Completely Unknown Sun Car Diagnostic Keyboard

[Mattr567]

Hey guys, I was at my fathers shop and I came across a Sun (Computer?) Car Diagnostic Machine, made to check oil etc. Looks to be from the 70's. I decided to look at its keyboard and this is what I found. Never seen this before, or the switches. The metal plate is brushed, and completely rust free which I find odd.

The switches are linear, pretty heavy, and very gritty. Likely because its so dirty, old stains and dirt from oily hands. The keycaps are real nice, SA or SS like profile that are doubleshots and likely ABS. And no, they arent MX compatible. Could be modded to of course.

Does anyone have a idea of what these switches are? I dont see any marking on the switches or PCB that would show who the manufacturer is. There is some writing, but it doesnt unveil much. Maybe later ill de-solder a switch to see whats really going on.

Interesting colorway. A SA set like this would look great.

Here are the pics:










Brighter picture:


EDIT: Here is a quick typing test. Ignore the weird typing form, its hard to type on it being so gritty and resistant. On my phone so the quality isnt outstanding.

[heedpantsnow]

Nice!  I like the diodes all lined up like that. And those not-MX stems...so close, yet so far away?

[smknjoe]

Sun was a car diagnostics manufacturer bought out by Snap-on in the 90's. It looks like a date code of 1989 on that large micro-controller, but some of the smaller Motorola chips look like date codes of 1974 or 1990. So, I'm not sure about the age. And I don't know about the switches. Looks like doubleshot keycaps though.

[Parak]

Neat board!

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Futaba_low-profile_linear

[smknjoe]

^ Cool. Nice link. I'm pretty sure the date codes on the smaller chips are 1990 and 1989.

[Tactile]

I think these might be the switches...

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Futaba_low-profile_linear

[Mattr567]

I think these might be the switches...

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Futaba_low-profile_linear

Neat board!

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Futaba_low-profile_linear

Thats looks completely correct. From the wiki page there isnt much on this switch. Only used on a small amt. of keyboards mostly for Acorns.

[Mattr567]

^ Cool. Nice link. I'm pretty sure the date codes on the smaller chips are 1990 and 1989.

Interesting. Those retro looking keycaps made me think otherwise. By that time we were in the beige era.

[smknjoe]

I agree the colors are totally 70s looking, but the chips are definitely date coded. The top numbers are the model/part # MC74HC14N (DC/DC converter). Those are the colors that Sun used on their machines. Plus, the Futaba switches weren't even on the market until 1983 or later according to the wiki. Additionally, the traces look late 80's (sharp angles unlike the curved angles common in the 70's) design and the PCB has a 93 on it. It was probably designed in the 80's and manufactured in the early 90's.   

You are right, beige was king in the 90's for home and office. However, industrial applications commonly use different colors.

Anyway, it's a neat find. It'd be cool to see it cleaned up and in service.

[chyros]

The bad feeling of the switches probably isn't even due to the condition of the board. Futaba low-profile switches are pretty awful xD .

[Mattr567]

I agree the colors are totally 70s looking, but the chips are definitely date coded. The top numbers are the model/part # MC74HC14N (DC/DC converter). Those are the colors that Sun used on their machines. Plus, the Futaba switches weren't even on the market until 1983 or later according to the wiki. Additionally, the traces look late 80's (sharp angles unlike the curved angles common in the 70's) design and the PCB has a 93 on it. It was probably designed in the 80's and manufactured in the early 90's.   

You are right, beige was king in the 90's for home and office. However, industrial applications commonly use different colors.

Anyway, it's a neat find. It'd be cool to see it cleaned up and in service.

Cool. Wonder if it could be converted using a teensy with the PCB or hand wire possibly.

The bad feeling of the switches probably isn't even due to the condition of the board. Futaba low-profile switches are pretty awful xD .

You have personal experience with them? I didnt know. Cleaned and maybe lubed they would feel alright. Currently they feel like they have purpose cut grooves in them 

[chyros]

You have personal experience with them? I didnt know.

Yeah, coincidentally you'll see more of them very soon .

Cleaned and maybe lubed they would feel alright. Currently they feel like they have purpose cut grooves in them 

Cleaned, no. Lubed, maybe, I don't know.

[rowdy]

Are they orange and brown, or yellow and orange?

Either way a cool looking keyboard

[Mattr567]

Are they orange and brown, or yellow and orange?

Either way a cool looking keyboard

Red with a golden yellow color. Looks quite nice irl.

[rowdy]

Are they orange and brown, or yellow and orange?

Either way a cool looking keyboard

Red with a golden yellow color. Looks quite nice irl.

Ah, red and yellow!  Almost a McDonald's theme )