mischievous bidder goes for $350 thinking that he can screw us over because we'll bid $400, he will win, have to back out, and we'll get ours for $300.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 07 January 2015, 20:08:14
Don't forget the initial freight shipping as these will be on a pallet.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: slickmamba on Wed, 07 January 2015, 20:20:02
I'm in! Great board for my students to use!
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: trizkut on Wed, 07 January 2015, 20:31:54
I'm in~
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: hwood34 on Wed, 07 January 2015, 22:54:56
In here
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Wed, 07 January 2015, 23:21:21
I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I don't think I will have the space or time to go through these properly at the moment unfortunately.  I'm cool with Ezra having first dibs if he wants.  In an ideal world, we'd have the sorter/reshipper pick up locally in Reno Nevada to avoid the initial freight cost. 

Another thought would be to see if the seller would just be willing to ship the units individually fully knowing that they are being sold AS-IS in unwarranted condition for the actual cost to the list of buyer's addresses, but not through ebay so he doesn't have to worry about his reputation there. This avoids the problem of reshipping and the cost of shipping them twice.  Buyers would have to be more willing to accept what they get by chance though since apparently a healthy portion have been DOA.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Wed, 07 January 2015, 23:36:30

Another thought would be to see if the seller would just be willing to ship the units individually fully knowing that they are being sold AS-IS in unwarranted condition for the actual cost to the list of buyer's addresses, but not through ebay so he doesn't have to worry about his reputation there. This avoids the problem of reshipping and the cost of shipping them twice.  Buyers would have to be more willing to accept what they get by chance though since apparently a healthy portion have been DOA.

I agree about this. This seems to be the best choice for everyone.  Maybe Ezra could just make an offer to take them all off his hands for one price.  Let him repair and send the keyboards to the group buyers.  It would save money on both sides.
The advantage is that after Ezra looks at them he will have extra parts for other projects.  And everyone will have fully functional keyboards too.

I'm not going to be in this group buy however.  Good luck however it goes.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 08 January 2015, 03:40:41
Although tempting, I'd be worried that shipping to Australia would make prices silly.

Does anyone have an idea how much it would cost to ship something large and heavy like this to Australia?

Also if it broke, I'd pretty much be stuck with it, or pay for shipping back and forth again.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 03:50:53
Although tempting, I'd be worried that shipping to Australia would make prices silly.

Does anyone have an idea how much it would cost to ship something large and heavy like this to Australia?

Also if it broke, I'd pretty much be stuck with it, or pay for shipping back and forth again.

I had the same thought, my guess would be that shipping as a minimum $60. Otherwise I would jump in just for a low cost BS board. 
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 08 January 2015, 03:58:36
Although tempting, I'd be worried that shipping to Australia would make prices silly.

Does anyone have an idea how much it would cost to ship something large and heavy like this to Australia?

Also if it broke, I'd pretty much be stuck with it, or pay for shipping back and forth again.

I had the same thought, my guess would be that shipping as a minimum $60. Otherwise I would jump in just for a low cost BS board. 

Exactly.  A1 Computers has the original Model M 122 for $50 or thereabouts.  In Melbourne!  All I'd need is a Teensy (AFAIK), and should have a reliable board to last for years.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: crazystu on Thu, 08 January 2015, 04:10:59
I'm also interested but I'm sure shipping to New Zealand will be just as bad as Australia. I think when the seller listed these they were around $60-$70 USD to ship here (not including cost of keyboard).
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 05:23:28
Although tempting, I'd be worried that shipping to Australia would make prices silly.

Does anyone have an idea how much it would cost to ship something large and heavy like this to Australia?

Also if it broke, I'd pretty much be stuck with it, or pay for shipping back and forth again.

I had the same thought, my guess would be that shipping as a minimum $60. Otherwise I would jump in just for a low cost BS board. 

Exactly.  A1 Computers has the original Model M 122 for $50 or thereabouts.  In Melbourne!  All I'd need is a Teensy (AFAIK), and should have a reliable board to last for years.

I emailed them about a board a few weeks ago, haven't had a response yet. I hope they are just on holidays. I tried calling just after new years and no answer. Honestly I think that place is a potential gold mine for Australian BS boards.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: dorkvader on Thu, 08 January 2015, 09:41:10
I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I don't think I will have the space or time to go through these properly at the moment unfortunately.  I'm cool with Ezra having first dibs if he wants.  In an ideal world, we'd have the sorter/reshipper pick up locally in Reno Nevada to avoid the initial freight cost. 

Another thought would be to see if the seller would just be willing to ship the units individually fully knowing that they are being sold AS-IS in unwarranted condition for the actual cost to the list of buyer's addresses, but not through ebay so he doesn't have to worry about his reputation there. This avoids the problem of reshipping and the cost of shipping them twice.  Buyers would have to be more willing to accept what they get by chance though since apparently a healthy portion have been DOA.


agreed. We'd need a knowledgeable Gh'er in that location willing to sort them out. I have the time and experience but am located far away.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: R1N3 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 09:59:44
I'd commit to this for sure. Got paypal standing by.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: daerid on Thu, 08 January 2015, 12:38:35
I'm in. Been itching for another BS board, although I'm not sure I like the layout.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Glod on Thu, 08 January 2015, 14:43:28
I bought a brand new one of these for 45 dollars shipped last year.

I'm warning you guys, these are not great, they are flimsy and flex when you type. The layout is strange too and it's not true iso. If you are new to buckling spring then these unicomps are a terrible way to start.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: kalrand on Thu, 08 January 2015, 15:08:44
I bought a brand new one of these for 45 dollars shipped last year.

I'm warning you guys, these are not great, they are flimsy and flex when you type. The layout is strange too and it's not true iso. If you are new to buckling spring then these unicomps are a terrible way to start.

I got one too. And promptly sold it. These are the cheapest construction cheapy buckling spring cheap-o boards ever cheaply made. Cheap.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 08 January 2015, 16:04:09
These are the cheapest construction cheapy buckling spring cheap-o boards ever cheaply made.

Wrong!

I had a Chinese buckling spring board with a translucent case that was amazingly bad.

Maybe a brand name like "Pinnacle"? I can't remember.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Glod on Thu, 08 January 2015, 16:08:46
You don't have a good buckling spring board unless you can bludgeon someone to death with it, wipe off the blood and go back to typing on it.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: MGH on Thu, 08 January 2015, 16:16:14
I bought a brand new one of these for 45 dollars shipped last year.

I'm warning you guys, these are not great, they are flimsy and flex when you type. The layout is strange too and it's not true iso. If you are new to buckling spring then these unicomps are a terrible way to start.


How were the keycaps?
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Glod on Thu, 08 January 2015, 16:23:57
I bought a brand new one of these for 45 dollars shipped last year.

I'm warning you guys, these are not great, they are flimsy and flex when you type. The layout is strange too and it's not true iso. If you are new to buckling spring then these unicomps are a terrible way to start.


How were the keycaps?
Same ole unicomp pbt dye sub based on the original ibm caps. You don't need to salvage this board to get them, unicomp sells full sets for $25 in grey like these and classic pearl-pebble direct on their website. You can buy custom printed individual caps to fill in a 122 for a buck each. They even sell red, blue, and green legends as well for $20 more. However you can't get iso sets from unicomp I don't think
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 16:59:34

Same ole unicomp pbt dye sub based on the original ibm caps. You don't need to salvage this board to get them, unicomp sells full sets for $25 in grey like these and classic pearl-pebble direct on their website. You can buy custom printed individual caps to fill in a 122 for a buck each. They even sell red, blue, and green legends as well for $20 more. However you can't get iso sets from unicomp I don't think

I ordered the green legends on brilliant white, they are on the way for me.  I think it will be a nice change for my new keyboard.

Edit: They didn't include the spacebar, but everything else is there.  I was assured by them it included it.  Oh well.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: 0100010 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:29:29
You can order ISO cap sets from Unicomp, you just have to ask on a ticket and reference the ticket on the order.

Spacebars are always sold separately.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:43:36

Same ole unicomp pbt dye sub based on the original ibm caps. You don't need to salvage this board to get them, unicomp sells full sets for $25 in grey like these and classic pearl-pebble direct on their website. You can buy custom printed individual caps to fill in a 122 for a buck each. They even sell red, blue, and green legends as well for $20 more. However you can't get iso sets from unicomp I don't think

I ordered the green legends on brilliant white, they are on the way for me.  I think it will be a nice change for my new keyboard.

Edit: They didn't include the spacebar, but everything else is there.  I was assured by them it included it.  Oh well.

Did they tell you directly that it came with the spacebar, if so open a ticket and explain to them that they said it would come with the spacebar. I have placed maybe four orders with them and of that they have messed up two but they have been quick to respond to my tickets and have sent out the corrections ASAP with no issues. They are good like that and you should at least ask them.



You can order ISO cap sets from Unicomp, you just have to ask on a ticket and reference the ticket on the order.

Spacebars are always sold separately.

That is what I thought also, but if they said to Snowdog that it came with one, they should honour that as their people should know what their company does and doesn't offer.

Its like when they tried to tell me that they can only do keys which they have previously printed..... I said that I heard that they can print anything. They said they couldn't but they would ask the printing guy and to give them some choices in case they couldn't. Sure enough not only did I get my first nominated custom cap, but my three just in case they couldn't choices also.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 19:51:51
I sent in a ticket.  We will see.  I have a spare spacebar anyway, and I painted it brilliant white.  (letting it dry now).  I'm just disappointed because I really honestly was told it is a complete set.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:02:18
Date:    2015-01-08 21:48:29
Name:    Customer Support
   Printer friendly version

Message:

Please see the red sentence above the Style drop down menu where the button set was ordered:

http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/PSET

Regards,

Customer Support

I guess I missed that part.  Oh well.  It's not the end of the world.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: linziyi on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:09:31
PLEASE sign me up if there are still place left! Had never own or typed on a Buckling Spring before...
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:17:10
Date:    2015-01-08 21:48:29
Name:    Customer Support
   Printer friendly version

Message:

Please see the red sentence above the Style drop down menu where the button set was ordered:

http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/PSET

Regards,

Customer Support

I guess I missed that part.  Oh well.  It's not the end of the world.

Did you order it from that link ...

or did you get it from this link...

http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/FullRGBKeys

Because this link (the colour legend purchasing link) makes no mention of the spacebar not being included. Theoretically you could argue against their conclusion, along with the support of a ticket if you had one (in which they state that they supply it), if that was the case. But if you are happy to let it go than that is probably easier, maybe I am just jaded and cranky when it comes this sort of thing.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:19:34
I believe I was at the second link when I went to it.  I can try to argue this, but that would be pointless now.  I should have known.  Next time I do an order from them, I will remember to get the spacebar with the order.  It's only a $3 part.  I'm just disappointed is all.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:23:05
It is odd that the spacebar is not included in sets. It can't be the long/short thing because they know what set they are packing.

It would be awesome if there were good color choices in spacebars.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 20:23:49

or did you get it from this link...

http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/FullRGBKeys

Because this link (the colour legend purchasing link) makes no mention of the spacebar not being included. Theoretically you could argue against their conclusion, along with the support of a ticket if you had one (in which they state that they supply it), if that was the case. But if you are happy to let it go than that is probably easier, maybe I am just jaded and cranky when it comes this sort of thing.

I believe I did order from the other link.  I don't recall anything about the spacebar not being included at all.  I re-opened the ticket and I believe I'll just get the same response anyway.  Shame.  I'm disappointed over a $3 part!
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 08 January 2015, 21:04:52
Bring this thread back on topic.

Did you get any volunteers to pilot this venture? A Nevada geekhacker would make it 100x easier.

Even secondary shipping is almost a deal-killer.

It surprises me that people are popping up with "I have wanted to try a Model M, here's my chance"

They must be nuts. These things will cost $25-30 minimum, delivered, and have a greater than even chance of not working!

Anybody who wants to try a Model M needs to buy a standard, working, PS/2 specimen. If you are cheap, you need to be patient. For <$40-50 shipped it will be dirty and/or incomplete, for >$50 you should be able to get a decent one.

These in this lot are strictly for tinkerers and/or parts-harvesters, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Thu, 08 January 2015, 21:18:25
Bring this thread back on topic.

Did you get any volunteers to pilot this venture? A Nevada geekhacker would make it 100x easier.

Even secondary shipping is almost a deal-killer.

It surprises me that people are popping up with "I have wanted to try a Model M, here's my chance"

They must be nuts. These things will cost $25-30 minimum, delivered, and have a greater than even chance of not working!

Anybody who wants to try a Model M needs to buy a standard, working, PS/2 specimen. If you are cheap, you need to be patient. For <$40-50 shipped it will be dirty and/or incomplete, for >$50 you should be able to get a decent one.

These in this lot are strictly for tinkerers and/or parts-harvesters, in my opinion.

I agree.  This isn't exactly the best keyboard to step into.  That's why I posted the other terminal boards on another thread.  Those would be a much better choice.  I live in Southern Nevada, and the Sparks/Reno area might as well be in another state.  Los Angeles and Phoenix is closer to me than Reno.
The best person for this (I believe) would be Ezra because this would be a good deal for him, especially for the parts.  If I were a builder/tinkerer I would jump on it.  Not for me.

Sorry Fohat.  I have this bad habit of going off topic sometimes.  I type exactly what I am thinking.  Maybe there should be a "Model M discussion thread" pinned somewhere so we all can talk about them.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: ezrahilyer on Thu, 08 January 2015, 21:29:27
Is there any reliable GH members near Sparks NV? If the end price is going to be reasonable, it needs to be picked up locally.

I would be a little concerned that the good to bad yield might be low, who knows why he ended up with them, they could be factory rejects perhaps? seems like a high failure rate.

They would be great for keycaps and top and bottom cases.

I would be interested in the unworking rejects for parts ect, but I imagine that shipping  from NV will be prohibitively expensive.

I have a lot of 11 IBM M122s on the way right now (should be here tomorrow) that are going to have a Soarer mod done, and bolt mod, plus ANSI for most of them.

If you get these and can figure out a way to work out the logistics, i can offer my services to convert them to ANSI if anyone would like.
Shipping again is the kicker.

I admit I have never used a Unicomp M122, but I have heard that the build quality isn't up to the old IBM standards.

-Ezra
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: ezrahilyer on Thu, 08 January 2015, 21:41:24
Although tempting, I'd be worried that shipping to Australia would make prices silly.

Does anyone have an idea how much it would cost to ship something large and heavy like this to Australia?

Also if it broke, I'd pretty much be stuck with it, or pay for shipping back and forth again.

I just shipped a Model M 101 to Australia two days ago, it cost $51USD from Florida USA to New South Wales AU
Since the M101 I sold was the older heavier version it was 6lbs 11oz packed up. I would imagine that these boards weigh a similar amount.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 08 January 2015, 22:58:22
You don't have a good buckling spring board unless you can bludgeon someone to death with it, wipe off the blood and go back to typing on it.

That's what drainage hole are really for :p

These in this lot are strictly for tinkerers and/or parts-harvesters, in my opinion.

+1

I just shipped a Model M 101 to Australia two days ago, it cost $51USD from Florida USA to New South Wales AU
Since the M101 I sold was the older heavier version it was 6lbs 11oz packed up. I would imagine that these boards weigh a similar amount.

Thanks for that!

Pretty much confirms what is typical for a heavy keyboard like this.

I think I had a QFS shipped here for under $25, but that is a MUCH smaller and lighter keyboard.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Thu, 08 January 2015, 23:02:02
If any of you are wanting a new in box version with this layout with no broken rivets, USB Soarer's Converter built in, and Lexmark build quality that are almost 20 years old now, the New in Box Lynk ones I have are a good option: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67297.0

Ezra's are a good option as well.

Agree with Fohat, the ones in this auction should really be only considered for parts and are not what you'd want for a beginner board and definitely not something that you should expect to be usable right out of the box even if it is tested working prior to shipping as they can apparently break during shipping, which is again not a characteristic of a well built model M. 

These probably would be a good source of caps, springs, and hammers if you need those though.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: berserkfan on Fri, 09 January 2015, 00:09:48
If any of you are wanting a new in box version with this layout with no broken rivets, USB Soarer's Converter built in, and Lexmark build quality that are almost 20 years old now, the New in Box Lynk ones I have are a good option: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67297.0

Ezra's are a good option as well.

Agree with Fohat, the ones in this auction should really be only considered for parts and are not what you'd want for a beginner board and definitely not something that you should expect to be usable right out of the box even if it is tested working prior to shipping as they can apparently break during shipping, which is again not a characteristic of a well built model M. 

These probably would be a good source of caps, springs, and hammers if you need those though.

As a modder I was mentally prepared that this board be used for various experiments, including WCass and Fohat's Faux SSK project and samwisekoi's GH122/134 project.

The caps, springs, hammers, casing together are easily worth $60 shipped since they are all new. Furthermore the white color of the keycaps makes them ideal for dye jobs. In fact I am thinking of funding a bid and just making off with the keycaps, if we cannot get a US-located GHer to agree.

So guys, please be realistic. This is a very good deal for parts. If your keyboard works good as a daily driver, it's icing on the cake. But it's not the cake itself since there is plenty of evidence that this Unicomp batch is faulty.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: HydraDyne on Fri, 09 January 2015, 06:30:41
I would be up for this if the shipping would be cheap to Australia, but i think that is unlikely.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fanpeople on Fri, 09 January 2015, 16:08:22
I would be up for this if the shipping would be cheap to Australia, but i think that is unlikely.

There are a few people from Australia who are showing interest with just the postage acting as a blocker. I wonder if it would be cheaper to send them in a group from US to Australia and then divide them from there. But then that would be two sets of postage and would probably bring the prince up to a similar level.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 09 January 2015, 16:19:03

I just shipped a Model M 101 to Australia two days ago, it cost $51USD from Florida USA to New South Wales AU


How can you possibly do that?

I shipped a 1 lb 12 oz cell phone in a box much smaller than a shoebox to Morocco today and it was almost $48 via Priority Mail!

Even on the 3-week slow boat it would have been about $24
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: ezrahilyer on Fri, 09 January 2015, 18:36:16

I just shipped a Model M 101 to Australia two days ago, it cost $51USD from Florida USA to New South Wales AU


How can you possibly do that?

I shipped a 1 lb 12 oz cell phone in a box much smaller than a shoebox to Morocco today and it was almost $48 via Priority Mail!

Even on the 3-week slow boat it would have been about $24

This is a screenshot from my Paypal Shipping page; it shows an estimated shipping cost to ship a 6lb, 10oz box to the sydney opera house from my address in Florida.

(http://straypoetry.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/screenshot.jpg)

I think paypal gives a 5 or 10% discount on shipping USPS
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 09 January 2015, 23:17:20
These are the cheapest construction cheapy buckling spring cheap-o boards ever cheaply made.

Wrong!

I had a Chinese buckling spring board with a translucent case that was amazingly bad.

Maybe a brand name like "Pinnacle"? I can't remember.
Ya-sheng buckling springs.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56485.msg1277713#msg1277713
"precision" I guess?

Pinnacle (now avid) made video editing systems and had some really nice keyboards on them.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dork_vader/sets/72157641884809274/

They are reportedly terrible, unlike the brother / alps version which are reportedly nice.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 10 January 2015, 01:20:53
While this is interesting the big unknown is whether any of these even work.

I doubt bidding is going to be very high on this lot so I imagine it could be obtained for $100 before the pallet shipping.

14 free to the person taking the responsibility (or more, honestly not sure what would be fair here) of receiving and reshipping them.

Not sure how much pallet shipping costs (so it would be great if someone could inform me if I'm way off) but I doubt it would be more than $150 for this lot to someone living near enough (not local since it seems from the previous comments there's nobody willing to pick them up local at the moment).

That would leave 50 boards to split in $250.

Though this is assuming bidding doesn't get ridiculous on this.

Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 10 January 2015, 17:22:39

Though this is assuming bidding doesn't get ridiculous on this.


I can't imagine the "bidding getting ridiculous" because the seller did everything he could to scare buyers off.

My initial thought was "well, for $20-25 delivered to my doorstep I might consider buying 1 or 2 of them for parts" but I am hardly even motivated for that pitiful investment of money and energy.

If he had said that they were all working properly, then yes, I could see that lot going for $1K or more + shipping.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 10 January 2015, 19:48:41

Though this is assuming bidding doesn't get ridiculous on this.


I can't imagine the "bidding getting ridiculous" because the seller did everything he could to scare buyers off.

My initial thought was "well, for $20-25 delivered to my doorstep I might consider buying 1 or 2 of them for parts" but I am hardly even motivated for that pitiful investment of money and energy.

If he had said that they were all working properly, then yes, I could see that lot going for $1K or more + shipping.
Oh definitely. I'd think the time it would take to verify whether any of these are even working would bring in higher bids unless he knows that none of them are working
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Sun, 11 January 2015, 00:07:54
$20-25 to your door isn't realistic without anyone being able to do the initial local pickup since it is looking like the cost of initial shipping plus reshipping will cost at least that much in addition to the auction price. Probably going to be more in the $35-$40 range I would think.  The more I think about it, the more I am sure that I could fix them with a good long term success rate, but not sure people are willing to pay $35 - $40 shipped to the USA.  I could put a return warranty on the ones that are tested working and do not after arrival.

Almost need new a new post from everyone interested that state quantity wanted, whether they need them to work or not, and the total price willing to pay for them.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 11 January 2015, 08:48:17

$20-25 to your door isn't realistic


That is my point.

Personally, I am "set for life" plus additional backups in the IBM keyboard department, so broken Model Ms do not interest me at anything above thrift store prices.

But that is just me, personally, and I am not the norm.

If I were looking at this as a profit-making venture, I would not waste my time unless I could clear at least $20 after all the fees and expenses were paid, or more.

Given that these are not particularly desirable models, and that solid working PS/2 Model Ms sell in the $60 shipped range, it is hard for me to see a price point that makes sense here.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Sun, 11 January 2015, 09:23:02
I still think maybe someone should get in direct contact and talk to the seller about what they would think would be a fair price to just take the whole lot off their hands.  This eliminates the entire auction.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 11 January 2015, 11:54:06
The one I got from him when this was first posted here was NIB.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: ezrahilyer on Sun, 11 January 2015, 14:30:24
The more I think about it, the more I am sure that I could fix them with a good long term success rate, but not sure people are willing to pay $35 shipped to the USA.  I could put a return warranty on the ones that are tested working and do not after arrival.

So now that everyone has a more realistic price to consider, you almost would need to do a new interest check to see if people would be interested in these boards in the $35 range. 

Almost need new a new post from everyone interested that state quantity wanted, whether they need them to work or not, and the total price willing to pay for them.

All of that will tell you what to bid in the end and if the demand is there at realistic prices

I have determined not to bid on these myself, I think that Orihalcon may be the best positioned to turn these into a profitable venture.
If we all stay away from the auction and don't drive the price up, they are likely to be reasonably cheap even by the time initial shipping and testing is done. If his estimate of $35 shipped to the US is accurate, that is a very attractive price.

I have decided to stay away because these really don't fit with my business model. I am going to stick with the 'premium' restored Ms. I like the older heavier ones, and I like to do detailed thorough restorations down to cleaning the membranes and re-seating hammers.
That said, I also don't really have the room either.

I would be interested in doing a deal with whomever ends up with these, to buy hammers, membranes and or barrel plate assemblies, and key caps from the ones that are not able to be fixed. 

Good luck with this whoever you are that gets these, I know it will be a monumental effort.

I will be watching from the sidelines on this one.

-Ezra
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Sun, 11 January 2015, 15:31:46
Ezra mentioned that he'd be interested in the membranes, but I've found out that they aren't compatible with older controllers, so I doubt that they will be of much use outside of these specific boards.  Hammers, springs, stems, and keycaps should be usable for any model M though, which is good at least.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 11 January 2015, 16:35:28

I would be interested in doing a deal with whomever ends up with these, to buy hammers, membranes and or barrel plate assemblies, and key caps from the ones that are not able to be fixed. 


I don't know when Unicomp switched over from the old thick black rubber blankets to the new thin white latex ones, but I like the thin ones and you might offer them as an "upgrade" if you end up with a few.



I am pretty sure that not everyone that indicated interest will be willing to pay $35-$40 if that is what it ends up being.


That price point puts you close enough to a good working standard model that it is hardly worth it, unless you particularly like the 122-key configuration or want a black case to modernize your beige one.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 14 January 2015, 11:23:49
Considering there's no telling the working condition and they're Unicomp(ie. not vintage), I'd have absolutely no interest. Then again, I probably wouldn't have much interest in vintage M's at this point, given I'm more interested in the F variety.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Snowdog993 on Sat, 17 January 2015, 12:17:13
The lot sold for $255.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 17 January 2015, 12:20:38
The lot sold for $255.

I got a notification 30 minutes ago that they were at $53...

Dang
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Touch_It on Sat, 17 January 2015, 13:33:20
Ewww.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 17 January 2015, 17:03:48
The lot sold for $255.

I got a notification 30 minutes ago that they were at $53...

Dang

$4 each is a great price, even if shipping makes the final price quadruple. Somebody will test them, sell the ones that work, and have thousands of keys left over!
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: berserkfan on Sat, 17 January 2015, 17:08:31
Let's hope that the outcome I was trying to engineer came true.

Haven't heard from that guy...
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 17 January 2015, 19:16:58
Did a GHer win?
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: JinDesu on Sat, 17 January 2015, 23:41:11
If BF's plan worked out, I'd still be in =p
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Sun, 18 January 2015, 09:33:16
I got them. 

Oddly, looks like they would have gone for $53 if I didn't bid.

I messaged the seller and he said that for an extra fee he could put them in boxes and ship by Fedex, since I don't have a good way to receive pallets. Initial shipping is going to come out to be about $10 per keyboard after figuring in the additional cost of the boxes.  My thought is that I will test them, any that work or are fixable, will sell for $35-$40 as mentioned earlier.  Will do a discount of $5 per additional board ordered beyond the first since that will save on overall shipping.

I'm 90% sure that the problem with these is that the interface between the membrane and the controller just isn't pinched together tight enough or there is some tiny amount oxidation on some pins.  I think with a cleaning of both sides of the membrane interface with the PCB, maybe a thin layer of dielectric grease to stop any future oxidation, and increasing the pressure from the membrane to the PCB, most should be fixable.

Reason I think that is because he mentions in the description that there is a wide range of how many keys work and don't work and the fact that they all test good prior to shipping, but then don't work when they arrive, indicating that the membrane partially lost contact during shipping.  The number of keys would just depend on the degree of how many membrane pins aren't making good contact to the controller.  The membranes are brand new, and so are the controllers, so I wouldn't suspect either of them of actually being bad. 

If they don't seem to work after you receive them, I think all it would take is a re-seating of the controller on arrival to fix that.

And hey, if that doesn't work, will part out for keycap sets, cases, and springs/hammers, or sell complete units for parts.

Will keep you all posted when they arrive to let you know if they seem to be fixable.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Touch_It on Sun, 18 January 2015, 09:36:21
Oh cool.  Glad someone here got them at least.  Definitely hope the issue is what you think it is.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Sat, 31 January 2015, 16:53:50
Well, I opened the first box of 11 and tested them all.  Of those, 10 tested good.  The remaining one was not registering F2, F4, F6, F8, F10, F12, 5, 6, 8, Space Bar, and a few others.  Took it apart, lightly wiped the membrane contact to the controller lightly and the controller itself lightly with 90% isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel, put it back together, and everything works perfectly on that one as well. 

So bottom line is that even if you do get one of these and it is not registering a few keys because of the controller losing contact somehow during shipping, it should still be easily fixable. Hardest part about it is having a 7/32 nut driver on hand to open the case, but those can be had for $5 shipped if you end up needing one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321555842008

After actually using one of these, I do have to say that they aren't as "cheap feeling" as they are made out to be. Yeah, you can see that they cut costs inside, and the keycap legends and layout aren't everyone's favorite, but totally usable IMHO.  Another thing no one has mentioned is that these have kind of like a fine gold metallic flake in the keycap plastic, which I'm pretty sure is not normally there on pebble colored caps.

Feel free to PM me if interested.  Going to do $40 shipped to the USA for a quantity of 1, or $35 each if you buy more than one and have them shipped to the same address.  Will be setting up a classified posting later today or maybe tomorrow.

There probably will be a few that I test at a later time that actually do have bad controllers, and I will probably part those out, so also let me know if you are wanting parts of any kind from these.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Evo_Spec on Sat, 31 January 2015, 19:04:33
Really glad to hear that someone here got them! Awesome deal that you're putting out too!

Now do I need one of these......
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: Kira on Sat, 31 January 2015, 19:20:25
This would be great for a modding project. Anyone in for a custom case for these model m's? ;)
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 31 January 2015, 19:24:37
Anyone in for a custom case for these model m's?

More important, is it possible to mod the case tops for F-122s?
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: MythicalWagyu on Mon, 02 February 2015, 13:39:04
Well, I opened the first box of 11 and tested them all.  Of those, 10 tested good.  The remaining one was not registering F2, F4, F6, F8, F10, F12, 5, 6, 8, Space Bar, and a few others.  Took it apart, lightly wiped the membrane contact to the controller lightly and the controller itself lightly with 90% isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel, put it back together, and everything works perfectly on that one as well. 

So bottom line is that even if you do get one of these and it is not registering a few keys because of the controller losing contact somehow during shipping, it should still be easily fixable. Hardest part about it is having a 7/32 nut driver on hand to open the case, but those can be had for $5 shipped if you end up needing one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321555842008

After actually using one of these, I do have to say that they aren't as "cheap feeling" as they are made out to be. Yeah, you can see that they cut costs inside, and the keycap legends and layout aren't everyone's favorite, but totally usable IMHO.  Another thing no one has mentioned is that these have kind of like a fine gold metallic flake in the keycap plastic, which I'm pretty sure is not normally there on pebble colored caps.

Feel free to PM me if interested.  Going to do $40 shipped to the USA for a quantity of 1, or $35 each if you buy more than one and have them shipped to the same address.  Will be setting up a classified posting later today or maybe tomorrow.

There probably will be a few that I test at a later time that actually do have bad controllers, and I will probably part those out, so also let me know if you are wanting parts of any kind from these.
Exciting stuff, can't wait to give one a whirl myself! I've got a special keycap just waiting for it...
More
(http://i.imgur.com/AWOqMAZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: ezrahilyer on Mon, 02 February 2015, 20:18:25
I am glad they seem to be ok. good way to get started on buckling springs if you have never tried them.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: MythicalWagyu on Wed, 04 February 2015, 20:38:18
So far so good. BS is fun - I'm going to have a blast banging away on this at the office :thumb:
(http://i.imgur.com/TfKvkG1.png)
Thanks again for testing and shipping these orihalcon!
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: daerid on Thu, 05 February 2015, 01:03:08
Just got mine today. The layout is definitely gonna take some getting used to, especially dat left shift
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 05 February 2015, 03:14:40
Just got mine today. The layout is definitely gonna take some getting used to, especially dat left shift

It is possible ti ANSIfy these.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: MythicalWagyu on Fri, 06 February 2015, 17:54:31
Just got mine today. The layout is definitely gonna take some getting used to, especially dat left shift
Yeah it's throwing me off a bit,and the numpad screws me up too - I keep hitting numlock instead of "/". I am definitely enjoying my first buckling spring experience however  ^-^
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 06 February 2015, 22:41:26
Just got mine today. The layout is definitely gonna take some getting used to, especially dat left shift
Yeah it's throwing me off a bit,and the numpad screws me up too - I keep hitting numlock instead of "/". I am definitely enjoying my first buckling spring experience however  ^-^

Yay for BS! :D
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: JinDesu on Fri, 06 February 2015, 23:17:49
Got mine working, was amusing. Loving the buckling spring feel. Will compare to MX Greens once my QF TKL comes in. For now, it's definitely more fun to type on than my MX Browns and MX Blues. My RF101 at work is fun and quieter, but the M is really enjoyable at home.
Title: Re: Fantastic Model M deal - requires massive Geek cooperation
Post by: orihalcon on Fri, 06 February 2015, 23:36:17
Just got mine today. The layout is definitely gonna take some getting used to, especially dat left shift

It is possible ti ANSIfy these.

Definitely could change the layout to be ANSI during a bolt mod, but you might have to do the remapping in software rather than hardware.  The key that I also have the biggest issue with is the blank key between Left Shift and Z, which is the <> key in ISO.  Luckily for that one, if you were to do a bolt mod, the regular ANSI Left Shift Key uses the normal shift spring there, and the <> slot would just have a stabilizer there, so no remapping would be required for Left Shift at least.

First thing I thought of for remapping would be to use a Soarer's Converter, but it turns out that these are not PS/2 backwards compatible over the stock USB cable.  The controller actually has several ports on it, so one of those may output PS/2, which would be supported by a Soarer's converter.  Will be looking into seeing if I can figure anything out about the other ports hopefully tomorrow.

Pretty optimistic that one of them will output PS/2 since Unicomp does make a PC122 key PS/2 keyboard (though could just be that they use a different controller on those):
http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/PC122/UB40T56

If one of the 4 pin headers turns out to be PS/2, you could just move the original USB cable to that and wire a USB female adapter on the USB end to work with it, or use a Soarer's converter like these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/301452854832 , or just solder a USB female cable segment or cut the original cable USB end and solder directly to a Teensy, or just solder directly to the controller.