1st generation IBM Model M-122 in AZ

[fohat.digs]

Shipping is silly, but if you could pick it up local this would be good to have.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-1389160-Type-M-keyboard-DIN-connector-/291315196410?ssPageName=ADME:SS:SS:US:3160

[0100010]

Model F 122 case transplant candidate.

[quietobserver]

Actually, the shipping rate shown by default is the expedited shipping, for some reason.  Economy shipping is a more reasonable $18.67.

[fohat.digs]

With 1 minute's work with wire cutters or Dremel to remove about 4 corners of positioning tabs each perhaps 5mm square, this is a major case shell top upgrade for an F-122.

[ed_avis]

Why would you want to upgrade the top case of an F122 with the case from this M122?

[berserkfan]

Why would you want to upgrade the top case of an F122 with the case from this M122?

It is not so much upgrade; I think Fohat meant to say, replace a broken casing.

[fohat.digs]

Why would you want to upgrade the top case of an F122 with the case from this M122?

The plastic used in the Model M case is significantly better.

Model F case plastic (and I am referring to the 122-key models, the problems are less significant on the smaller ones) is quite brittle, with a glossy white core and a textured surface "skin" layer.

The "skin" layer can chip, peel, or abrade off, leaving a distinct shiny spot that cannot be made to match the original surface.

The hard brittle core layer is particularly prone to breakage in the front corners, where the material is thin and the stress is great.

Model M cases are made of a softer but tougher plastic that has some "give" when stressed. The surface is also more durable since it is the same through and through. When I replaced the shell top on my favorite F-122, I considered it an upgrade and improvement, but then, I am not a sentimental purist.

[ed_avis]

Hmm, one of my F122s shows 'skin' peeling off with smooth plastic underneath.  But my other F122 doesn't show that; and although it does have a chip in the corner, the plastic is the same colour all the way through.  Perhaps the top case on that was already swapped with an M122?  That makes some sense, since the spacebar was swapped with a Model M as well (meaning the stabilizer doesn't fit and the spacebar is wonky).  You win some, you lose some...

I think I have managed to Frankenstein the two together into a fully working keyboard, together with some black keys from an M13.  The only thing missing are some remaining black keys (the two shifts, ANSI-big-L Enter key, and spacebar) which Unicomp don't seem to make, and some kind of stabilizer for the numeric keypad Enter (the M13 Enter key fits, but it is kind of limp).

[fohat.digs]

Hmm, one of my F122s shows 'skin' peeling off with smooth plastic underneath.  But my other F122 doesn't show that; and although it does have a chip in the corner, the plastic is the same colour all the way through.  Perhaps the top case on that was already swapped with an M122?  That makes some sense, since the spacebar was swapped with a Model M as well (meaning the stabilizer doesn't fit and the spacebar is wonky).  You win some, you lose some...

I think I have managed to Frankenstein the two together into a fully working keyboard, together with some black keys from an M13.  The only thing missing are some remaining black keys (the two shifts, ANSI-big-L Enter key, and spacebar) which Unicomp don't seem to make, and some kind of stabilizer for the numeric keypad Enter (the M13 Enter key fits, but it is kind of limp).

If you examine the alignment tabs on the inside of the case, you will see about 4-6 places where some corners and material was removed from an M-122 case to accommodate the F-122 internals which are slightly larger. It is easier to snip them with wire cutters, but most people probably grind with a Dremel.

Wcass found that using large washers around barrel stems made excellent spacebar stabilizer replacements. Model M spacebars are much easier to find and cheaper, but the small oval plastic F tab inserts will have to be removed.

If legends are not absolutely required, I have had excellent success dyeing IBM PBT caps black.

There are bad barrel stabilizer inserts. Sometimes merely changing them will make a key work much better. Do not damage the inside of the cylinder - I suggest prying them up with a sharp pin using the top lip of the chimney as a fulcrum, or bending a tiny hook in a paper clip and pulling them up from the inside bottom.

[ed_avis]

Thanks for the advice.

[quietobserver]

If anyone is still looking for one of these, Cindy has one in stock too for a good price and probably better shipping.
I was planning on getting it both for the cover and parts to build a TKL, but wimped out since I would have felt bad cutting up such a grand old keyboard.

[fohat.digs]

You do NOT want one of the first-generation ones if you are going to cut the case, even if the top shell were not valuable to F-122 owners.

Getting those huge 2-stages legs to mount and work properly would be extremely difficult, and you might not have room anyway. And if you don't make the legs work, you have big gaping holes in the side panel.

[quietobserver]

No, of course not!   

I was planning on saving the case for a future F-122 replacement and cutting up the innards to put in another case.  In particular, I was hoping a cut up frame and folded over membrane would be able to fit into the shell of one of the Honeywell rubberdome unsavers.  I realised that an older Model M 122 would be a worse fit since that shell is more in the format of one of the newer ones, so the part around the top function keys would have been too big.

Edit:  I see now, how my carelessness in punctuation in my earlier message might have given that impression.  I should have said "I was planning on getting it, both for the cover, and [also for] parts to build a TKL."   

[ander]

Having said all this, you may want to consider that the extra $20–30 in shipping, which so concerns you now, will seem insignificant next year, or 10 years from now, when you're still cherishing the KB.

It's not your fault. In modern life, we're so used to dealing with superficial, transitory things, it's difficult for us to remember that IBM keyboards are from a former age—an age when manufacturers were still primarily concerned with quality, and weren't preoccupied with the idea that products should last for a limited amount of time so consumers would keep consuming them.

That's why we're so lucky to appreciate and use Model M's. We get to step outside the loop of consumerism.

[orihalcon]

Hmm, one of my F122s shows 'skin' peeling off with smooth plastic underneath.  But my other F122 doesn't show that; and although it does have a chip in the corner, the plastic is the same colour all the way through.  Perhaps the top case on that was already swapped with an M122?  That makes some sense, since the spacebar was swapped with a Model M as well (meaning the stabilizer doesn't fit and the spacebar is wonky).  You win some, you lose some...

I think I have managed to Frankenstein the two together into a fully working keyboard, together with some black keys from an M13.  The only thing missing are some remaining black keys (the two shifts, ANSI-big-L Enter key, and spacebar) which Unicomp don't seem to make, and some kind of stabilizer for the numeric keypad Enter (the M13 Enter key fits, but it is kind of limp).

Wcass found that using large washers around barrel stems made excellent spacebar stabilizer replacements. Model M spacebars are much easier to find and cheaper, but the small oval plastic F tab inserts will have to be removed.

Has anyone else had success with the washer mod? Tried it myself, and at least the metal washers I was able to get from my hardware store were too loose and rattled around when the spacebar was pressed.  Tried it with some plastic washers, and those fit tight enough that they stay in place and actually hug the barrel, so they keyboard could be used upside down (without the use of gravity) keeping that "space keyboard" quality everyone loves (think space-pen).  It's also plastic on metal, so I assume it is quieter than metal washer on metal stabilizer.  The spacebar has less free play than an original model F spacebar does too, which is nice. Normally would go for a Wcass style M to F spacebar stabilizer wire, but I did a "Code Key/Split spacebar" mod and the stabilizer inserts are in completely different places which makes it so that you can't use the original stabilizers in this instance:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301527475676

Washer placement picture is last on the ebay item images if anyone is wanting to see how it ends up working.

[fohat.digs]

Tried it with some plastic washers, and those fit tight enough that they stay in place and actually hug the barrel,

Would you please share the specs on the plastic washers?

Thanks!

[HPE1000]

Having said all this, you may want to consider that the extra $20–30 in shipping, which so concerns you now, will seem insignificant next year, or 10 years from now, when you're still cherishing the KB.

It's not your fault. In modern life, we're so used to dealing with superficial, transitory things, it's difficult for us to remember that IBM keyboards are from a former age—an age when manufacturers were still primarily concerned with quality, and weren't preoccupied with the idea that products should last for a limited amount of time so consumers would keep consuming them.

That's why we're so lucky to appreciate and use Model M's. We get to step outside the loop of consumerism.

Yeah, but when you start telling yourself that about everything you buy, you start getting into trouble. Happens to a lot of people here I would say.

[Touch_It]

Hmm, one of my F122s shows 'skin' peeling off with smooth plastic underneath.  But my other F122 doesn't show that; and although it does have a chip in the corner, the plastic is the same colour all the way through.  Perhaps the top case on that was already swapped with an M122?  That makes some sense, since the spacebar was swapped with a Model M as well (meaning the stabilizer doesn't fit and the spacebar is wonky).  You win some, you lose some...

I think I have managed to Frankenstein the two together into a fully working keyboard, together with some black keys from an M13.  The only thing missing are some remaining black keys (the two shifts, ANSI-big-L Enter key, and spacebar) which Unicomp don't seem to make, and some kind of stabilizer for the numeric keypad Enter (the M13 Enter key fits, but it is kind of limp).

Wcass found that using large washers around barrel stems made excellent spacebar stabilizer replacements. Model M spacebars are much easier to find and cheaper, but the small oval plastic F tab inserts will have to be removed.

Has anyone else had success with the washer mod? Tried it myself, and at least the metal washers I was able to get from my hardware store were too loose and rattled around when the spacebar was pressed.  Tried it with some plastic washers, and those fit tight enough that they stay in place and actually hug the barrel, so they keyboard could be used upside down (without the use of gravity) keeping that "space keyboard" quality everyone loves (think space-pen).  It's also plastic on metal, so I assume it is quieter than metal washer on metal stabilizer.  The spacebar has less free play than an original model F spacebar does too, which is nice. Normally would go for a Wcass style M to F spacebar stabilizer wire, but I did a "Code Key/Split spacebar" mod and the stabilizer inserts are in completely different places which makes it so that you can't use the original stabilizers in this instance:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301527475676

Washer placement picture is last on the ebay item images if anyone is wanting to see how it ends up working.

:O  Sweet.  I thought about doing that with mine but decided I wanted ANSI more.  And it was cheaper.  I really like the looks of that.