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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: khaosduke on Sat, 09 April 2016, 21:46:29
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I found an old Model M in rough shape, the cable was cut off but it it's an SDL cable. Some keys are missing but these seem to be things I can repair if I can verify the keyboard actually works.
It looks as though SDL cables are expensive, is there anyway I can test this keyboard before putting money into it on new cable and keys and the time taking it apart? For example, maybe I can apply power on certain pins see what I get back, or maybe wire it directly as PS2 to test?
Thanks for the input!
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SDL cables are $5 on Taobao.
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Unicomp has them for $15: http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/1395110
Clicky Keyboards has them for up to $20: http://clickykeyboards.com/product-category/replacement-model-m-sdl-to-ps2-keyboard-cables/
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Another thing you can do is find another Model M with a good SDL cable, or find someone that you know who may have one, and test it that way. Good luck!
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Do you live near Atlanta?
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Another thought is that Model M keyboards are mostly indestructible. I've seen pictures of some that were in atrocious condition, but with a little clean they work almost like new.
So spending even $15 on a cable is not a huge outlay, and the keyboard probably works anyway.
If it turns out that the keyboard does not work, and you don't want to try to fix it, you could always sell the cable in classifieds. Quite a few people would probably not say no to a spare SDL cable.
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I found an old Model M in rough shape, the cable was cut off but it it's an SDL cable. Some keys are missing but these seem to be things I can repair if I can verify the keyboard actually works.
It looks as though SDL cables are expensive, is there anyway I can test this keyboard before putting money into it on new cable and keys and the time taking it apart? For example, maybe I can apply power on certain pins see what I get back, or maybe wire it directly as PS2 to test?
Thanks for the input!
I got an original NOS ps2 to sdl for $12.50 on ebay, theyre not expensive.
Heres the ebay link.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281976459384?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281976459384?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
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I purchased the one from Unicomp, it was $22 total with shipping. I received the cable and lo and behold the keyboard works a treat.
Now I have to buy the proper hex driver and look for parts!
The K key has a metal, tinny like "ting" to it I'm sure I'll find why when I take it apart.
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I purchased the one from Unicomp, it was $22 total with shipping. I received the cable and lo and behold the keyboard works a treat.
Now I have to buy the proper hex driver and look for parts!
The K key has a metal, tinny like "ting" to it I'm sure I'll find why when I take it apart.
An auto parts store will be your best bet for a "long (or "deep") thin-walled" 7/32" or 5.5mm socket.
That tinny ting may well be an improperly seated stem. Pull it and try re-seating it.
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As for me, I bought an SDL -> 5-pin DIN cable from Brandon Ermita for $20—.
It's a little more authentic for an 1390120. :D
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In the picture I have up, notice where the space bar goes, is there supposed to be another white tube/sleeve in any of those 2 tubes? (Like the shift key has)
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No. No stabilizer insert is used for the spacebar.
The center barrel has the hammer and spring. The left barrel is a guide for the projection on the lower left end of the spacebar. The spacebar uses a stabilizer wire to maintain balance.
When you buy a spacebar from Unicomp or ClickyKeyboards, it will come with the stabilizer wire.
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Thanks!, about Unicomp, what color is the correct color key cap to match this keyboard?
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Thanks!, about Unicomp, what color is the correct color key cap to match this keyboard?
Standard IBM colors are called "pearl" (lighter) and "pebble" (darker).
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Just ordered a bunch of stuff from Clickkeyboards, Brandon Ermita. Shipping has killed me on restoring this keyboard! Going to see if I can score a red Esc key :)
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Just ordered a bunch of stuff from Clickkeyboards, Brandon Ermita. Shipping has killed me on restoring this keyboard! Going to see if I can score a red Esc key :)
Like these?
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Yes like those, I'd like to find those and the standard Esc key as well.
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Yes like those, I'd like to find those and the standard Esc key as well.
Sent one of each to you. Enjoy!
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Is your keyboard complete now? Can you post a picture of it?
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Here it is all done! Special thanks to Snowdog993 for the escape key.
This thing works great especially since I found it in a junk box and hasn't been used for more than a decade.
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Looks Great! I love seeing these restoration success stories. Its nice seeing something so forgotten returned to its former glory.
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Very cool! Does the K key still ting?
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No the K key does not, it must've been a seating issue and when I put it all back together it resolved itself. I've also learned that when you replace springs you better seat them properly. Initially I thought the act of putting the key stem on would be enough to finish the job but that's not the case.
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No the K key does not, it must've been a seating issue and when I put it all back together it resolved itself. I've also learned that when you replace springs you better seat them properly. Initially I thought the act of putting the key stem on would be enough to finish the job but that's not the case.
The easiest way to put all the stems back is to slightly tilt the keyboard away from you and have all the springs tilted towards the top. That makes it very easy to put all the stems in without snagging them.
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Nicely done. :thumb:
How old is she and have you added her to clickykeyboards database (http://clickykeyboards.com/model-m-archive-project/)?
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The date code is 2/28/96 so 20 years old. The sticker on the back was a little delicate so some of it is smudged off but I didn't know there was a database to put it in. I think I will do that. I'm still amazed at how crisp the keys are after all these years.
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The worst thing that can happen to these is a cracked barrel plate.
That aside they just keep going and going!