Several questions about the 122 Key Model M

[ibell7945]

Now that I've made the plunge into mechanical keyboards by purchasing a Model M (part number 1394100, 122 key with RJ-45 terminal connector). Though I've read Soarer's thread and ordered a teensy, I'm currently attempting to disassemble the keyboard for a more thorough cleaning. On the back, I attempted to take the three bolts/screws off, but found they seemed to be a nonstandard size. Does anyone know the size of these screws? Also, will modern Unicomp replacement keycaps work with this board?

[Aer Fixus]

Same size as a Model M.

5.5mm or 7/32' bolt driver.

And, yes. Unicomp caps will fit. Most buckling spring caps will work on your board, so you can swap with a Model M or a Model F if you wish. The exception is the Model M2 and some other obscure boards.

[ibell7945]

Thanks for the bolt size, as I'm going to the hardware store today to pickup a driver. However, another question occurred to me. Considering this is a terminal keyboard, will the mods that work with this model be more similar to the mods that work with the Model F terminal keyboard or other Model M keyboards?   

[fohat.digs]

The hardware store is not likely to have the "long" or "thin-walled" 7/32" socket you need (5.5mm will substitute well) so you might try an auto parts store. Here is a good cheap item if you are willing to wait a few days, I bought one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Allen-30803-SAE-Nutdriver-Soild-Shaft-7-32-USA-/390441743902?pt=US_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item5ae824361e

Otherwise the mechanical work is the same as any other Model M and Soarer's Converter with Teensy will work just fine.

Here are the bolts you need, and you won't find them at the hardware store, either. The self-tappers at the bottom are unnecessary.

[fohat.digs]

double post, sorry

[ibell7945]

The hardware store is not likely to have the "long" or "thin-walled" 7/32" socket you need (5.5mm will substitute well) so you might try an auto parts store. Here is a good cheap item if you are willing to wait a few days, I bought one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Allen-30803-SAE-Nutdriver-Soild-Shaft-7-32-USA-/390441743902?pt=US_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item5ae824361e

Otherwise the mechanical work is the same as any other Model M and Soarer's Converter with Teensy will work just fine.

Here are the bolts you need, and you won't find them at the hardware store, either. The self-tappers at the bottom are unnecessary.

Thanks for the recommendations and links. On an unrelated note, I originally wanted one of these keyboards because I saw your posts on modifying them.

[terrpn]

i got my deep, thin walled 7/32 socket at lowe's if i am not mistaken for what its worth

[berserkfan]

All you really need, apart from the nut driver, is a teensy with pins and some dupont connector cables.

you can always remove the obsolete telephone style cable and put in the dupont connector cables which you connect to your teensy. that way you don't need to build a female adapter for the telephone cable.

Thanks for the bolt size, as I'm going to the hardware store today to pickup a driver. However, another question occurred to me. Considering this is a terminal keyboard, will the mods that work with this model be more similar to the mods that work with the Model F terminal keyboard or other Model M keyboards?