geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: jerue on Sat, 19 March 2016, 19:46:26
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I couldn't really find a home for this (not modding anything really, just discussing the board), hopefully this subforum will do.
I recently acquired a Dolch PAC 60 keyboard, but couldn't find very many resources on it (only PAC61-64/5 and other models like the 386).
From what I know, this board is unique in the series of Dolch keyboards because it has a built in PS/2 connector rather than the more common RJ45. I guess my first question is why only this model? Were the folks over at Dolch growing tired of making adapters for their computers?
Anyways, when I got the board in the mail, it was in rough shape to put it nicely.
(http://i.imgur.com/hCziNcJ.jpg)
Unlike most PAC boards, the PAC 60 has the PS/2 connector on the upper-left hand side of the keyboard
(http://i.imgur.com/5R8xfdZ.jpg)
Again, this case...is rough.
(http://i.imgur.com/3fkhaMi.jpg)
Note: There is actually no screw under either the back or the front logo, I think I remember reading this was the case for most Dolch boards, but not this one.
I removed the logo and unscrewed the case and PCB from the board.
(http://i.imgur.com/h8KXaC7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zvbrig5.jpg)
Some keycaps...you guessed it, it's time for a bath!
(http://i.imgur.com/sXqlzc9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PXgG4Vy.jpg)
(please disregard my dirty bathtub >.<)
While things are in the bath let's look at the PCB...
(http://i.imgur.com/d9S0OBR.jpg)
There is some...sort of sticky substance on the back. I had another 1800 imported from taobao and noticed the same thing, maybe it's something with old cherry boards? Or both are just dirty :))
(http://i.imgur.com/jFvOfz0.jpg)
Cherry Vintage Blues. They feel great, nice and soft, somewhat lighter than modern MX Blues. The real winner is the spacebar...that MX Green is awesome.
....
After a while I went to check on the cases, and saw not much was happening. I guess the rubberized coating on the outside of the keyboard is standard. Either way, the rubber was so worn on each side, so I decided to strip the coating off of the case.
(http://i.imgur.com/ZUIZSet.jpg)
I am a fan of the brushed look. I was able to scrub the entire board and give it the matte look; both the top and bottom case are currently air drying and I will let them dry overnight.
More to come!
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I have a 60 as well irc. I really recently ordered a derelict keyboard as well, it has a lot of caps missing and is pretty beat up.
I've always wanted to do something with the computer or the casing but as you have noticed, documentation is scarce.
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I finished everything up today, and it's reassembled. Tomorrow I should be getting a PS/2 cable to see if everything actually works.
Here's a little sneak peak before I head off to bed :)
(http://i.imgur.com/1MRacdM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/dFQ3RAO.jpg)
I have a 60 as well irc. I really recently ordered a derelict keyboard as well, it has a lot of caps missing and is pretty beat up.
I've always wanted to do something with the computer or the casing but as you have noticed, documentation is scarce.
Nice! I think I know which one you're referring to :)
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Does your PCB smell weird? I had two of those boards a while ago and I couldn't stand using them because of the smell.
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Does your PCB smell weird? I had two of those boards a while ago and I couldn't stand using them because of the smell.
Yes, it had a really strange smell. Almost fruit like? It's pretty bad. I think I fixed that issue though, I wiped everything off the case and the foam separating the case from the pcb.
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I have a 60 too, the rubber coating was disgusting so I took it off as well which is just about as far as I got with the restoration :D. IIRC 3 of the 4 screw mounts for the case have come off so I have to come up with a way of re-attaching them.
Does the numpad/nav cluster on yours send numpad scancodes as well?
This is how mine has been since last Summer.
https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/dolch-pac-keyboard-t10816.html?hilit=pac60#p234227
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I thought this was a Dolch PAC 60% conversion :P
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I really impressed by PS2 connector :thumb: