geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: EverythingIBM on Fri, 23 April 2010, 00:54:55

Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: EverythingIBM on Fri, 23 April 2010, 00:54:55: http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-IBM-SDL-PS-2-coiled-key-bd-cable-IBM-clicky-model-M_W0QQitemZ130385049983QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_Mice_Trackballs?hash=item1e5b8df97f (http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-IBM-SDL-PS-2-coiled-key-bd-cable-IBM-clicky-model-M_W0QQitemZ130385049983QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_Mice_Trackballs?hash=item1e5b8df97f)
There's only two left.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: EverythingIBM on Fri, 23 April 2010, 02:03:18: Wow that was quick; did someone here buy the remaining ones?
Here's used ones for $7:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/IBM-SDL-PS-2-coiled-keyboard-cable-IBM-clicky-model-M_W0QQitemZ140401173102QQihZ004QQcategoryZ33963QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DCRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%252BUA%252BLM%252BLA%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D9036570247842264061 (http://cgi.ebay.ca/IBM-SDL-PS-2-coiled-keyboard-cable-IBM-clicky-model-M_W0QQitemZ140401173102QQihZ004QQcategoryZ33963QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m444QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DCRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%252BUA%252BLM%252BLA%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D9036570247842264061)
only two remaining.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phoenix on Fri, 23 April 2010, 03:27:06: Quote from: EverythingIBM;174779
Wow that was quick; did someone here buy the remaining ones?

That was me. I bought them before even reading your post :ranger:
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phoenix on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:04:22: Ron listed 4 more: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130385545712 Weird. When I asked him yesterday he said they are rare and he's not likely to have more. When you add shipping it's $13.9 each, not really much cheaper than ordering from Unicomp if you are buying quite a few.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:14:01: Quote from: phoenix;175333
Ron listed 4 more: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130385545712 Weird. When I asked him yesterday he said they are rare and he's not likely to have more. When you add shipping it's $13.9 each, not really much cheaper than ordering from Unicomp if you are buying quite a few.

And now he comes back with four more at a dollar higher each. "Not likely", translates in rononian as: "yes I have many but want people to quickly buy them... so I can buy myself some pizza and wash it down with IBM beer".
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:14:18: But Chuck is running out of IBM labeled cables. He told me that the cables cost $7.50/ea purchased in huge lots.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:15:48: Quote from: skcheng;175337
But Chuck is running out of IBM labeled cables. He told me that the cables cost $7.50/ea purchased in huge lots.

Ah who cares. It's not like I peer behind my computer to see the "IBM" on the PS/2 cable. I don't find model M PS/2 cables to stay in that well anyways; the coiled part is too weighty... especially the 9-foot cords; but that's all "brandon" had left.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:17:56: Quote from: EverythingIBM;175338
Ah who cares. It's not like I peer behind my computer to see the "IBM" on the PS/2 cable. I don't find model M PS/2 cables to stay in that well anyways; the coiled part is too weighty... especially the 9-foot cords; but that's all "brandon" had left.

I like anything that says IBM on it :-)) And I don't have a problem with the weight of the cord?? It's all about cable management......
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:18:46: The 9 foot cords are the better ones, because the coils are guaranteed to be further from the plug.

Agreed, though, the actual IBM cables have trouble staying in. I actually find the contact portion of the connector is too short so they just fall out.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:22:58: Quote from: skcheng;175339
I like anything that says IBM on it :-)) And I don't have a problem with the weight of the cord?? It's all about cable management......

You'd better stay out of my room then. I like my 19" IBM LCD. There's a cool 20" one I want to get later (with the neat twisty stand); I won't say where it is because it's so cool someone will buy it right away.

Cable managment doesn't matter, it sags and hangs vaguely holding in the PS/2 slot. My intellistation is just in anticipation for it to fall out (and it did come loose too much one time, I thought my model M was dead for a second; I know an impossible thought. I wish there were un-coiled cords).

EDIT: I guess I actually DO get to peer at the "IBM" on the cable when I have to friggin plug it back in.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:26:32: Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't had any issues plugged directly into my PS2 connectors or into my Blue Cube??
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phoenix on Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:53:31: Huh, I didn't notice he raised the price. So now it's $14.9 shipped each. He has 100% rating and responds quickly. I still recommend him.

Quote from: EverythingIBM;175336
And now he comes back with four more at a dollar higher each. "Not likely", translates in rononian as: "yes I have many but want people to quickly buy them... so I can buy myself some pizza and wash it down with IBM beer".
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Sat, 24 April 2010, 10:19:10: If you're willing to do CC through a different handler (no PayPal) I know a guy with SDL cables. Get in touch for a referral.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phototristan on Tue, 27 April 2010, 19:28:16: I bought one of these used ones from this eBay auction and received it today. It's the longer version, nice.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 27 April 2010, 19:52:47: It's nice when you've got the long version of the cable. It kind-of defeats the purpose of a wireless keyboard when you can use yours from over 9 feet away.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: Half-Saint on Wed, 28 April 2010, 02:30:19: Funny how 9 feet sounds more than it actually is. 3 meters just doesn't sound so cool :)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 28 April 2010, 13:12:02: I think it's some inferiority ingrained into the American psyche.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Wed, 28 April 2010, 14:06:07: The straight black is made by???

SDL connector looks like the sort that's on my non-IBM AT cable.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 28 April 2010, 14:07:37: It's a Unicomp cable for their M4s.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: Half-Saint on Wed, 28 April 2010, 14:10:58: I have here a straight grey SDL cable..
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Wed, 28 April 2010, 14:11:22: I wonder...

Something tells me my non-IBM AT cable may be a Unicomp then.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 28 April 2010, 16:19:39: It could also be made by Compaq. In the mid to late 1980's, Compaq keyboards used SDL-AT cables.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 28 April 2010, 16:27:12: HP too. I somehow doubt that Unicomp is still churning out AT SDL cables
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 28 April 2010, 16:30:00: Unicomp does sell their keyboards in AT/DIN though.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 28 April 2010, 16:38:43: Quote from: microsoft windows;177004
Unicomp does sell their keyboards in AT/DIN though.

Not with SDL connectors.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 28 April 2010, 17:49:21: Maybe they sell adapters with the keyboards.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phototristan on Wed, 28 April 2010, 17:51:09: Quote from: ripster;176916
Europeans get the leftover cables made by drunk Scots.

There are 3 sizes of IBM branded cables. My favorite though is the straight black SDLs.
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9530&stc=1&d=1272479417)

Next to a USB converted IBM Model M of course.

I believe the one I received is the middle one. I also have the short one but swapped it out so my USB/PS2 adapter doesn't have to hang and can rest on the floor now.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Wed, 28 April 2010, 18:41:52: Quote from: ch_123;176930
It's a Unicomp cable for their M4s.

I spoke to Chuck today and he said that Unicomp never made an SDL cable that wasn't PS2.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phototristan on Wed, 28 April 2010, 18:53:18: Wouldn't it be neat if someone make one that had a built in USB converter so that the computer end was USB? I'd buy that!
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Wed, 28 April 2010, 18:58:15: Quote from: ripster;177093
So what DO they have? I bugged him last time for a straight SDL and he said he's never seen one even though I pulled mine out of a Unicomp Mighty Mouse box.

They have IBM and non-IBM SDL cables. And no black AT style SDL cables either. And they're all coiled. So maybe he was wrong and at some point Unicomp provided straight USB/SDL cables?
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Wed, 28 April 2010, 19:01:53: A USB SDL cable would be bad. You'd obliterate something making that connection.

The controller PCB would need to be expecting to be attached to USB. Approximately the same chance of functionality as if you chopped the connector off an XT board and rammed the wires into a USB socket.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phototristan on Wed, 28 April 2010, 19:07:09: Quote from: kishy;177103
A USB SDL cable would be bad. You'd obliterate something making that connection.

The controller PCB would need to be expecting to be attached to USB. Approximately the same chance of functionality as if you chopped the connector off an XT board and rammed the wires into a USB socket.

I meant what if they converter was built in, inline in the cable?

That would essentially do the same thing as a PS/2 to USB converter.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Wed, 28 April 2010, 19:11:27: Quote from: kishy;177103
A USB SDL cable would be bad. You'd obliterate something making that connection.

The controller PCB would need to be expecting to be attached to USB. Approximately the same chance of functionality as if you chopped the connector off an XT board and rammed the wires into a USB socket.

I assume that Rip's USB SDL cable works fine with his keyboard?? No??
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Wed, 28 April 2010, 19:35:19: Quote from: phototristan;177105
I meant what if they converter was built in, inline in the cable?

That would essentially do the same thing as a PS/2 to USB converter.

That would actually be AWESOME and I'd like to see it. The chips are certainly small enough to put in a tiny inline package or perhaps molded into USB plug or whatever (with the right money anything can be bought).

Quote from: skcheng;177107
I assume that Rip's USB SDL cable works fine with his keyboard?? No??

There's no SDL going on there...he's got a standard A-B USB cable from his USB-equipped keyboard.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Wed, 28 April 2010, 19:49:05: There's no SDL going on there...he's got a standard A-B USB cable from his USB-equipped keyboard.[/QUOTE]

Oh....nevermind then. I thought that was a USB - SDL cable. I stand corrected.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Wed, 28 April 2010, 20:05:31: Quote from: skcheng;177125
Oh....nevermind then. I thought that was a USB - SDL cable. I stand corrected.

Well, now you've got me doubting myself. Ripster?
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 28 April 2010, 20:36:17: Quote from: webwit;177132
What goes into the back of an M4?......

Collapsible stock

(http://1984usa.com/higherlearning/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/800px-m4w-att.jpg)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 29 April 2010, 04:58:06: I was about to reply with "5.56mm rounds", but it seems I missed my window of opportunity.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Thu, 29 April 2010, 08:38:16: Quote from: ripster;177134
??? The Pic of the cables shows a black cable with a SDL to PS/2 connector. Came with the M4 (or Mighty Mouse as Unicomp calls it). See my sig for pics.

Okay, confirmed by Chuck himself that the straight SDL to PS2 black cable is indeed available. I ordered 4. Wish I knew this beforehand. I wouldn't have stocked up on the fiddly coiled IBM SDL cables......

Oh well.....

Typing on my DS Filco Blue board after a a long absence. I'm reminded of Rice Krispies. :)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 29 April 2010, 08:45:08: Quote from: skcheng;177223
Typing on my DS Filco Blue board after a a long absence. I'm reminded of Rice Krispies. :)

That's a pretty good analogy. Unfortunately, that's also why I find blue Cherrys annoying.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Thu, 29 April 2010, 10:20:36: Quote from: itlnstln;177226
That's a pretty good analogy. Unfortunately, that's also why I find blue Cherrys annoying.

I love Rice Crispies. Typing on a Re^lforce is like typing through a Rice Crispy Treat. :)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: didjamatic on Thu, 29 April 2010, 14:15:56: I really like the coiled cables, provides some vintage vibe.

(http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/images/equipment/guitar/77_rmstudio_gretsch_s.jpg)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: didjamatic on Thu, 29 April 2010, 14:19:36: Oh, and Itlnstln... until you try cherry blues with doubleshots, PCB mounted, you're doin it wrong.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phototristan on Thu, 29 April 2010, 14:20:34: Me too. I would never think of plugging a Model M into a flat non matching cable!
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: didjamatic on Thu, 29 April 2010, 14:54:14: I sold a 1963 Fender Vibroverb Blackface Amp (Tubes galore and single 15" Jensen) to a collector in Korea 2 years ago. It was one of the first handful ever produced. :)

Check the coiled cable, love it.

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-sQ6TN93LvU/S9nim4JapBI/AAAAAAAAApk/7vBLsPcl_WI/s800/vibroverb_front_01.jpg)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Thu, 29 April 2010, 15:45:24: I happily plunked down $10/ea for a pair of straight SDL cables. The large black coiled cable from my Model AT F is a true eyesore sitting on my desk.

And the comparison to a guitar cable is completely unfounded. That is unless Geekhackers are prone to picking up their keyboards and dancing around with them??? AC/DC anyone??
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Thu, 29 April 2010, 16:43:40: Quote from: ripster;177388
So does Chuck have a bunch more?

Yup. $10/ea. He doesn't have a "bunch" more though.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: EverythingIBM on Tue, 04 May 2010, 21:54:43: Quote from: webwit;177373
I like the straight cables too, but in the end I think it's just a cost saving exercise and the coiled ones are superior.

I HATE COILED CABLES. My PS/2 to SDL cord came out AGAIN when I was pulling out a bunch of USB cables from the back of my computer. AAAHHHH! I should try decoiling that 9-foot sucker.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Tue, 04 May 2010, 22:02:26: Quote from: EverythingIBM;179031
I HATE COILED CABLES. My PS/2 to SDL cord came out AGAIN when I was pulling out a bunch of USB cables from the back of my computer. AAAHHHH! I should try decoiling that 9-foot sucker.

Give Chucky a call over at Unicomp. Ask for the straight SDL to PS/2 cord and mention my name when he doesn't know what you're talking about. I spoke to him today and he told me that someone referred to me as the "nutty" Geekhacker with the colored printed keys. LOL. I wonder who that was????
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: EverythingIBM on Tue, 04 May 2010, 22:27:10: Quote from: skcheng;179032
Give Chucky a call over at Unicomp. Ask for the straight SDL to PS/2 cord and mention my name when he doesn't know what you're talking about. I spoke to him today and he told me that someone referred to me as the "nutty" Geekhacker with the colored printed keys. LOL. I wonder who that was????

I'm not ordering another stupid cable for $15 with $20 for shipping.

Quote from: webwit;179033
Hmm funny I ordered three straight cables today based on a post by some crazy IBM cable collector... lemme check who that was.

Uh oh, webwit is getting some competition.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Tue, 04 May 2010, 22:54:37: Quote from: EverythingIBM;179035
I'm not ordering another stupid cable for $15 with $20 for shipping.

Uh oh, webwit is getting some competition.

Well.....it's actually a $10 cable and I have no idea what shipping costs are from Unicomp to Canada.

But if you hate your coiled cable, then that's a small price to pay for a little cable "love"
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Tue, 04 May 2010, 22:55:52: Quote from: webwit;179040
Skcheng has great potential to pass the torch to now I'm all Zen with the M15 trilogy, and even outshine me in spending money on objects one cannot possibly all use.

Also, I checked and I referred to him as "the crazy IBM Space Saving collector". Must have been someone else, or Chuck was going free style here and just telling it like he remembered him.

LOL. But I think I have a LOOONG way to go before I catch up to King Geekhack aka Webby :)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Tue, 04 May 2010, 22:59:02: Quote from: ripster;179041
Poor Chuck. Wakes up every day and says. OK, what weird color combo are they gonna ask me to do today?
Show Image
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YSt3njENT8c/Sydm37FqRjI/AAAAAAAAEvA/h03KpDd9d2g/s400/Glee-Cast-True-Colors-Mp3-Ringtone-Download.jpg)

Hey SK - last nights episode was Kristen Chenoweth Killer!

Tnite's episode was awesome!! One of my all-time faves Olivia Newton guest starred. We had a little Vanilla Ice and the night ended with a Bonnie Tyler classic. Great stuff!!!

Hey Rip, I picture you to be a little like Will Schuester.........a bit of a "man ****" :)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Tue, 04 May 2010, 23:00:31: Quote from: webwit;179042
Yeah. Chuck keeps dreaming about those corporate orders of 1000 plain Unicomp models, but ends up selling not gay cables and such. Poor Chuck. I nominate him for a geekhack key to soften the pain.

Ahhhh......but I've purchased MUCH MORE than a few "gay" cables. Surprise to come soon. You'l like it Webby.....promise!!!
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Tue, 04 May 2010, 23:19:02: BTW, Chucky mentioned that Unicomp has gotten over 50 requests in the past week for colored printed keycaps LOL. Tells me that they're losing money printing all of these caps for people who are trying to order one cap. Just hilarious!!! So prices are going up!!

To make things worse, all of the colored keycaps are buried deep in the warehouse. Poor guy......I picture him climbing on three different ladders just so I can get me some printed light blue Esc keys!!

And once the colored keycaps are gone, they will cost MUCH more than what he is currently charging.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: phoenix on Wed, 05 May 2010, 00:22:10: How much do they charge for a color that they don't stock now?

Quote from: skcheng;179053
And once the colored keycaps are gone, they will cost MUCH more than what he is currently charging.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: Half-Saint on Wed, 05 May 2010, 02:32:40: Quote from: skcheng;179053
And once the colored keycaps are gone, they will cost MUCH more than what he is currently charging.

Damn it, I wish you wouldn't say stuff like that. You could easily create panic in our ranks!
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 05 May 2010, 02:37:32: They definitely should do a run of red Esc keys and sell them at $5/piece - that's what the Topre ones cost.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Wed, 05 May 2010, 06:03:58: Quote from: ch_123;179087
They definitely should do a run of red Esc keys and sell them at $5/piece - that's what the Topre ones cost.

They are doing runs of red Esc keys now and they're a LOT less than $5/ea. I'm not a big fan of Topre keys at all. And $68 for a set of keycaps for the HHKB is kinda pricey imho.

How do you like the red Esc on the IBM PC AT:

(http://fototime.com/693832590D7862A/standard.jpg)

Or if you fancy a littl more color. Note that the keys are printed with full print for a Space Saving Mini:

(http://fototime.com/1089B72BFAA6BE3/standard.jpg)

A more typical layout:

(http://fototime.com/A56F9BC01F771B4/standard.jpg)

All of these keys came from Unicomp. Other colors available include lilac, light blue, brown, white, grey and a few others. Someone posted a color chart......can't remember who??
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Wed, 05 May 2010, 06:05:21: Quote from: phoenix;179062
How much do they charge for a color that they don't stock now?

That I didn't ask. What color do you want? I wanted a full white keyset and that's can't be done. Not the full set anyway.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: kishy on Wed, 05 May 2010, 09:15:02: Quote from: skcheng;179110
How do you like the red Esc on the IBM PC AT

I don't see a spot to put a red Esc key on an IBM PC/AT.

(http://www.nadbor.pwr.wroc.pl/yesterpc/Hardware/IBM%203270%20AT/slideshow/IMG_0777.JPG)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 05 May 2010, 14:13:13: Pop out that useless, easily pickable lock. Replace with key cap.
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: skcheng on Wed, 05 May 2010, 14:19:38: You guys are heeelarious!! Chortle, chortle, guffaw, guffaw :)
Title: new IBM SDL cables $10
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 05 May 2010, 18:33:49: For cylindrical locks that are too fine for a Bic pen, use toiletpaper tube cardboard. Opens those Kryptonite bicycle locks in 3 seconds.