Author Topic: Identify this IBM Terminal Keyboard  (Read 1652 times)

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Offline jeremyjsimmons

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  • Posts: 2
Identify this IBM Terminal Keyboard
« on: Thu, 07 April 2016, 09:08:04 »
I have an old IBM terminal keyboard I'd like to retrofit to USB.
Can you help me identify the model #, locate some schematics for the pinout, and determine power requirements?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/amq5nsq0enx9699/IMG_2279.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sgfy19qu8fapw19/IMG_2281.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jr0vjwe8q2n2qvw/IMG_2282.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sw94yup8vt54eos/IMG_2286.JPG?dl=0

Offline dgneo

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Re: Identify this IBM Terminal Keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 07 April 2016, 09:11:35 »
IBM Beam Spring 7361073

If I'm not mistaken, you'll need one of these to go USB. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!
« Last Edit: Thu, 07 April 2016, 09:14:56 by dgneo »

Offline jeremyjsimmons

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Re: Identify this IBM Terminal Keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 08 April 2016, 10:35:26 »
Thank you @dgneo, I believe that's the name of my beast.
Thanks for the great link!

Offline Touch_It

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Re: Identify this IBM Terminal Keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 08 April 2016, 11:09:03 »
IBM Beam Spring 7361073

If I'm not mistaken, you'll need one of these to go USB. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!

Model number i know nothing about, but you are correct as far as converting it to USB.


Visit the Typing Test and try!

Offline pr0ximity

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  • Location: Maine
Re: Identify this IBM Terminal Keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 08 April 2016, 18:43:37 »
It's the keyboard for an IBM 5251 Displaystation. I'm typing on one I received this week and just finished cleaning, funnily enough :)

dgneo is correct, a beamspring xwhatsit will convert it incredibly easily. You'll need an extra controller to drive the solenoid if that's something you're interested in, but they work just fine without it (I'll probably add the solenoid controller to mine eventually). Just unplug the original controller and plug the new one in, no soldering required. Programming is very easy. Just need to watch the ergonomics, it helps to sit high and have your desk low! Ellipse may still have one or two controllers kicking around: http://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/xwhatsit-beam-spring-or-model-f-controller/

These are a bit more common than other beamsprings, lately a few have cropped up on eBay. But make no mistake, they are almost certainly the ultimate tractile, clicky switches ever produced.
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