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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Winrar on Wed, 06 March 2019, 19:50:43

Title: Advice on a 122-key Model M
Post by: Winrar on Wed, 06 March 2019, 19:50:43
Hi.

Every now and then I get the Model M bug and buy whatever keyboards I get my hands on.

I suffered at least 2 episodes of it and I'm now getting through the third.

So I paid a visit to the place I store my Model Ms and was surprised by this:


(https://i.imgur.com/9UR5lmx.jpg)

It has an attached cable:

(https://i.imgur.com/JzOTpDD.jpg)

With this connector:

(https://i.imgur.com/DOkgUO5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Sx7WrYH.jpg)

Which, according to this DT page (https://deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_part_numbers) is an "RJ11" connector.

According to the label in the rear, it is a 1390587 P/N built in UK in February 1989. The keyboard is in pristine condition. I haven't opened it yet, but it doesn't sound like it has any broken rivets.

Assuming that this is a terminal keyboard, I seem to understand that a mere RJ11-PS/2 adaptor (if such thing actually exists) won't make it work. This reddit page (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/8gacj3/convert_1988_ibm_model_m_terminal_keyboard_to_ps2/) says the cable is AT protocol and that I should purchase one of those cables with an integrated Soarer's converter from the eBay user orihalcon, but links to a cable whose plugs have no resemblance to this.

I think that what I need is this cable (https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XT-AT-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-NKRO-Support-IBM-Model-F/302711725609?epid=1368640814&hash=item467b065e29:g:U4cAAOSwDN1USZL-), but the listing talks only about the Model F, so I would like any of the knowledgeable individuals in here to confirm.

TIA.
Title: Re: Advice on a 122-key Model M
Post by: SilenceGoo on Wed, 06 March 2019, 19:53:43
Caps are very rare, I also have 2 m122s but the caps are quite different.
Title: Re: Advice on a 122-key Model M
Post by: Winrar on Wed, 06 March 2019, 19:55:57
Quote from: SilenceGoo on Wed, 06 March 2019, 19:53:43
Caps are very rare, I also have 2 m122s but the caps are quite different.

It's a spanish layout keyboard. The blank keys do actually have keycaps on, so I think they are meant to be blank.
Title: Re: Advice on a 122-key Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 06 March 2019, 20:25:49
That is not an RJ-11, it is a 240-degree DIN plug.

Orihalcon makes one that works great.

PS - your orihalcon picture shows an "AT" socket which is a 180-degree DIN
Title: Re: Advice on a 122-key Model M
Post by: Winrar on Thu, 07 March 2019, 07:35:21
Quote from: fohat.digs on Wed, 06 March 2019, 20:25:49
That is not an RJ-11, it is a 240-degree DIN plug.

I see. Thanks. It seems that the GH wiki entry is mistaken about this 1390587. It should read "Coiled & attached cable ending in a 90°-angled 240° 5-pin DIN connector" instead of "RJ11, coiled & attached cable".

Quote from: fohat.digs on Wed, 06 March 2019, 20:25:49
Orihalcon makes one that works great.

PS - your orihalcon picture shows an "AT" socket which is a 180-degree DIN

Thanks again. I guess that what I need is this orihalcon cable (https://www.ebay.com/itm/282575692501).
Title: Re: Advice on a 122-key Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 07 March 2019, 12:21:47
Quote from: Winrar on Thu, 07 March 2019, 07:35:21

I guess that what I need is this orihalcon cable (https://www.ebay.com/itm/282575692501).


That's the one. It will also work with the 122-key Model F when you decide to upgrade to the Emperor.

Contact Orihalcon directly through the forum and save a couple of bucks off the ebay price.
Title: Re: Advice on a 122-key Model M
Post by: Sintpinty on Thu, 07 March 2019, 14:10:53
Those arrow keys are cool? I love these guys!