Author Topic: Model F USB + 802.15 (Bluetooth)  (Read 2495 times)

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Offline jonhaller

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Model F USB + 802.15 (Bluetooth)
« on: Wed, 12 March 2014, 13:24:23 »
Hello everyone, I'm new here, and a proud owner of a practically mint 1981 83-key IBM Model F XT  :cool: that I got for free from a friend. It was sitting in his attic, and since its XT and has a strange layout, it's virtually useless to him so he gave it to me. I tore down the entire KB, made sure everything is nice and clean, and have ordered a Teensy 2.0 from PJRC since i plan on integrating Soarer's mod directly into the case to have straight USB coming out of it. There's a ton of space in there for all sorts of goodies, and being the crazy son of a packard bell that I am, I was thinking of taking the modification one step further, and adding Bluetooth support to the archaic beast. I've plenty of 18650s lying around from my flashlights and was thinking of integrating a couple in a holder along with the mod.

I want the mod to be fully integrated, but without damaging the keyboard (so double sided tape, zip ties, etc)

I am not terribly good at programming, but I am familiar with soldering (ive circuit bent several keyboards in the past) and the very basics of EE.

Project goals:
  • USB support via soarer's mod (in progress, waiting on teensy 2.0)
  • Low or no latency BT support (alongside USB, maybe with arduino? need more info)
  • New foam? (might not happen)
  • Clean and Re-paint the top plate (as it's rusty and junk, also might not happen)
  • Integrated 18650's + USB charging support
Anyone have any info or experience or suggestions on modifying one of these keyboards with bluetooth support?
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Re: Model F USB + 802.15 (Bluetooth)
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 12 March 2014, 19:25:05 »
My F-122 mod will steer you on some of your needs such as cutting a new mat if yours has crumbled.

Good luck!

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Offline hglibarnes

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Re: Model F USB + 802.15 (Bluetooth)
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 15 March 2017, 18:50:43 »
Hi, I recently bought an IBM Model f XT and wanted to convert it to Bluetooth as well. Were you able to convert yours? Would be great if you can share how you did it if so. It's easy enough finding a lot of materials on converting Model Ms into Bluetooth, but can't seem to find anything on Model Fs... Thanks!