geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sethstorm on Fri, 26 February 2010, 20:51:56
-
Since no other source has yet to yield the proper keys, I've gone on and done the swap between my Terminal F and M13, along with some keys swapped to/from a Terminal M.
Hopefully (for those M13 fans) that this does not go against any existing orthodoxy.
Yes, there are spots missing/inconsistent, but overall, it doesn't get to be that bad. Not only do you get the color change, the M13 space bar provides a more solid key thanks to a larger stabilizer.
Notes:
Should the reader want to do a swap, mind that you will have to swap:
- Space Key from a Model M
- Plastic Holders from the M13 for the Backspace/Right Shift/Num Enter keys
- An appropriate number of blank blacks to cover the missing spots.
- G/H keys from a rare M13 white, or chisel out your own.
- Another keyboard that has the G/H but requires chiseling
- A good-size supply of blank blacks.
Keys that probably won't be swapped:
Unless someone has such a key in black, even blank, this one isn't going to leave the keyboard. I highly doubt that ISO Enter was ever put on an M13 - if it is, it the most rare M13 on the planet.
[/LIST]
Keys that need swapped:
- G/H as stated above
- A black left shift key of appropriate width
- PF3-PF24 with blank blacks
- Replacement Enter/Backslash from a Model M.
- Rule Home w/ blank black.
- Other keys that might make the M13 look more consistent.
Pictures:
The Super Carrier. Note the G/H are coincidental and wasn't my choice.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8128&stc=1&d=1267238552)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8128&stc=1&d=1267238840)
The M13. Same thing w/ the G/H keys.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8127&stc=1&d=1267238552)
As a followup question, where might one get a good source of blank black keys? I've heard of Unicomp and Fentek, but no definite answer.
-
For Black Blanks click on the Black Unicomp Spacesaver Mod link in my sig. $20.
No way to get them w/o a keyboard? I'm not sure that they'd understand if I added it to a keypad order.
-
Just give them a call - they'll sell the keys separately.
Will do on the next business day - they shouldn't be more than a day away, even by ground.
P.S. These keys were designed for the Unicomp with the IBM pointer (we used to call them Barbie's nipple in the office before HR found out). You will see a couple of keys (for G and H position) with a rounded edge. No biggie - it's very subtle and helps you get a visual on centering your hands.
Hopefully this is still true - then it just means I have a blank spot for my G/H.
-
..
Those black keys on that terminal keyboard look pretty sharp.
The G & H keys...well...maybe hack in the trackpoint to the terminal board...?
Just a thought....
........
Spec57
-
..
Those black keys on that terminal keyboard look pretty sharp.
The G & H keys...well...maybe hack in the trackpoint to the terminal board...?
Just a thought....
........
Spec57
Now if I could get the trackpoint assembly separate from an M13, that would be feasible. The buttons would require a white M13 donor and another Terminal Model F case. While those are rare, they do make that a tempting route. There is no membrane to worry about, and the attachment appears not to be as sturdy as I thought it would be.
The space otherwise appears to be there.
-
Terminal Model M case top should work...those often aren't as costly.
I think the screw placement is the same.
-
Terminal Model M case top should work...those often aren't as costly.
I think the screw placement is the same.
Problem is that the only spare I have in that regard is cracked. Not enough to be visible, but enough to know that the Terminal Model M case is a bit more flimsy (if by a little) than the Terminal Model F.
Sure they'd fit, even w/ the two-piece arrangement of the top case?
-
I don't have the Model F, but from photos I see no differences at ALL in the top halves of F vs M.
-
I don't have the Model F, but from photos I see no differences at ALL in the top halves of F vs M.
Makes me think if you could gut a non-working F for the metal backing and strain relief for a Model M in the F case.
-
I don't know how the guts attach onto the metal backing of the F...it's probably possible.
Model Ms do have strain reliefs btw.
We just won the hockey game!
-
I don't know how the guts attach onto the metal backing of the F...it's probably possible.
Model Ms do have strain reliefs btw.
We just won the hockey game!
Not removable ones as in the case of the terminal boards - they're part of the cable. For the F, it's part of the frame. If the Model M attaches to the top (versus the bottom), you could have a very mod-friendly terminal board case. That, and you can easily rework the jumper block(remove it) to accept a USB connector. While not in the most optimal spot, it saves drilling into the case.
-
..
The idea of possibly doing a trackpoint hack on a terminal keyboard is becoming more and more appealing...and should be possible to salvage one from a junked laptop...but as others in other threads have lamented...information on the trackpoint is rather difficult to get hold of.
So many hacks...so little time...(and info...) ha!!
........
Spec57
-
Have fun fitting the buttons on...
-
..
Quote: "Have fun fitting the buttons on...."
Never said it would be easy....but already have come up with a couple of ideas on how to.
.......
Spec57