Nooby model M questions

[Jixr]

Hey guys.

I've always wanted a model M, mainly as a toy/collectors item, and recently I found one on my local craigslist for a good price.

Seems to be in decent shape, but it doesn't have the cable.

So here are some questions I have.

where can I find a replacement cable and about how much do those cost?

and are there ps2 extension cables? My computer tower actually is in a media closet, and I would need to run at least 10' of PS2 cable to get it from my tower to my desk. I don't know if the signal downgrades over distance or anything like that.

Also, aside from the keymap, do they work with OSX?

[E TwentyNine]

where can I find a replacement cable and about how much do those cost?

Ebay
Unicomp: http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/Cables  Unicomp is $15 + shipping ( $3? $7? been a while, forget the mininum)
ClickeyKeyboards: http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/9417

and are there ps2 extension cables? My computer tower actually is in a media closet, and I would need to run at least 10' of PS2 cable to get it from my tower to my desk. I don't know if the signal downgrades over distance or anything like that.

There are 10' long model M cables which Clickey has, but believe Unicomp only sells the ones in the 6' range.  You can email them and ask.

Also, aside from the keymap, do they work with OSX?

Yes.

[Touch_It]

I don't have anything of importance to add other than grats and. I'm jealous.  I shouldn't be as I've been pretty lucky with getting free/cheap vintage keyboards but I've always wanted to find a Model M in my GoodWill or on Craigslist.  If you don't mind my asking what year is it?

[Jixr]

86 or 88 The guy has two listed but I think one of them is sold.  One looks decent, the other is pretty rough that has some replacement blank keycaps on it.

My town even has a goodwill computer shop, and occasionally i'll go looking, but I've never found any mechs there yet.

[fohat.digs]

Orihalcon's cables are pricey but work great and are very clean.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=28268.msg1211448#msg1211448

[RoflCopter4]

I'd be a little weary about an extension cable. I don't know at what rate current decreases in a PS/2 cable, but the Model M has such a hilariously high draw for a keyboard that it is conceivable that a cable that long could actually fail to provide enough juice to the board, especially if you're also using a PS/2 to USB converter.

[ezrahilyer]

Orihalcon's cables are pricey but work great and are very clean.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=28268.msg1211448#msg1211448

I say go with what fohat.digs suggested: since you need a cable anyway get one of the Orihalcon ones.

[fohat.digs]

I'd be a little weary about an extension cable. I don't know at what rate current decreases in a PS/2 cable, but the Model M has such a hilariously high draw for a keyboard that it is conceivable that a cable that long could actually fail to provide enough juice to the board, especially if you're also using a PS/2 to USB converter.

Actually, I think that the Model M draws somewhere in the low-100 ma range, and the USB is supposed to provide 500 ma. I always use pull-up resistors in my converters, anyway, but I doubt that they would fit in orihalcon's svelte cables.