Author Topic: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige  (Read 3750 times)

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Offline fohat.digs

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IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« on: Wed, 30 April 2014, 11:34:41 »
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Offline sebk

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 01 May 2014, 03:02:19 »
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?

Offline rowdy

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 01 May 2014, 06:16:12 »
It's about normal, and it includes a USB adaptor moulded into the plug.

I have one of the black cables - it lets my Model M work perfectly with my Mac - an excellent cable!

Well worth the price, even though it cost me more for one cable than did both of my Model M put together :))
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 01 May 2014, 13:24:45 »
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?

He makes these individually by hand and had to buy the components in quantity.

A standard M cable is likely to cost you at least $15 shipped and I think that they are pretty ugly and bulky. And you still have to get an outboard USB converter, another kludge.
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Offline sebk

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 01 May 2014, 15:05:15 »
I didn't consider what the cable costs by itself. It is a pretty neat solution though for then the cable does give in.

Offline dorkvader

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 02 May 2014, 17:55:46 »
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?

He makes these individually by hand and had to buy the components in quantity.

A standard M cable is likely to cost you at least $15 shipped and I think that they are pretty ugly and bulky. And you still have to get an outboard USB converter, another kludge.


I was looking for them for a while, and couldn't hardly every find them for under $20

Also keep in mind how ridiculously expensive the SDL end is. It's over $5 for the plastic, and I see he has included the upper and lower metal shielding and the ferrule. $40 is a bargain considering the materials cost alone.
« Last Edit: Fri, 02 May 2014, 17:57:19 by dorkvader »

Offline Elrick

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 02 May 2014, 23:27:44 »
Orihalcon has added a beige option for his excellent Model M replacement cables.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEIGE-USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/271470078682?rd=1

Thank you so much for this, looking everywhere for an all BEIGE connector to my Model-M's  :thumb: .

Offline False_Dmitry_II

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #7 on: Sat, 03 May 2014, 00:08:45 »
Interesting. Almost $40 seems steep though, doesn't it?

He makes these individually by hand and had to buy the components in quantity.

A standard M cable is likely to cost you at least $15 shipped and I think that they are pretty ugly and bulky. And you still have to get an outboard USB converter, another kludge.


I get the cost, and think it's a fair price. What I don't get is why it must be USB in the first place, most of the time I just use PS/2.

Only one of my two M's even has an SDL connector, though, so I can't make much use of one.
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #8 on: Sat, 03 May 2014, 08:28:58 »

I get the cost, and think it's a fair price. What I don't get is why it must be USB in the first place, most of the time I just use PS/2.

Only one of my two M's even has an SDL connector, though, so I can't make much use of one.

No need for USB at all if you use the original SDL-to-PS/2 cable and your motherboard accepts it.
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Offline HannibalChew

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 05 May 2014, 15:11:32 »
Defiantly grabbing one of these when i find myself a model M.

Offline rowdy

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 05 May 2014, 15:17:12 »
Defiantly grabbing one of these when i find myself a model M.

Be positive and buy the cable now!

Then you won't have to wait for the cable if you suddenly find a Model M ;)
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

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Offline HannibalChew

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 05 May 2014, 15:19:23 »

Be positive and buy the cable now!

Then you won't have to wait for the cable if you suddenly find a Model M ;)

Maybe i will actually, it will also force me into finding a model M asap!

Offline fohat.digs

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #12 on: Mon, 05 May 2014, 16:01:50 »
Defiantly grabbing one of these when i find myself a model M.

Remember that Lexmark switched to fixed cables along about the mid-1990s.
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Offline Frenir

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Re: IBM Model M SDL-to-USB cables available in beige
« Reply #13 on: Mon, 05 May 2014, 16:05:55 »
Just purchased one these, hope to be able to use my model m soon.