Help With new IBM Model M

[the g man]

Hello guys, been a lurker for a while, just recently registered.

Was wondering if you guys could help me with a new (to me) model M I purchased. Interestingly, this one was made in Mexico. The back tag reads:

N/P 1391401
Serie 000-78-0183013
Fecha 10 Noviembre 1988
Planta 78 Modelo M
IBM Corp 1984

Another sticker reads: P9000316729
And another: Hecho Por IBM de Mexico S.A. Mexico

This is my second model M, the first was purchased from Clickykeyboards, was made in the states (I'm located in Canada) and has been a dream.

I recently decided to purchase this keyboard from a local seller who refurbished it (it is very clean), and because with shipping and duty, the clickykeyboards one was not far from the $175 mark (for a regular model m, not an SSK).

When I plug this keyboard into my mac I am asked to go through the "identify the keyboard process" of hitting certain characters. I had to do this with the other one when I got it as well. Although the computer sees that the keyboard is attached, none of the characters register so I cannot get through this stage.

I also plugged this keyboard into my PC laptop which sees the keyboard, installs the drivers, but will not pick up a single keystroke (I've literally tried every key). The computer knows the keyboard is attached, but key presses seem to not be being sent to the computer.

I'm not super computer/tech savvy, but wanted to try to figure out what the problem was before returning it to the seller, who appeared trustworthy, did a fantastic job cleaning it, and said it was working fine. I don't think the made in mexico thing should make it any different in terms of getting it to work from the one I have made in the U.S.

I've tried this keyboard with two Blue cube usb adaptors that I have (both confirmed working with the same computer with my other model M, as well as another USB to ps/2 adaptor I have.

For reference, its listed on the wiki as:
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=PS2-to-USB+adapters&highlight=usb+adaptor+wiki

VendorID: 0e8f (GreenAsia Inc.)
ProductID: 0020
USB-to-PS2 (UP-02)

This adaptor works with the other model M as well.

Sadly, my other Model M is at my apartment, and I am home from university for the summer, which is 4 hours away.

Anyway, what could the potential problems be?

The (detachable) cable appears to be in excellent condition, and I do not have my other one to try to swap it with.

I am working on getting a 5.5mm or 7/32nd socket to open up the keyboard. Anything to check/test/look for? Is it possible that whatever internal part which takes the key presses and sends them to the computer is disconnected from the port? Easy fix? Any advice or what to do would be appreciated. As i said, I don't think the keyboard is completely dead because my windows PC sees the keyboard and installs the drivers for it, it just won't record any key presses.

Thank you so much for your help guys,

Chris

[rknize]

Do you have a PC with a PS/2 jack to test it with?  Do the lock LEDs blink when you insert the cable?

It sounds like the adapter is working fine, but it is not communicating with the keyboard.

[486]

I'd open it up when you get the screwdriver.
Who knows what's in there.

EDIT: It could be likely and has happened to me, that the keyboard traces connectors are tarnished and will not sustain a good connection to the PCB. When you get the screwdriver, I'd reinsert the traces. Don't use a rubber to clean the traces as I did that on my LOCK LED's and the traces rubbed off and now on the CAPS light works.

[urbanus]

Could it be a poor connection to the controller board, or a faulty controller?

Once you get it open and check for the obvious (loose or dislodged cables etc.) take a photo of the controller board.  Email it plus all other details to Unicomp and ask them if they have a compatible replacement.

[the g man]

Hey all,

Thanks for the replies. No the LEDs don't light up or anything.

Don't want to do a bolt mod so not going to open up and check the PCB if I don't have to.

Got the 5.5mm driver, opened up the keyboard.

The braided ground cable that goes from the little board to a screw on the metal backplate is no longer connected to the board. There are 2 little holes in the board where it used to sit. I tried pushing it in but that doesn't really give a good connection I don't think. I'm guessing that it was originally soldered? I'm not tech savvy, would a disconnected ground stop it from working? Could it have killed the keyboard/caused other problem/broken anything? DO i just need to have it resoldered to fix? Anyone have a good set of newb friendly instructions on what to do? Would this disconnect have caused the symptoms I posted above?

Thanks so much guys,
Chris

Just for anyone's future reference, 5.5mm or 7/32nd sockets or nut drivers can often be found locally at hobby shops that have RC planes/cars/boats etc. Apparently its a common size in those applications.

[bazemk1979]

how about posting some pics so we can actually see whats going on, you do not have to be a technician, some common sence, carefull observation will make you handy in anything.

[rknize]

The ground strap to the steel backplate is not required for operation.  It's just a safety/ESD ground.  It sounds like the spade lug got pulled out of the PCB.  Is there any other damage visible?  It's hard to imagine that happening due to shipping.  More likely due to improper handling while it was apart.