1989 IBM Model M

[bettablue]

I just got my model M keyboard a couple of weeks ago.  (I'm using it to type this post)  When I started looking for a model M, I started asking everyone I knew at work to see if they might have one they weren't using.  A co-worker finally gave me one.  It was a "New In Box" 1994 Model M.  It didn't look right though.  It turns out that is was a terminal model with a non removable coiled cable with an AT connector.  

I had heard that it's pretty difficult to get those to work on a modern PC, so as I was showing it around another co-worker offered to trade his old model M for it.  I doubt he'll ever try using it though.  He's more of a collector than a user.  I don't even think he knows what a model M really is for that matter.  

The model M I now have is a great keyboard.  It was manufactured on Feb 10, 1989, part # 1391401.  There was a lot of dirt and finger crud on the keys and on the case, but after removing all of the key caps and giving them a good soak in hot water and dertergent and cleaning the case with the same formula, it looks brand new.  There are no scratches or chips anywhere on the keyboard and all of the parts are in great shape.  

The coiled cable even looks like new.  The coils are still tight.  The detachable coiled cable ends with a PS2 connector, so I didn't have to get an adapter to get it working on my new home built computer either.  No matter how you look at it, I got the better deal.

[bettablue]

I agree.  Why have something you don't intend to use?  But on the other hand, I did get the keyboard I wanted and I can use it without modifying anything.  I'm not even using an adapter since My Mobo still has a PS2 on the back.  So, plug and play...  I love it.

[microsoft windows]

I hope people throw out their IBM Terminal keyboards. How do you think I get stuff?

[kill will]

typing on an unconnected keyboard is zen

[theferenc]

Kishy, don't mind ripster. If you aren't willing to get your hands dirty with the guts of your OS, what makes you think it's worth getting your hands dirty with the guts of the keyboard in question, which explicitly only works with a single piece of hardware?

There is a reason we have such useful tools as UNIX, after all. And yes, I really mean UNIX, not Linux.

[bettablue]

Sorry, didn't mean to offend anyone and I certainly don't encourage throwing these wonderful keyboards away.  But to be perfectly honest, I didn't even know and haven't heard of any of the procedures for using these on current PCs untill I started posting here.  By the way, I really like coming to Geekhack.  I heve learned a lot in a few short days since I signed up.  All of you make GH what it is.  Keep up the great work.  You're making it easy for the old timers like me to learn something new.

[bettablue]

Thanks for the clarifiacation. What I find nice about GH is that you don't see a lot of flame throwing.  I really hate that about other forums.  

I would like to point out something too.  A lt of first time obtainees are like me.  They see a model M and do a lot of crazy stuff in order to get one.  In my case as you know, I went to just about everyone in the office.  So when I got the terminal mogel, I was somewhat confused.  It was definitely bigger than the standard model M and not what I was looking for.  I am very anal about what I want, even it it IS free.  I'm sure a lot of other newbies to the M feel the same way when they get a terminal model.  Your posts and "How To" articles go a long way in describing what these really are and how to make them usable to everyone.  Now if I come accross another one, I'll make sure to keep it.  

Sorry to say, you are the first to send a Welcome to GeekHack.  So, again, thank you.

[quadibloc]

The terminal boards are extremely easy to make work on a system with a PS/2 port.

Those are Model M and Model F terminal boards. Buckling spring Model M and Model F terminal boards.

Beam spring keyboards are found in places like the IBM System/38, the IBM 5100, the IBM 3278, the IBM Displaywriter. You would need a custom controller or the equivalent to make them work with a PC.

So Ripster was not spreading misinformation, although apparently he needed to make himself clearer to avoid causing confusion.

EDIT: Perhaps I misunderstood, and you were referring to one of Ripster's later posts in this thread, not the one about typing on an unconnected keyboard in connection with beam spring keyboards.

[theferenc]

Speaking of flaming don't you hate Unix fanbois?  

Compiling an OS just to get a keyboard to work is standard for those guys.

Out of curiosity, do you have any idea what you're talking about?

At most, it's a module build, which takes all of 30 seconds, and is almost identical to what is done in Windows to make these things work.

And I wasn't saying to use UNIX, I was simply pointing to it as an example of "there should be a way to make this work..." leading to a viable result.

[Sam]

Those are Model M and Model F terminal boards. Buckling spring Model M and Model F terminal boards.

Beam spring keyboards are found in places like the IBM System/38, the IBM 5100, the IBM 3278, the IBM Displaywriter. You would need a custom controller or the equivalent to make them work with a PC.

So Ripster was not spreading misinformation, although apparently he needed to make himself clearer to avoid causing confusion.

EDIT: Perhaps I misunderstood, and you were referring to one of Ripster's later posts in this thread, not the one about typing on an unconnected keyboard in connection with beam spring keyboards.

I thought the same thing as you when I first read Kishy's post, but then as the thread developed realized he was referring to the OP.

Anyways, some of us can now use beam springs with our PC's, so Ripster's comment no longer applies to everyone.  And if anyone out there is tired of just looking at your beam spring board without being able to use it, I'm open to discuss purchasing any and all beam springs for a reasonable price.

[bettablue]

I have done a lot of reading since I joined GH.  I've heard about key switches, their design, new boards, old boards, textured keys, and shiny keys.  

From what you all have provided, I can assume that many of the older model M's keys are now shiny due to age and the amount of use the board has seen.  However, due to the keys design, the legends won't wear off.  Am I correct in that assumption?  

The reason I ask is two-fold.  

1.  Since the keys are made using the die sublimation process, how deep does the ink penetrate into the plastic, and how thick is the plastic on the model M's key caps?

2.  I guess I really did get a gem, because there are no shiny spots on my model M.  I would expect to see some wear along the front edge of the board where tha palms come in contact.  The key caps are all in great shape too. When I replaced the missing F4 key cap (the missing ", Del" key will arrive this week) you can't tell that my board has had a replacement.  The texture is still clearly all there an all of the keys.  You can't tell which key was replaced.  

Or, is my assumption somewhat flawed and these model M keyboards really are made of bullet proof plastics, at least wear resistant any way?

[ironman31]

I've never really seen a truly "shiny" model M.

[theferenc]

Yeah, I have a half dozen or so, and they have ranged from filthy gross to pristine when they have arrived, but never shiny. For whatever that's worth.

[bettablue]

OK, so nothing new there then.  This board was pretty dirty when I first got it home.  It didn't take all that long, or much work to clean though.  The final replacement key arrived today, so now it's not only clean, but now, it's complete too.  I think I've types on this keyboard more in the last couple of weeks than I have over the previous two months.  I really love the feel of this board.  Thanks everyone for all the great info and for putting me in the right direction.  I now have a terminal model comming in from Argentina in two weeks.  I'll let you know how that goes.

[bettablue]

Update:

After a about a month of use, I noticed that the board was getting a bit louder and somewhat pingy.  Upon opening the board for inspection, a lot of those wonderful black rivet heads were all over the bottom of the case.  When I removed the board and looked at eh back side of the steel plate, I discovered that most of the rivets under the number pad are gone and quite a few under the main typing area as well.  

Time for a bolt mod.  I am still very happy with this board.  

If the only weak point in these boards are the plastic rivets, I can live with that.  I will definitely post a review on the bolt mod when it's done.  So in the meantime, I'll be using my other keyboard, the IBM KB-8923 I wrote about in another thread.

[Jim66]

Post in the Nut/Bolt Mod Thread if you have guestions.

Really, find metric parts.  As I go over in the Mod Post if you use Imperial you are screwed.  Don't be a dolt use a bolt.  And I find my mods just riveting.

Like.

[viktor]

1391401 - anyone tryna buy some?
what about 1397000?
Got a supplier and I usually take on his stock for 50% of market, sometimes even more...
pls let me know if anyone's interested...