Can all the extra keys on an IBM terminal keyboard be used as macros?

[QuincyJones]

As much as I search, I seem to find conflicting answers, some saying no, whilst others, yes. So, as of today can the keys be used as macros with a decent converter? I'd imagine if they could, with another application like autokeys, it could make the keyboard quite powerful?

[y11971alex]

Yes.

[QuincyJones]

Thanks, does that include the M and the F?

[CPTBadAss]

M's can be programmed with a Soarer converter aka a Teensy and some wiring. Info can be found here. Fohat.digs also had a good thread on that. There's pre built ones as well. And I think phosphorglow has a converter out as well. I'm not sure if an SDL-USB cable will allow the computer to register all the scan codes properly so you can use like autokeys to program it.

F's use a converter. Mine's been converted with an xwhatsit converter. I believe there's another option called the DPH as well.

[QuincyJones]

M's can be programmed with a Soarer converter aka a Teensy and some wiring. Info can be found here. Fohat.digs also had a good thread on that. There's pre built ones as well. And I think phosphorglow has a converter out as well. I'm not sure if an SDL-USB cable will allow the computer to register all the scan codes properly so you can use like autokeys to program it.

F's use a converter. Mine's been converted with an xwhatsit converter. I believe there's another option called the DPH as well.

M's can be programmed with a Soarer converter aka a Teensy and some wiring. Info can be found here. Fohat.digs also had a good thread on that. There's pre built ones as well. And I think phosphorglow has a converter out as well. I'm not sure if an SDL-USB cable will allow the computer to register all the scan codes properly so you can use like autokeys to program it.

F's use a converter. Mine's been converted with an xwhatsit converter. I believe there's another option called the DPH as well.

Thanks, it seems like terminal keyboards would be FAR more useful as a keyboard than a regular M! Other than the conversion process involved, are there any downsides to a terminal keyboard?

[CPTBadAss]

Downsides? It's a little more work to get them to work over PS/2 or USB. Like with an M, I could just get a PS/2 to USB converter. I forget if Fs come with PS/2 but I'm leaning towards. And you'll have to do a little work to get LEDs. Oh and they're huge. HUGEEEEEEEE. I don't like how big they are lol.

[khirin]

Terminal model M and F can be converted with Soarer converter as mentioned earlier. For DIY project you may use the $5 pro micro instead of the Teensy.  Then, any single key macro should have no problem on both model M and F. However, The terminal Model M I have (M122) cannot register multiple keys, i.e. ctrl+alt+space dued to its 2kro while my F122 doesn't have that problem. Hope this help.

[QuincyJones]

Terminal model M and F can be converted with Soarer converter as mentioned earlier. For DIY project you may use the $5 pro micro instead of the Teensy.  Then, any single key macro should have no problem on both model M and F. However, The terminal Model M I have (M122) cannot register multiple keys, i.e. ctrl+alt+space dued to its 2kro while my F122 doesn't have that problem. Hope this help.

Oh wow, thanks for pointing that out. I didn't realise the terminal M is only 2KRO. That's... an issue for me! I wouldn't be able to do anything in Visual Studio!

Can 2KRO be changed via the USB controller, or would that be hardcoded on the actual keyboard controller?

[mike52787]

Terminal model M and F can be converted with Soarer converter as mentioned earlier. For DIY project you may use the $5 pro micro instead of the Teensy.  Then, any single key macro should have no problem on both model M and F. However, The terminal Model M I have (M122) cannot register multiple keys, i.e. ctrl+alt+space dued to its 2kro while my F122 doesn't have that problem. Hope this help.

Oh wow, thanks for pointing that out. I didn't realise the terminal M is only 2KRO. That's... an issue for me! I wouldn't be able to do anything in Visual Studio!

Can 2KRO be changed via the USB controller, or would that be hardcoded on the actual keyboard controller?

If you want to get around the 2kro, you have to buy a f122. all model ms internally only support 2kro because of the matrix printed on the membranes.  AFAIK there is no way to get above nkro with the model m. The model f on the other hand natively supports nkro.

[supamesican]

Terminal model M and F can be converted with Soarer converter as mentioned earlier. For DIY project you may use the $5 pro micro instead of the Teensy.  Then, any single key macro should have no problem on both model M and F. However, The terminal Model M I have (M122) cannot register multiple keys, i.e. ctrl+alt+space dued to its 2kro while my F122 doesn't have that problem. Hope this help.

Oh wow, thanks for pointing that out. I didn't realise the terminal M is only 2KRO. That's... an issue for me! I wouldn't be able to do anything in Visual Studio!

Can 2KRO be changed via the USB controller, or would that be hardcoded on the actual keyboard controller?

If you want to get around the 2kro, you have to buy a f122. all model ms internally only support 2kro because of the matrix printed on the membranes.  AFAIK there is no way to get above nkro with the model m. The model f on the other hand natively supports nkro.

If you get some copper foil, and solder some diodes to remake the matrix yourself it is possible to get nkro on an M. Wendel from teksyndicate did it, but he is also a wizard.

[fohat.digs]

only 2KRO. That's... an issue for me! I wouldn't be able to do anything in Visual Studio!

You know that "xKRO" numbers are only worst-case and that Control, Shift, and Alt don't usually count in that equation?

[supamesican]

only 2KRO. That's... an issue for me! I wouldn't be able to do anything in Visual Studio!

You know that "xKRO" numbers are only worst-case and that Control, Shift, and Alt don't usually count in that equation?

Going to chime in as a professional developer that uses visual studio, I can confirm the 2kro on model M's causes no problems for me

[chyros]

Terminal model M and F can be converted with Soarer converter as mentioned earlier. For DIY project you may use the $5 pro micro instead of the Teensy.  Then, any single key macro should have no problem on both model M and F. However, The terminal Model M I have (M122) cannot register multiple keys, i.e. ctrl+alt+space dued to its 2kro while my F122 doesn't have that problem. Hope this help.

Oh wow, thanks for pointing that out. I didn't realise the terminal M is only 2KRO. That's... an issue for me! I wouldn't be able to do anything in Visual Studio!

Can 2KRO be changed via the USB controller, or would that be hardcoded on the actual keyboard controller?

If you want to get around the 2kro, you have to buy a f122. all model ms internally only support 2kro because of the matrix printed on the membranes.  AFAIK there is no way to get above nkro with the model m. The model f on the other hand natively supports nkro.

If you get some copper foil, and solder some diodes to remake the matrix yourself it is possible to get nkro on an M. Wendel from teksyndicate did it, but he is also a wizard.

REALLY?! Oo that sounds incredible, do you have a link?

I'd still just go for an F btw, they're better anyway xD .

[supamesican]

I'll see if I can find the video he talked about it in, he hasnt done a how to as of yet

[acid2000]

2KRO is all good for me with VS.

With that in mind does anyone have a list of key combos that don't actually work?