Incomplete Datahand for parts

[Input Nirvana]

There's an ancient Datahand (before thumb-mode changes), and missing the electronics:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=130409623940&Category=33963&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D1#ht_3775wt_913

Good (if it stays under $75) if you want a few plastic replacement parts, or some master-builder who can build a keyboard from scratch and just needs good bones.

[microsoft windows]

It's already $112. I guess you all are out of luck.

[Input Nirvana]

I have a ton of prices for various misc. from Datahand, and you can buy approximately what's on fleabay for about $80 from them. The key here is that the auction on fleabay is obsolete and you can't get the parts to make it work. Ya gotta build it yerself. If you can do that, then you'd be in business doing that already.

[JBert]

Dang, I could have used the parts, even if the controller was missing. Paying 100+ for a potentially useless thing is just too much for modding, and I think you can't order ALL plastic parts from Datahand Systems.

I couldn't read in the description that the electronics were missing. From the pictures, everything seems to be present except for one key and the palm rests.
Also, how do you know it has no thumb-mode switches?

[Input Nirvana]

Dang, I could have used the parts, even if the controller was missing. Paying 100+ for a potentially useless thing is just too much for modding, and I think you can't order ALL plastic parts from Datahand Systems.

I couldn't read in the description that the electronics were missing. From the pictures, everything seems to be present except for one key and the palm rests.
Also, how do you know it has no thumb-mode switches?

DANG! I am traveling now, so I don't have access to the Datahand info, sorry. I thought, based on the serial number, that there were more electronics for that unit. Maybe that's not correct?

Datahand can get current model pieces/parts, maybe not in stock, but they can get them. I'm excited that It appears they will be making a gain into the market.

The palm rests will cost about $40. The thumb clusters lack the "up" switch for the powerful 6th function. The unit is NOT a Pro II, and therefore obsolete, and you can't get any other parts. Even though the finger well units may look the same, they aren't.

If I thought it was worthwhile (keep in mind I'm looking for a project Datahand to compliment a non-modded Datahand), I would contact the seller for pics, info, and a test. We dealt with this seller previously when we closed my store in Phoenix. They were helpful.

Guaranteed working current model Pro II units go for $400 and up. This unit will cost about $200 at this point, is ancient, not a direct user sale, no working status, can't get parts for if there are any other issues. If you have RSI, it could be a complete waste of money. If it is to experiment with, then it's cheap entertainment. I spent that amount on dinner for 2 last night and have nothing to show for it. I would have been happy with a $30 pizza My personal value statement only. Just be prepared for a non-working unit and assign a price to it so you aren't surprised. You can pretty much get better from Datahand for less, any day of the week, so the fleabay auction seems like a needless risk to me. Then again, it might be a gold mine, I can be a complete idiot at times.  

[JBert]

It went for $255 - those bidders must be crazy to bid that high on a "DataHand RBCS Ergonomic Keyboard for Parts/Repair".

[geoffff]

If you're curious (don't ask how I know ), this "RBCS" Datahand is pretty quirky.  Here are some details you can't make out on the Ebay page:





 - No mouse cord on back
 - Thumb switch is not installed (but circuit pads are in place)
 - Special-purpose keys for some kind of mailing-related use ("CITY", "STREET")

[Input Nirvana]

So the unit works ok, as far as it being functional (not broken)? I don't know if you can get the new circuitry/firmware from Datahand to modernize the unit. Again, spending a couple hundred more is when the investment starts to go sour...

Can you show pics of the interior?

[geoffff]

It does work when plugged in -- but with special (and limited) custom keycodes.

Yeah, perhaps too much was spent on a unit that's only good for spare parts.  I wouldn't try turning this into a fully-functioning keyboard -- but it'd probably be fine if you got datahand to swap the "ATMEL" processor chip and send you a set of thumb mode-keys and mouse cord.

In the name of science, here's what the interior looks like:

[pikapika]

have anybody used the datahands ?
i'd love to try it just for a few minutes, for the experience

[Megaweapon]

Sure, just do a search of these forums for "datahand" and you'll find posts from people with first-hand experience.

IIRC it takes a few months to become fully proficient, so I doubt you would get much out of trying it for a few minutes.  Once you are used to it however not only is your typing speed is radically increased but the chances of RSI are pretty much eliminated.

With benefits like that it seems like Datahand keyboards should be a lot more common than they are.

[geoffff]

With benefits like that it seems like Datahand keyboards should be a lot more common than they are.

Except that they're outrageously expensive.

[pikapika]

Sure, just do a search of these forums for "datahand" and you'll find posts from people with first-hand experience.

IIRC it takes a few months to become fully proficient, so I doubt you would get much out of trying it for a few minutes.  Once you are used to it however not only is your typing speed is radically increased but the chances of RSI are pretty much eliminated.

With benefits like that it seems like Datahand keyboards should be a lot more common than they are.

thanks I'll have a look

also i must admit with Geoffff that the price is really too high unfortunately, and the bid above is outrageous

[Input Nirvana]

Thank you for showing the pics. Neat stuff. Do you have plans for that baby? Paint it lime green? Make your own hardware/firmware? An expensive dust collector?

These may have been units made special for the U.S. Post office, or another corporate customer that had custom units made (back in the day). Pretty interesting nonetheless.

[gator456]

geoffff: Does the Left hand side have the electronics?

[geoffff]

geoffff: Does the Left hand side have the electronics?

The inside electronics photo above is of the right-hand side -- same as any normal Datahand.  I didn't open the left-hand side.

-- Geoff