Author Topic: IBM Model F  (Read 1339 times)

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fossala

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IBM Model F
« on: Mon, 09 January 2012, 16:34:22 »
Is there any key feel between the Model F AT and the Model F 122 key terminal? I would prefer to own an AT, but termial boards come up cheap sometimes and it would give me the chance to play with a tensey.

Offline False_Dmitry_II

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IBM Model F
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 09 January 2012, 23:01:28 »
I wouldn't think so. They are just not plug-n-play to use so they generally sit there on ebay while the AT, which anyone can plug in - perhaps with a blue cube - and use, gets all the attention.

I've never used the terminal version though - I think there are some varieties that are not too bad. Seeing as how you're talking about a teensy though I imagine the least expensive ones would be a good grab. Of course you won't be able to really know the condition of it because the seller won't be able to test.
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Offline fohat.digs

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IBM Model F
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 10 January 2012, 08:52:46 »
The answer is yes and no.

Each of the 3 Model Fs are different, in my experience. The XT is the smallest and tightest, there is no doubt that it has the "best" feel of the lot. I think it must be because of the smaller footprint and the curvature of the mounting plate. The case also has a metal bottom shell. But the spacebar definitely takes a trick or two to re-install!

The AT just never seems as tight, the case is all plastic and the barrels and attachment are different. Both have the "sliding force fit" assembly inside which is an incredible pain to mess with, since you (I) often require multiple tries to get everything aligned when putting it back together.

I have never put my finger on the subjective differences, but I have owned and taken apart at least 3 of each.

The 122-key terminal keyboard is a different animal. Being much larger, it is not as "tight", just because everything is farther apart, although the difference is very subtle.

I have a wiki that describes my bolt-mod, it has worked very well and tightened up the feel quite a bit.

Another factor is that the rubber mats inside between the metal plate and the circuit boards have been in good condition on all my small ones, but almost always severely deteriorated on the 122s. My solution has been to make new foam pads with a hand punch, and I have been very pleased with the results and increased substantial feel.

In summary, I would not hesitate to recommend the 122-key terminal keyboard, if you are willing to spend a few hours at the workbench, and have room on your computer desk, because you will end up with a product that closely resembles the (standard ANSI) Model M layout.

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The Model F terminal keyboards are getting harder to find and more expensive. Added to this is the fact that the cheap ones are not always in good condition, so you might need donors. I have bought 5 in order to get 3 working.

And the spacebar has a stabilizer wire that is a different diameter (smaller) than the Model M, so swapping spacebars is also harder than it needs to be.
« Last Edit: Tue, 10 January 2012, 12:00:29 by fohat.digs »
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fossala

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IBM Model F
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 10 January 2012, 13:56:32 »
Thanks guys. I will see what comes up. I know I don't want an XT so it is either the terminal or AT.

Offline andrewjoy

  • Posts: 42
IBM Model F
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 24 April 2012, 17:38:38 »
I just got an AT f and i love it to bits i so much want a 122 key now !