1986 Model F on Ebay - XT or AT?

[ed_avis]

Ebay item 120838484500 is a 1986 Model F keyboard.  It has a round DIN connector so I assume it's not a terminal keyboard.  The layout has gaps and function keys along the top, so does that mean this must be a PC-AT keyboard?  Or were some made with the larger layout but still XT-style electronics?

[fohat.digs]

That is a terminal keyboard. Looks like a nice one. Note the 240 degree plug instead of 180 degrees.

Way out of my price range, however, but I have 3 almost exactly like it.

If Soarer's conversion works, it could make a really nice board, I would recommend it if you can afford it.

And if you have a couple of hours, and the inclination to engage in a project like this.

[ed_avis]

How do you tell it is a terminal keyboard?  Simply because it has 122 keys?

[fohat.digs]

As far as I know, all 122-key boards are for terminals, whether Model M or F.

Also, the 240 degree DIN plug is another giveaway. Terminals can have any of several different connectors.

And all mine are 6110347, I think that whole number line is for terminals.

Has anybody out there seen a 122-key that is not for a terminal?

[Luhmaniac]

Geekhack member JohnElliott gives a description of this board on his website.
I'm not sure if it will work with Soarer's adapter. The board uses Scancode Set 3 but doesn't send break codes.

[DaemonRaccoon]

Soarer's adapter will work.

[ed_avis]

Thanks.  I'll stay on the lookout for PC-AT keyboards.

[bootstrap]

Thanks.  I'll stay on the lookout for PC-AT keyboards.

This is a Model F PC/AT on auction: http://goo.gl/vqODs :smile:

[ed_avis]

So the auction description of '5150/5160' is not correct.  (5150 is the IBM PC, and 5160 is the PC-XT.)  It certainly looks more like an AT keyboard than an older one, but perhaps it is one with AT layout but older electronics?

[bootstrap]

That keyboard will work with any AT to PS/2 converter (even the cheap varieties) with or without a PS/2 to USB adapter (you have to be more selective about the latter because some won't work). I've had success with the Ziotek one.

Some sellers have only a scant idea of what they are selling. Unlike most Model Ms, the Model F PC/AT doesn't have something on its case to identify it as a "Model F." That spells opportunity. :biggrin:

[dorkvader]

Some sellers have only a scant idea of what they are selling. Unlike most Model Ms, the Model F PC/AT doesn't have something on its case to identify it as a "Model F." That spells opportunity. :biggrin:

Like this "IBM Model M keyboard":
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Keyboard-/190628486750?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6257de5e

Looks like an XT model F to me....

[bootstrap]

That keyboard will work with any AT to PS/2 converter (even the cheap varieties) with or without a PS/2 to USB adapter (you have to be more selective about the latter because some won't work). I've had success with the Ziotek one.

Some sellers have only a scant idea of what they are selling. Unlike most Model Ms, the Model F PC/AT doesn't have something on its case to identify it as a "Model F." That spells opportunity. :biggrin:

To be clear, I was referring to this keyboard: http://goo.gl/vqODs

[fohat.digs]

Late last summer a few of us were desperate for Model F ATs and drove the price well over $100 for a couple of months.

It looks like these are trading at more reasonable prices now, at least < $100