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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ksd5 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 10:34:46

Title: Model M with a DEC - is it possible?
Post by: ksd5 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 10:34:46

I have a DEC MicroVAX II with OpenVMS. The system is really good, but the LK-201AA keyboards that one uses with it are horrible.

The LK-201AA keyboards use 4P4C connectors.

Is it possible to use a Model M terminal keyboard instead?

Title: Model M with a DEC - is it possible?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 10:41:31

This was something I was wondering once, and I think that the 3151 (the one that uses the same connector) was designed to be an IBM answer to the DEC VT 100 and later. I'm not really sure if they are compatible though, and I doubt they are.

The best thing you could do in this situation is to try and get an old IBM 3151/3161 or similar terminal and connect it to your DEC. I assume that this is one of those Microvaxen that's just a small box that you connect your VT220/320 to?

Title: Model M with a DEC - is it possible?
Post by: ksd5 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 10:54:37

Well, I wouldn't call it a small box...

Unfortunately, my father threw out the VT220s a few years ago. The DEC systems were his. I'll need to find a VT and figure out the password for the machine.

Title: Model M with a DEC - is it possible?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 11:02:36

Oh wait, I was thinking of one of the small MicroVAXen.... The II is one of the "desk side" computers, right?

Title: Model M with a DEC - is it possible?
Post by: ksd5 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 11:36:02

Here's a pic of the MicroVAX II:

(http://www.mrmartinweb.com/images/computer/microvaxii.jpg)

Title: Model M with a DEC - is it possible?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 12:12:26

Ah, I was thinking of a VAXstation -

(http://home.claranet.nl/users/pb0aia/vax/11vs3100.jpg)