Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:11:07
Perhaps we could advertise on an international newspaper for "Old IBM hardware wanted". I think we're bound to find some beamsprings that way.
Edit: interest check for beamspring 3101 tour.
Post by: Bromono on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:15:55
Since beamspring keyboards are so vanishingly rare on eBay, I was wondering if we could provide some incentive for a beamspring owner to lend his/her piece on a tour. :p
Perhaps we could advertise on an international newspaper for "Old IBM hardware wanted". I think we're bound to find some beamsprings that way.
Don't those things weigh as much as a semi?
Shipping it will be a nightmare.
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:17:08
But yeah, shipping alone will be supes expensive.
Post by: jerue on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:21:27
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/IBM-3279.jpg)
Now...if we want to be a touch more realistic, we need an Unsaver tour :cool:
Post by: digi on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:44:29
- It's a thread for asking for a beam spring tour :(
- PM me when there really is a bream spring tour
Thank you for your time =)
Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:47:04
The 3279 could probably fit in a game board box, but I doubt anyone who owns one would be willing to have such a board go through so many hands.I did, however, find an F122 on Taobao for less than three figures.Show Image(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/IBM-3279.jpg)
Now...if we want to be a touch more realistic, we need an Unsaver tour :cool:
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:53:55
- Clicked link hoping this was actually a beam spring tour
- It's a thread for asking for a beam spring tour :(
- PM me when there really is a bream spring tour
Thank you for your time =)
Sigh right? I got really excited. Oh well...I know if I were the owner of one, I wouldn't let mine out of sight. No way would I risk it on a tour.
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:54:32
- Clicked link hoping this was actually a beam spring tour
- It's a thread for asking for a beam spring tour :(
- PM me when there really is a bream spring tour
Thank you for your time =)
Same, tbh fat
Post by: FLFisherman on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:54:40
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 March 2016, 15:57:26
A flat-rate box would maybe keep the cost to something manageable.
Would a beam spring even fit in the largest available (Large)?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 18 March 2016, 16:01:32
A flat-rate box would maybe keep the cost to something manageable.
Would a beam spring even fit in the largest available (Large)?
Just the board alone for most I do believe is almost too big and as much padding as I'm sure any sensible owner would want, I don't see how it would fit.
Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 18 March 2016, 16:02:53
Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Selectric-typewriter-Green-Vintage-/371576471500?hash=item5683aeffcc:g:cdIAAOSwuAVWzoIJ
Post by: digi on Fri, 18 March 2016, 16:19:43
A flat-rate box would maybe keep the cost to something manageable.
Would a beam spring even fit in the largest available (Large)?
Just the board alone for most I do believe is almost too big and as much padding as I'm sure any sensible owner would want, I don't see how it would fit.
Yea, no way a 3279 would fit in the normal large flat rate box. It would have to be sent in a bigger box for sure.
Post by: jerue on Fri, 18 March 2016, 21:43:53
If everything else fails, I think I'd get a selectric typewriter (or card punch) and install some sort of controller on it.
Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Selectric-typewriter-Green-Vintage-/371576471500?hash=item5683aeffcc:g:cdIAAOSwuAVWzoIJ
I have a Selectric I and shipping would be both a hassle and more expensive than a standard beamspring KB. It's about $41 to ship across the US via Fedex ground, even more if you use USPS.
If you want a selectric I just for you though, go for it, it's the best thing to type on ever. Leave it as it is if it's working :thumb:
The beamspring tour is great idea but imo these boards are best brought in person to meetups.
Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 18 March 2016, 22:03:03
The 3279 might fit into a USPS Game Board box (treated as large priority), but height might still be a concern as it couldn't be padded properly on the top and bottom (sides would be OK though). A regular beamspring keyboard will not fit.Good lord, that is what like 15 lbs?If everything else fails, I think I'd get a selectric typewriter (or card punch) and install some sort of controller on it.
Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Selectric-typewriter-Green-Vintage-/371576471500?hash=item5683aeffcc:g:cdIAAOSwuAVWzoIJ
I have a Selectric I and shipping would be both a hassle and more expensive than a standard beamspring KB. It's about $41 to ship across the US via Fedex ground, even more if you use USPS.
If you want a selectric I just for you though, go for it, it's the best thing to type on ever. Leave it as it is if it's working :thumb:
The beamspring tour is great idea but imo these boards are best brought in person to meetups.
Post by: jerue on Fri, 18 March 2016, 22:05:37
The 3279 might fit into a USPS Game Board box (treated as large priority), but height might still be a concern as it couldn't be padded properly on the top and bottom (sides would be OK though). A regular beamspring keyboard will not fit.Good lord, that is what like 15 lbs?If everything else fails, I think I'd get a selectric typewriter (or card punch) and install some sort of controller on it.
Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Selectric-typewriter-Green-Vintage-/371576471500?hash=item5683aeffcc:g:cdIAAOSwuAVWzoIJ
I have a Selectric I and shipping would be both a hassle and more expensive than a standard beamspring KB. It's about $41 to ship across the US via Fedex ground, even more if you use USPS.
If you want a selectric I just for you though, go for it, it's the best thing to type on ever. Leave it as it is if it's working :thumb:
The beamspring tour is great idea but imo these boards are best brought in person to meetups.
About 35lbs if I remember correctly. It is very very heavy. 15lbs would drop the shipping rate in half :))
Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 18 March 2016, 22:06:49
That would be ridiculous to ship. :eek:The 3279 might fit into a USPS Game Board box (treated as large priority), but height might still be a concern as it couldn't be padded properly on the top and bottom (sides would be OK though). A regular beamspring keyboard will not fit.Good lord, that is what like 15 lbs?If everything else fails, I think I'd get a selectric typewriter (or card punch) and install some sort of controller on it.
Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Selectric-typewriter-Green-Vintage-/371576471500?hash=item5683aeffcc:g:cdIAAOSwuAVWzoIJ
I have a Selectric I and shipping would be both a hassle and more expensive than a standard beamspring KB. It's about $41 to ship across the US via Fedex ground, even more if you use USPS.
If you want a selectric I just for you though, go for it, it's the best thing to type on ever. Leave it as it is if it's working :thumb:
The beamspring tour is great idea but imo these boards are best brought in person to meetups.
About 35lbs if I remember correctly. It is very very heavy. 15lbs would drop the shipping rate in half :))
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 March 2016, 22:42:36
The 3279 might fit into a USPS Game Board box (treated as large priority), but height might still be a concern as it couldn't be padded properly on the top and bottom (sides would be OK though). A regular beamspring keyboard will not fit.Good lord, that is what like 15 lbs?If everything else fails, I think I'd get a selectric typewriter (or card punch) and install some sort of controller on it.
Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Selectric-typewriter-Green-Vintage-/371576471500?hash=item5683aeffcc:g:cdIAAOSwuAVWzoIJ
I have a Selectric I and shipping would be both a hassle and more expensive than a standard beamspring KB. It's about $41 to ship across the US via Fedex ground, even more if you use USPS.
If you want a selectric I just for you though, go for it, it's the best thing to type on ever. Leave it as it is if it's working :thumb:
The beamspring tour is great idea but imo these boards are best brought in person to meetups.
About 35lbs if I remember correctly. It is very very heavy. 15lbs would drop the shipping rate in half :))
Would've definitely jumped on your Selectric, but shipping would be a bee-otch.
We have a III at work that I'm eyeing, and have hinted very un-subtly to the manager that I'd like it when it's no longer required. :)
Post by: Venatorious on Fri, 18 March 2016, 23:30:12
The 3279 could probably fit in a game board box, but I doubt anyone who owns one would be willing to have such a board go through so many hands.
Now...if we want to be a touch more realistic, we need an Unsaver tour :cool:
The same thought of my Unsaver going through so many hands makes me scared. Too easy for someone to just keep it. :-\
Post by: klennkellon on Sat, 19 March 2016, 01:31:00
I've heard them described as superior to BS in almost every way.
Post by: piemancoder on Sat, 19 March 2016, 17:25:15
How do they compare to Buckling Springs anyway?
I've heard them described as superior to BS in almost every way.
From what I have hears, they are much, much louder. Some describe them as a clicky Topre.
Post by: E TwentyNine on Tue, 22 March 2016, 06:49:45
How do they compare to Buckling Springs anyway?
I've heard them described as superior to BS in almost every way.
From what I have hears, they are much, much louder. Some describe them as a clicky Topre.
Not someone who has any experience with them.
They're superior to BS in everything but available layouts.
Post by: y11971alex on Wed, 27 April 2016, 19:51:04
Simons Tech apparently scrapped their supply a few years ago :(
Com-Com doesn't have them
Post by: vivalarevolución on Wed, 27 April 2016, 21:00:10
Post by: Niomosy on Wed, 27 April 2016, 21:10:05
;)
Post by: HighPlainsDrafter on Sat, 30 April 2016, 02:08:13
We just need someone to get to work on making new beamspring switches. Simple!
;)
Now that's an incredible idea. A new, low-height beam spring kb with a modern (i.e. ANSI) layout. Perhaps Ellipse, et al will consider such after completing the modern F keyboard. BTW, anyone have any clue why we can't at least get those wonderful spherical keycaps (that are on beam spring boards and Selectrics) onto our existing MX switch keyboards as a custom option? If it were easy, I'd imagine someone would've done it.
Post by: Niomosy on Mon, 02 May 2016, 14:30:00
However, such things are not cheap. Molds are really expensive and that's after all the work to make sure the molds are properly created. That can take a fair amount of time, particularly since some of the caps would need to be created partly from scratch as the beam spring may not have had certain sizes we use now.
Post by: romevi on Mon, 02 May 2016, 14:37:21
Beam spring caps are being worked on by Matt3o. He had a bunch of them sent off for scanning and was intending to get molds made for them to do some dyesub PBT caps. There' a Deskthority thread on it, though it's gone quite for some time now. Hopefully something comes of that.
However, such things are not cheap. Molds are really expensive and that's after all the work to make sure the molds are properly created. That can take a fair amount of time, particularly since some of the caps would need to be created partly from scratch as the beam spring may not have had certain sizes we use now.
Wait, wasn't he working on buckling spring sphericals? Or is that someone else?
Post by: 0100010 on Mon, 02 May 2016, 16:58:13
Post by: Niomosy on Tue, 03 May 2016, 13:24:25
Beam spring caps are being worked on by Matt3o. He had a bunch of them sent off for scanning and was intending to get molds made for them to do some dyesub PBT caps. There' a Deskthority thread on it, though it's gone quite for some time now. Hopefully something comes of that.
However, such things are not cheap. Molds are really expensive and that's after all the work to make sure the molds are properly created. That can take a fair amount of time, particularly since some of the caps would need to be created partly from scratch as the beam spring may not have had certain sizes we use now.
Wait, wasn't he working on buckling spring sphericals? Or is that someone else?
The buckling spring sphericals was rsbseb. I believe that was being designed from scratch.
Actually, let me get all the info to put in here.
Matt3o's Deep Dish Sphericals project: https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/hi-profile-pbt-dye-sub-the-time-has-come-t10805.html
Buckling Spring Sphericals project: https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/spherical-buckling-spring-thread-t11186.html
Post by: BSJunky on Tue, 03 May 2016, 21:42:56
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5251-Beam-Spring-Vintage-Mechanical-Keyboard-/282024259374?hash=item41a9f4af2e:g:an4AAOSwVllXHWQC
...could be had for less than this:
http://www.modelfkeyboards.com/
...your thoughts??
Post by: y11971alex on Tue, 03 May 2016, 22:51:31
Post by: Niomosy on Wed, 04 May 2016, 01:45:27
Post by: HighPlainsDrafter on Mon, 09 May 2016, 05:49:18
Post by: Niomosy on Tue, 10 May 2016, 17:52:28
Post by: supamesican on Tue, 10 May 2016, 18:00:24
We just need someone to get to work on making new beamspring switches. Simple!
;)
. Perhaps Ellipse, et al will consider such after completing the modern F keyboard. B
wait, someone is working on a modern model F?!
Post by: romevi on Tue, 10 May 2016, 18:05:05
We just need someone to get to work on making new beamspring switches. Simple!
;)
. Perhaps Ellipse, et al will consider such after completing the modern F keyboard. B
wait, someone is working on a modern model F?!
You may be a super Mexican, but your observation ain't that super.
Post by: y11971alex on Tue, 10 May 2016, 23:34:49
I can't help but note that this:I would be having it if only the seller would ship to Canada.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5251-Beam-Spring-Vintage-Mechanical-Keyboard-/282024259374?hash=item41a9f4af2e:g:an4AAOSwVllXHWQC
...could be had for less than this:
http://www.modelfkeyboards.com/
...your thoughts??
Post by: y11971alex on Mon, 16 May 2016, 13:39:59
Quote
Hi,
We already have a waiting list of 10+ companies that want these
keyboards. They are in very high demand.
Thank you,
sales@cygnussupply.com
www.cygnussupply.com
Phone: (612) 564-9302
Fax: (815) 331-0891
Post by: y11971alex on Tue, 17 May 2016, 14:24:34
Quote from: NeXT;413579
If it was your intention, keyboard poachers are not really welcome around here.
If you had terminals you needed keyboards for, I might have a keyboard for the 5251 somewhere.
Evidently, we're not popular. :p
Post by: Touch_It on Tue, 17 May 2016, 15:03:14
We just need someone to get to work on making new beamspring switches. Simple!
;)
. Perhaps Ellipse, et al will consider such after completing the modern F keyboard. B
wait, someone is working on a modern model F?!
yes.
https://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/brand-new-f62-kishsaver-f77-industrial-model-f-s-made-this-year-t11046.html
Post by: E TwentyNine on Tue, 17 May 2016, 15:41:25
Yup, I've yet to try a beam spring but hear nothing but good things about it. The price and non-standard layouts are teaming up to keep me away, though. A modern beam spring would be fantastic.
I'd have to imagine it would be very expensive, at least two or three times the cost of a modern F. The buckling spring components are all simple and can be produced with simple mechanisms. The beam spring switch is this contraption of metal and plastic with the metal "rivet melted" to the plastic part. On top of that the flyplate is a completely detachable metal and carbon plastic piece that is a pain in the ass to get back on when you only have one, assembling a whole keyboard is likely a time consuming affair unless you have the machine which the volumes for a modern keyboard run would not allow for.
Now, if someone made the pcb, mounting plate, case, etc, and sent out the switch pieces (with cherry compatible stems) as "you assemble it yourself" pieces, that could bring the cost down but I suspect that would severely limit the audience.
Post by: supamesican on Tue, 17 May 2016, 18:55:54
We just need someone to get to work on making new beamspring switches. Simple!
;)
. Perhaps Ellipse, et al will consider such after completing the modern F keyboard. B
wait, someone is working on a modern model F?!
yes.
https://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/brand-new-f62-kishsaver-f77-industrial-model-f-s-made-this-year-t11046.html
If I had the money I'd be all over that. Maybe I'll be able to find one somewhere when I do next spring...
Post by: Niomosy on Tue, 17 May 2016, 19:36:01
Yup, I've yet to try a beam spring but hear nothing but good things about it. The price and non-standard layouts are teaming up to keep me away, though. A modern beam spring would be fantastic.
I'd have to imagine it would be very expensive, at least two or three times the cost of a modern F. The buckling spring components are all simple and can be produced with simple mechanisms. The beam spring switch is this contraption of metal and plastic with the metal "rivet melted" to the plastic part. On top of that the flyplate is a completely detachable metal and carbon plastic piece that is a pain in the ass to get back on when you only have one, assembling a whole keyboard is likely a time consuming affair unless you have the machine which the volumes for a modern keyboard run would not allow for.
Now, if someone made the pcb, mounting plate, case, etc, and sent out the switch pieces (with cherry compatible stems) as "you assemble it yourself" pieces, that could bring the cost down but I suspect that would severely limit the audience.
And these are all likely reasons why we haven't seen a modern beam spring. Still, it would be awesome if one came to fruition. What I'm wondering is what kinds of alterations to the old switch could be done to keep the sound and feel while also making it cheaper and easier to produce, if anything.
As to a kit, I think it would be somewhat limiting but that doesn't seem to stop people from scooping up kits on the regular these days. You might even get the non-kit people like me willing to take a stab just to try out the beam spring hype.
Post by: chyros on Wed, 18 May 2016, 02:28:36
Pretty sure beam springs are not a hype xD . That said I would love to try them out myself.Yup, I've yet to try a beam spring but hear nothing but good things about it. The price and non-standard layouts are teaming up to keep me away, though. A modern beam spring would be fantastic.
I'd have to imagine it would be very expensive, at least two or three times the cost of a modern F. The buckling spring components are all simple and can be produced with simple mechanisms. The beam spring switch is this contraption of metal and plastic with the metal "rivet melted" to the plastic part. On top of that the flyplate is a completely detachable metal and carbon plastic piece that is a pain in the ass to get back on when you only have one, assembling a whole keyboard is likely a time consuming affair unless you have the machine which the volumes for a modern keyboard run would not allow for.
Now, if someone made the pcb, mounting plate, case, etc, and sent out the switch pieces (with cherry compatible stems) as "you assemble it yourself" pieces, that could bring the cost down but I suspect that would severely limit the audience.
And these are all likely reasons why we haven't seen a modern beam spring. Still, it would be awesome if one came to fruition. What I'm wondering is what kinds of alterations to the old switch could be done to keep the sound and feel while also making it cheaper and easier to produce, if anything.
As to a kit, I think it would be somewhat limiting but that doesn't seem to stop people from scooping up kits on the regular these days. You might even get the non-kit people like me willing to take a stab just to try out the beam spring hype.
Post by: pr0ximity on Wed, 18 May 2016, 05:41:43
I can't help but note that this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5251-Beam-Spring-Vintage-Mechanical-Keyboard-/282024259374?hash=item41a9f4af2e:g:an4AAOSwVllXHWQC
...could be had for less than this:
http://www.modelfkeyboards.com/
...your thoughts??
$50 controller + $25 solenoid driver brings it a little closer.
Post by: Niomosy on Wed, 18 May 2016, 13:56:40
I can't help but note that this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5251-Beam-Spring-Vintage-Mechanical-Keyboard-/282024259374?hash=item41a9f4af2e:g:an4AAOSwVllXHWQC
...could be had for less than this:
http://www.modelfkeyboards.com/
...your thoughts??
$50 controller + $25 solenoid driver brings it a little closer.
It would seem that the beam spring is still the better deal.
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Wed, 18 May 2016, 14:41:44
Post by: pr0ximity on Wed, 18 May 2016, 17:00:59
Lol. I own a piece of such, but it would require a custom controller or some beefy piece of a converter (on converter on converter) to work with a PC. Zero chance for normal recognition, perhaps a chance of miracle through all the conversion into a USB keyboard, eventually. Though this is probably wishful thinking. Cost me a grand total of eight bucks. The key feel is enormously kewl.
Do you have pictures? Sounds very kewl indeed.
Post by: SBJ on Wed, 18 May 2016, 22:51:22
Indeed. As awesome as a Model F is (and it absolutely has its place, old and new), there's no comparison between it and the unrestrained joy when pressing down on the keys of a beam spring, even within a huge displaywriter casing. My guess is that some (I wrote "some", not all) model F fans simply haven't had the chance to try out a beam spring. One thing holding back some from having their beam spring be their daily driver is the non-standard kb layout. That's where a new version (ANSI layout, low height profile) would seem to be the Holy Grail for some of us.Still remember the beam spring keyboard I tried when I was visiting my mother at her job as a youngin' - to this day I remember how it felt. So nice!
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Thu, 19 May 2016, 16:09:54
Lol. I own a piece of such, but it would require a custom controller or some beefy piece of a converter (on converter on converter) to work with a PC. Zero chance for normal recognition, perhaps a chance of miracle through all the conversion into a USB keyboard, eventually. Though this is probably wishful thinking. Cost me a grand total of eight bucks. The key feel is enormously kewl.
Do you have pictures? Sounds very kewl indeed.
I'll get some! Meanwhile, it looks like this (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53281.0) (there's a hi-res pic midway down the page).
Post by: y11971alex on Tue, 31 May 2016, 10:45:21
If the HHKB can do it, so can the 3101!
Post by: romevi on Tue, 31 May 2016, 11:11:01
So I received my 3101 keyboard, and admittedly it needs some work before it's in presentable condition. In the meantime, is there still an interest in a tour of this board?
If the HHKB can do it, so can the 3101!
Sure!
How much will shipping be, though? :-\
Post by: y11971alex on Tue, 31 May 2016, 11:25:30
So I received my 3101 keyboard, and admittedly it needs some work before it's in presentable condition. In the meantime, is there still an interest in a tour of this board?
If the HHKB can do it, so can the 3101!
Sure!
How much will shipping be, though? :-\
Shipping... it cost around $65 for it to reach me from the US, so it's definitely a problem. The 3101 is 14 lbs. :eek:
Post by: Niomosy on Tue, 31 May 2016, 16:12:20
Post by: y11971alex on Tue, 31 May 2016, 17:09:06
Post by: y11971alex on Mon, 06 June 2016, 02:45:24
Post by: Bucake on Mon, 06 June 2016, 03:28:43
and if i end up liking it, i will get depressed for not having one myself!
this is totally a bad idea.
Post by: y11971alex on Mon, 06 June 2016, 08:10:47
too high shipping cost for me just to try out a keyboard :-/:3
and if i end up liking it, i will get depressed for not having one myself!
this is totally a bad idea.
Post by: Niomosy on Mon, 06 June 2016, 19:20:32
Post by: romevi on Tue, 07 June 2016, 00:06:27
Post by: ThoughtArtist on Tue, 07 June 2016, 00:44:52
I'm honestly not huge on tactile keyboards, though IBM tactile boards seem better to me than others I've tried. I'd be curious if it makes a US tour, depending on shipping costs.
I like the IBM clickers because the click is actually part of the actuation, unlike Alps and Cherry with extra bits of material flopping around in the switch that feel like junk in the key.
I definitely want to try out some beamsprings on a tour, because I seriously doubt I can afford to go as far with the hobby in order to collect them on my budget.
Post by: y11971alex on Thu, 11 August 2016, 10:57:01
Post by: romevi on Thu, 11 August 2016, 10:59:59
Board is now fitted with solenoid. Since demik won't tour Canada with his HHKB, let's do the same with this capsense board!
:eek:
Post by: y11971alex on Thu, 11 August 2016, 17:56:53
Well, it's gonna stay here in Toronto for a month if nothing happens by tomorrow evening. I'll be travelling to Vancouver then. :pBoard is now fitted with solenoid. Since demik won't tour Canada with his HHKB, let's do the same with this capsense board!
:eek:
Post by: y11971alex on Sat, 13 August 2016, 04:14:45