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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ander on Fri, 03 February 2017, 00:59:08

Title: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Fri, 03 February 2017, 00:59:08
Has anyone else noticed?

The back labels of Model M's often have a small dot in the corner, apparently from a felt-tip pen. It's usually black, but can also be various colors. It's usually in the upper right, but sometimes it's in the upper left.

It's under the lamination of laminated labels. Sometimes there's more than one dot, of different colors.

Not all labels have them. Sometimes you have to look closely to see them.


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I'm guessing they're inspection marks of some kind. But I don't remember anyone discussing them here. Since you guys are into such detail with these kinds of things, it seemed about time someone mentioned them.

Mystery dots—do your Model M's have them?

(Edit: I have no idea why one of my photos is appearing here as an attached thumb, rather than in-line. Everything looks normal in the editor. Oh well...)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: Tactile on Fri, 03 February 2017, 01:14:43
Mine's on the bottom right.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: chyros on Fri, 03 February 2017, 06:10:43
None of mine have it. Seems the practice didn't carry across to the UK. I've never seen a dot like that, good spot. (...)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: hking0036 on Fri, 03 February 2017, 06:14:49
None of mine have it. Seems the practice didn't carry across to the UK. I've never seen a dot like that, good spot. (...)
Mine doesn't either, it's from IBM UK as well. It does have signatures though:
(https://i.imgur.com/7r0oAIE.jpg)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 03 February 2017, 07:18:41
Most of my Ms have had them. Red dots tend to bleed a bit and acquire a "halo" that looks pretty good.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: fanpeople on Fri, 03 February 2017, 07:25:17
Yeah my SSK has dots from memory as well as a few other Model M's I have had. I bet they are quality control marks or something similar. That would be my guess.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 03 February 2017, 07:41:03

I bet they are quality control marks or something similar. That would be my guess.


Or tick marks to say "Ready to laminate and send out the door."
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: Wingklip on Fri, 03 February 2017, 07:53:23
Mine has a love heart. Pretty cool I must say
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: need on Fri, 03 February 2017, 07:55:29
the dot represents a pass in the QC check
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: merlin64 on Fri, 03 February 2017, 10:28:00
So are labels with dots more valuable than those without? Or vice versa? LOL
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: pr0ximity on Fri, 03 February 2017, 18:22:34
I've got a little blue one:

(http://i.imgur.com/7aBNnFUh.jpg)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: kmba on Fri, 03 February 2017, 18:46:07
The one I'm typing on right now has two dots.  Double pass on the test.. double the quality.  I mean, it's been my daily for 27 years so it definitely passes QC!
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 04 February 2017, 03:50:49
Selling.. Ultra Rare,  GOLD dot model M,   limited quantity, more special than blue/red or black dot..
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: SneakyRobb on Sun, 05 February 2017, 09:52:22
Selling.. Ultra Rare,  GOLD dot model M,   limited quantity, more special than blue/red or black dot..

$1200
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: 3K on Sun, 05 February 2017, 10:17:03
My Model M made in UK got none. (also I just noticed the label is terribly placed)
However my SSK got one. (from US, but no 'Made in [...]' information)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: chyros on Sun, 05 February 2017, 14:50:55
Selling.. Ultra Rare,  GOLD dot model M,   limited quantity, more special than blue/red or black dot..
need moar mandolin xtals
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 05 February 2017, 15:40:46

need moar mandolin xtals


Cindy had a "Johnson Controls" branded industrial mandolin with bar code label for sale just recently, but I think that it is gone already.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Sun, 05 February 2017, 21:50:17
Mine has a love heart. Pretty cool I must say

Woo, photo please!


So are labels with dots more valuable than those without? Or vice versa? LOL

Of course! And the ones with seldom seen mandolin-shaped dots are the most valuable of all.


Selling.. Ultra Rare,  GOLD dot model M,   limited quantity, more special than blue/red or black dot..

Ooh—and if I give you an extra $500, will you include one of those keycaps with the little monster face carved into it? 

There isn't nearly enough hysteria in the KB-collecting world.  :?D
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Tue, 07 February 2017, 03:21:06
None of mine have it. Seems the practice didn't carry across to the UK. I've never seen a dot like that, good spot. (...)

You're right, they didn't do this in Greenock, for some reason. (Too bad—they could've used a green marker.)

Saw a nice red one tonight:


[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: Wingklip on Tue, 07 February 2017, 04:09:29
Mine has a love heart. Pretty cool I must say

Woo, photo please!


So are labels with dots more valuable than those without? Or vice versa? LOL

Of course! And the ones with seldom seen mandolin-shaped dots are the most valuable of all.


Selling.. Ultra Rare,  GOLD dot model M,   limited quantity, more special than blue/red or black dot..

Ooh—and if I give you an extra $500, will you include one of those keycaps with the little monster face carved into it? 

There isn't nearly enough hysteria in the KB-collecting world.  :?D

It's on the backplate label though, so I don't know if it counts
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: chyros on Tue, 07 February 2017, 05:42:06

need moar mandolin xtals


Cindy had a "Johnson Controls" branded industrial mandolin with bar code label for sale just recently, but I think that it is gone already.
Dayum, was it one of the black square metal badge ones?
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 07 February 2017, 08:00:40

was it one of the black square metal badge ones?


Possibly/probably but I did not want to risk prying it up and risking damage to one or both.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: chyros on Tue, 07 February 2017, 10:49:06

was it one of the black square metal badge ones?


Possibly/probably but I did not want to risk prying it up and risking damage to one or both.
Does it have any other badges? What's the model number?
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 07 February 2017, 11:04:32

Does it have any other badges? What's the model number?


This was a repair job for Cindy. She probably sold it here. XMIT has a similar one just a couple of dozen earlier in the series. 
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 06 June 2017, 06:06:49
I never noticed!

Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Now I shall have to check all my Model Ms.

The two I can easily get hold of - one has a black dot (M122) and one has a red dot (IBM SSK).

Lexmark SSK confirmed with a black dot.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Mon, 19 June 2017, 18:06:49
Woo—red dots could be the next Mandolin Crystal!
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 22 June 2017, 22:22:40
Woo—red dots could be the next Mandolin Crystal!

I don't think my IBM SSK has a Mandolin crystal.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Thu, 26 October 2017, 15:36:45
I finally found it—a Model M with the ultra-rare mandolin inspection mark!!


[attach=1]


I'll start accepting bids for this ultra-rare keeb, starting at $2000!

Okay, longer-time GHers will get the "mandolin" reference... And it's always fun getting a rise out of everyone for posting to an old thread. (Those of you lacking the humor gene aren't required to reply.)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: SamirD on Thu, 26 October 2017, 18:05:31
I'm glad you bumped this since I missed the fun when you originally posted it. :D

I just happened to be frantically searching for my ps2-usb adapter (which is actually in another state, so I never found it), but ran into the few keyboards I have here including my M2 and a 'spare' M (like anyone needs a spare M, lol).  I quickly check and both have the little dot--including the M2.  The plot thickens...
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Fri, 27 October 2017, 01:11:46
I just happened to be frantically searching for my ps2-usb adapter (which is actually in another state, so I never found it)...

You may know this, Samir, but the most reliable, least expensive, and least port-blocking PS/2-->USB solution is the dual-cable keyboard/mouse converter (a mouse is optional). The original style, with the electronics in a central module, can be ordered for the guilt-inducing price of under $2 shipped:


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They're also now being made with the electronics incorporated in the USB connector:


[attach=1]


...which are more svelte, but more expensive.

Here are eBay's current listings (https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ps%2F2+usb+converter+-adapter+-trendnet+-audio+-treadnet+-mini+-raritan+-tripp&_osacat=58058&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xps%2F2+usb+converter+-adapter+-trendnet+-audio+-treadnet+-mini+-raritan+-tripp+-a.TRS0&_nkw=ps%2F2+usb+converter+-adapter+-trendnet+-audio+-treadnet+-mini+-raritan+-tripp+-aluratec+-serial&_sacat=58058) for both styles; I've filtered out most of the irrelevant results.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: SamirD on Mon, 30 October 2017, 19:40:28
Thank you for the great links!   :thumb:

Unfortunately, I needed one that day and was expecting CDW to have the trendnet one in stock, but it sold out as soon as the shipment came in.  What they had in stock was a startech one for just $2 more, and I found reviews on Amazon that of others that had definitively used it with the M, so I went that route since I needed it that day.  It has worked well, and initial tests may even work better than my faithful belkin one I had from years ago.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: dorkvader on Tue, 31 October 2017, 21:18:00
My 'mandolin' model M (1390120 from March 1986) has a blue dot.

I have a model F 122 key with no dot, but the label on it is from 2003, so I guess unicomp couldn't be bothered.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Sat, 04 November 2017, 05:08:55
I have a model F 122 key with no dot, but the label on it is from 2003, so I guess unicomp couldn't be bothered.

I've never seen a dot on a Unicomp—but I'd never suggest our pals in Lexington didn't inspect their work.  :?)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: SamirD on Sat, 04 November 2017, 10:43:39
I have a model F 122 key with no dot, but the label on it is from 2003, so I guess unicomp couldn't be bothered.

I've never seen a dot on a Unicomp—but I'd never suggest our pals in Lexington didn't inspect their work.  :?)

They probably use a different system.  Putting a dot on a label for qc is a bit odd to begin with.  It would be nice to have an 'inspected by #56' or something like that when getting a keyboard.

Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: _rubik on Tue, 07 November 2017, 09:02:36
Bring this up to bmmcwhirt and his massive SSK haul. That's what I call a sample size!

Original post: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91667.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91667.0)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: SamirD on Wed, 08 November 2017, 08:06:20
That's a good idea!  Although I think he's already got his work cut out for him. :(
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Fri, 30 November 2018, 10:05:11
Okay, I know this is last year's thread, so ridicule me if you must—but first, check this out:


[attach=1]


That's right—a Model M with four inspection dots!! I just, er, spotted it (sorry) here on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-PS-2-Keyboard-1391401-Clicky-Key-250189-without-cable-made-in-USA/254005689082). What was it about this M that it needed to be certified by 2 to 3 times as many people as usual? The mind boggles.

Okay, you can go ahead and ridicule me now. (I'm married—I'm used to it.)
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: sncbraxsc2 on Fri, 30 November 2018, 11:06:32
Okay, I know this is last year's thread, so ridicule me if you must—but first, check this out:


(Attachment Link)


That's right—a Model M with four inspection dots!! I just, er, spotted it (sorry) here on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-PS-2-Keyboard-1391401-Clicky-Key-250189-without-cable-made-in-USA/254005689082). What was it about this M that it needed to be certified by 2 to 3 times as many people as usual? The mind boggles.

Okay, you can go ahead and ridicule me now. (I'm married—I'm used to it.)

Could be short-term memory loss related and they just wanted to make sure

Or perhaps it was returned to be serviced  :confused:
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: fanpeople on Fri, 30 November 2018, 17:21:58
I got your back

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Sun, 02 December 2018, 23:20:47
Of course, this whole thread's about stuff from the '80s–'90s, as is a large part of the whole forum—so if it's irony you're after...   :p
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: JP on Tue, 04 December 2018, 11:31:21
This is what a proper inspection looks like. Just like an elegant Swiss watch that has been artfully engraved with the initials of the clock maker.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: JP on Tue, 04 December 2018, 11:33:38
Okay, I know this is last year's thread, so ridicule me if you must—but first, check this out:


(Attachment Link)


That's right—a Model M with four inspection dots!! I just, er, spotted it (sorry) here on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-PS-2-Keyboard-1391401-Clicky-Key-250189-without-cable-made-in-USA/254005689082). What was it about this M that it needed to be certified by 2 to 3 times as many people as usual? The mind boggles.

Okay, you can go ahead and ridicule me now. (I'm married—I'm used to it.)

I see 4 marks! I've never seen one with more than a single mark.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: sncbraxsc2 on Thu, 06 December 2018, 11:17:29
Of course, this whole thread's about stuff from the '80s–'90s, as is a large part of the whole forum—so if it's irony you're after...   :p

I was amused by the date ^-^ though, it probably has nothing to do with the number of marks...

More likely that you drew them in to mess with our brains  :p
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 06 December 2018, 19:51:48
Of course, this whole thread's about stuff from the '80s–'90s, as is a large part of the whole forum—so if it's irony you're after...   :p

I was amused by the date ^-^ though, it probably has nothing to do with the number of marks...

More likely that you drew them in to mess with our brains  :p

But who would deface a keyboard in that way?

Apart from Ripster, I mean.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: sncbraxsc2 on Thu, 06 December 2018, 20:06:13
Of course, this whole thread's about stuff from the '80s–'90s, as is a large part of the whole forum—so if it's irony you're after...   :p

I was amused by the date ^-^ though, it probably has nothing to do with the number of marks...

More likely that you drew them in to mess with our brains  :p

But who would deface a keyboard in that way?

Apart from Ripster, I mean.
Only in the name of SCIENCE

More
(https://i.imgur.com/1O8yxGX.png)

shudders
did he do the eyes in the orange one too?

More
(https://external-preview.redd.it/ftyknGi6sYrgV8gvaNEQZPlVHnxOiVKoLt-uFkXH6G4.jpg?width=513&auto=webp&s=a78f9c0a17b77c516a4e24d4e570d639436db26f)

I think it looks cool  :-\

Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: ander on Sun, 09 December 2018, 02:46:26
This is what a proper inspection looks like. Just like an elegant Swiss watch...
(Attachment Link)

Nice!!


I was amused by the date ^-^ though, it probably has nothing to do with the number of marks... More likely that you drew them in to mess with our brains  :p

No, I didn't, really! I'm not so desperate for thrills that I'd fool you guys like that. Besides, we're talking buckling springs here... It's too serious.
Title: Re: Mysterious Model M factory dots? (multiple photos)
Post by: JP on Sat, 15 December 2018, 20:07:49
Spotted one that recently sold that has two dots!

[attachimg=1]