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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dandanflake on Sun, 26 April 2015, 23:56:57

Title: IBM Model F with with Genest Keypatch Cursor Key
Post by: dandanflake on Sun, 26 April 2015, 23:56:57

Just bought this off of Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/111650800421#cvip_desc.
I'm looking forward to seeing how different the Model F feels and sounds compared to the M. If anyone has any ideas as where to get a PC XT to PS/2 port adapter it would be much appreciated :)

Title: Re: IBM Model F with with Genest Keypatch Cursor Key
Post by: Tactile on Mon, 27 April 2015, 00:20:15

Congratulations on snagging a model F! I have the same keyboard & bought one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XT-AT-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-NKRO-Support-IBM-Model-F-/281476427201?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41894d6dc1

I think orihalcon sells them here for less than on Ebay - check the classifieds.

The adapter works great and the built-in Soarer's converter makes it even better. It's easy to program so you can have 12 function keys, control volume, or just about whatever you want. You don't need to program it, though. You can just plug in your keyboard & it'll work.

Title: Re: IBM Model F with with Genest Keypatch Cursor Key
Post by: dandanflake on Mon, 27 April 2015, 01:17:02

Hey thanks :). I saw something similar to that that was PC XT to PS/2. Will using a USB port make any difference with the NKRO and functionality of that board as opposed to using the PS/2 port?
Also I hate how expensive all of the adapters are. I doubt they cost nearly that much to make.

Title: Re: IBM Model F with with Genest Keypatch Cursor Key
Post by: Tactile on Mon, 27 April 2015, 02:22:26

Yes, it's cheaper to adapt an AT model F than an XT.  ^-^

I think the Soarer's converter preserves the n-key rollover, but I'm not sure. I've never tested it. If you search this forum or Deskthority for "Soarer's converter" you'll find lots of info.

Title: Re: IBM Model F with with Genest Keypatch Cursor Key
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 27 April 2015, 07:19:00

Quote from: dandanflake on Mon, 27 April 2015, 01:17:02

Also I hate how expensive all of the adapters are. I doubt they cost nearly that much to make.

It depends on what value your time has. A "converter" is not an "adapter" because it has a lot of work to do.

You could build one with a knock-off for under $10 or for just over $20 for a real Teensy using Soarer's method.

Orihlacon's products are amazingly clean and elegant, although not cheap. He builds them individually by hand. A Hagstrom costs more and does less.

If you are getting into the game for more than this experiment, just build something that is versatile.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58941.msg1348717#msg1348717 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58941.msg1348717#msg1348717)