Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[nubbinator]

2) Does the firmware support a MX Lock switch?

is MX Lock need firmware? i think just lock like press as usual

You would need to set it up as a shift if you want to use an MX Lock and have it work properly.

[CPTBadAss]

2) Does the firmware support a MX Lock switch?

is MX Lock need firmware? i think just lock like press as usual

You would need to set it up as a shift if you want to use an MX Lock and have it work properly.

Can't tell if trolling... I'd like to use the MX lock as a function layer on the 1800 for giggles. It was my understanding that the lock switch would need firmware support in order to do so. Think metalliqaz told me that? I probably should've been more specific.

I'm pretty sure that's the updated firmware. Unless there's a newer version.

Thank you...

[Photekq]

Two questions about the Leeku 1800 PCB:

1) Is this the only firmware or is there an updated one?

2) Does the firmware support a MX Lock switch?

I'm not sure if there is newer firmware, but if there is you'll find it on kbdmania.

You don't need the firmware to support a lock switch. The MX lock acts like a regular MX switch that is being held down. You would need firmware if you wanted to use the MX lock as a toggle-able caps lock though, but that's it. Whether the Leeku supports a function layer is another question..

[CPTBadAss]

You would need firmware if you wanted to use the MX lock as a toggle-able caps lock though, but that's it. Whether the Leeku supports a function layer is another question..

Yeah that's what I wanted it for. Should've stated that. And I probably won't do it but I was curious.

[Prelim]

If they're yellowed you can try retrobright, not sure what kind of effect it would have on the black plastic though.

yeah, that's what I was afraid of. Retrobright's effect on black plastic.

Hopefully it doesn't act like bleach and black shirts.

That might turn into a new thing though. Surely someone would like it.

Hi guys,

just found this old post, as I was thinking on doing a retrobright in WoB also... anyone knows if there would be any problem with the black color?! Doesn't make much sense as I've done retrobright in classic beige doubleshots and the black lettering remained perfect.

[CPTBadAss]

anyone knows if there would be any problem with the black color?! Doesn't make much sense as I've done retrobright in classic beige doubleshots and the black lettering remained perfect.

A quick Google search yields this page on the retr0bright website. Scroll down to #4.

[nubbinator]

2) Does the firmware support a MX Lock switch?

is MX Lock need firmware? i think just lock like press as usual

You would need to set it up as a shift if you want to use an MX Lock and have it work properly.

Can't tell if trolling... I'd like to use the MX lock as a function layer on the 1800 for giggles. It was my understanding that the lock switch would need firmware support in order to do so. Think metalliqaz told me that? I probably should've been more specific.

If you want it to behave as a Caps Lock, you need to assign the Caps Lock switch to be a Shift key.  Yes, I know that Caps Lock doesn't toggle !@#$ on the number row and Shift does, but since, as Photekq stated, MX Locks basically hold the key down.  In order to get the Caps lock functionality, you'd need to set up the switch as a Shift, making it a Shift Lock.  Otherwise, you would need firmware that only acknowledged the initial toggle and release and not the switch being held down.

[HoffmanMyster]

2) Does the firmware support a MX Lock switch?

is MX Lock need firmware? i think just lock like press as usual

You would need to set it up as a shift if you want to use an MX Lock and have it work properly.

Can't tell if trolling... I'd like to use the MX lock as a function layer on the 1800 for giggles. It was my understanding that the lock switch would need firmware support in order to do so. Think metalliqaz told me that? I probably should've been more specific.

If you want it to behave as a Caps Lock, you need to assign the Caps Lock switch to be a Shift key.  Yes, I know that Caps Lock doesn't toggle !@#$ on the number row and Shift does, but since, as Photekq stated, MX Locks basically hold the key down.  In order to get the Caps lock functionality, you'd need to set up the switch as a Shift, making it a Shift Lock.  Otherwise, you would need firmware that only acknowledged the initial toggle and release and not the switch being held down.

And if you want it to behave as a toggled function key, you would just program it to act as a momentary function key and the switch just holds itself down.

Am I misinterpreting what you're trying to do, CBA?

[CPTBadAss]

If you want it to behave as a toggled function key, you would just program it to act as a momentary function key and the switch just holds itself down.

Am I misinterpreting what you're trying to do, CBA?

No you got it. I should have asked this question:

"I want my MX Lock to act like a toggled function key on my Leeku 1800. Does the firmware support it?"

But I think I've got it now. Thanks everyone.

[Dubsgalore]

what's one step up from mx reds

korean spring wise

[CPTBadAss]

what's one step up from mx reds

Sorry? Do you mean spring force wise?

[Dubsgalore]

what's one step up from mx reds

Sorry? Do you mean spring force wise?

it was kinda implied but yes

[CPTBadAss]

it was kinda implied but yes

If I understood what you were asking, I wouldn't have asked for clarification. Or was my confusion not implied too?

I think you want 62g springs.

what korean spring is a tad heavier then mx reds? i forgot

62g-65g.

Last time you asked, BlueBär suggested this.

[HoffmanMyster]

what's one step up from mx reds

Sorry? Do you mean spring force wise?

it was kinda implied but yes

#gold springs would be a step up.   

[esoomenona]

.

[Dubsgalore]

it was kinda implied but yes

If I understood what you were asking, I wouldn't have asked for clarification. Or was my confusion not implied too?

I think you want 62g springs.

what korean spring is a tad heavier then mx reds? i forgot

62g-65g.

Last time you asked, BlueBär suggested this.

word thanks

#gold springs would be a step up.   

that's what I'm thinking about doing lol

[wes1099]

Will a 1390636 Model M work with the average modern PC with a DIN5->PS/2 adapter?

[CPTBadAss]

Will a 1390636 Model M work with the average modern PC with a DIN5->PS/2 adapter?

Does the board have the DIN5 connector or the RJ45 connector? RJ45 will look like a telephone cable plug. If it has the DIN5 connector, you can use the adapter as you said. If it has the RJ45, you'll need to convert it. A Soarer converter is popular for this and supposedly it's very easy. I haven't tried it myself though so I can't speak to the ease of the mod first hand.

[wes1099]

Will a 1390636 Model M work with the average modern PC with a DIN5->PS/2 adapter?

Does the board have the DIN5 connector or the RJ45 connector? RJ45 will look like a telephone cable plug. If it has the DIN5 connector, you can use the adapter as you said. If it has the RJ45, you'll need to convert it. A Soarer converter is popular for this and supposedly it's very easy. I haven't tried it myself though so I can't speak to the ease of the mod first hand.

I thought all 1390636's had the DIN5 connector (all of the ones I have found on the internet were DIN5). The seller does not actually have a picture showing the connector so I will send him a message.

[CPTBadAss]

I thought all 1390636's had the DIN5 connector (all of the ones I have found on the internet were DIN5). The seller does not actually have a picture showing the connector so I will send him a message.

A Model M 1390636 is a terminal model right? If so, I'm not 100% sure what connector it has.

[wes1099]

I thought all 1390636's had the DIN5 connector (all of the ones I have found on the internet were DIN5). The seller does not actually have a picture showing the connector so I will send him a message.

A Model M 1390636 is a terminal model right? If so, I'm not 100% sure what connector it has.

Yes, I do believe it is a terminal board. Is it not possible to re-wire an RJ-45 connector to a PS/2 connector?

[nubbinator]

Nope, you need to do a soarer's mod.  RJ45 uses a different protocol.

[wes1099]

These are some pics of the model M that I am looking at. $32 untested and sold as is. Is it worth?

[CPTBadAss]

These are some pics of the model M that I am looking at. $32 untested and sold as is. Is it worth?

Show Image

Show Image

I still can't tell 100% what cable that is but it *doesn't* look like the RJ45 connector. If it is Din5, and that price is with shipping, it's not a bad price.

[wes1099]

These are some pics of the model M that I am looking at. $32 untested and sold as is. Is it worth?

Show Image

Show Image

I still can't tell 100% what cable that is but it *doesn't* look like the RJ45 connector. If it is Din5, and that price is with shipping, it's not a bad price.

Now that I look closely, I actually think that it is DIN5. The RJ-45 cable is flatter and the DIN5 cable is rounder.

[CPTBadAss]

Now that I look closely, I actually think that it is DIN5. The RJ-45 cable is flatter and the DIN5 cable is rounder.

I agree. That's why I said I don't think it's RJ45. But I'm not sure if the terminals came in another connection nor can I 100% confirm it's the DIN5 cable.

[wes1099]

Now that I look closely, I actually think that it is DIN5. The RJ-45 cable is flatter and the DIN5 cable is rounder.

I agree. That's why I said I don't think it's RJ45. But I'm not sure if the terminals came in another connection nor can I 100% confirm it's the DIN5 cable.

Well, I just bought it. I hope it is a DIN5 connector, but if not I can fix that. It appears to be in good condition, so I think it should work. Hopefully all of the switch mechanisms are in working condition too. What do you think?

[CPTBadAss]

Well, I just bought it. I hope it is a DIN5 connector, but if not I can fix that. It appears to be in good condition, so I think it should work. Hopefully all of the switch mechanisms are in working condition too. What do you think?

From the pictures, the board looked like it was in good condition.

[wes1099]

Just to clarify, if I use a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter, will the keys do what they do on a normal keyboard? For example, will the SetUp/Attn key work like ESC, and will the ALT key were control normally is work like a control key?

[BlueBär]

Just to clarify, if I use a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter, will the keys do what they do on a normal keyboard? For example, will the SetUp/Attn key work like ESC, and will the ALT key were control normally is work like a control key?

If it says Alt it will output the Alt keycode. SetUp/Attn should work as Esc.

[wes1099]

Just to clarify, if I use a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter, will the keys do what they do on a normal keyboard? For example, will the SetUp/Attn key work like ESC, and will the ALT key were control normally is work like a control key?

If it says Alt it will output the Alt keycode. SetUp/Attn should work as Esc.

Is there a way to re-map that one alt key (the one where ctrl usually is) to control instead of alt?

[Puddsy]

Just to clarify, if I use a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter, will the keys do what they do on a normal keyboard? For example, will the SetUp/Attn key work like ESC, and will the ALT key were control normally is work like a control key?

If it says Alt it will output the Alt keycode. SetUp/Attn should work as Esc.

Is there a way to re-map that one alt key (the one where ctrl usually is) to control instead of alt?

autohotkey would probably do that for you

[esoomenona]

.

[wes1099]

Just to clarify, if I use a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter, will the keys do what they do on a normal keyboard? For example, will the SetUp/Attn key work like ESC, and will the ALT key were control normally is work like a control key?

If it says Alt it will output the Alt keycode. SetUp/Attn should work as Esc.

Is there a way to re-map that one alt key (the one where ctrl usually is) to control instead of alt?

autohotkey would probably do that for you

I will try that.

[wes1099]

I don't imagine it's actually Alt. The key was probably missing, and he replaced it with something else. Isn't that key usually Send, or something like that, on a terminal M?

The picture in this ebay listing (also for a 1390636) shows the keycap saying 'Reset' (I think), but I can not read the alternate function.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-English-Keyboard-for-3196-Terminal-103-Key-1390636-/370400729457


Does anyone happen to know the key codes for the enter key where rctrl is and the reset key where lctrl is? I want to re-map those keys with soarer's converter eventually so that I can have all the other cool features it adds too.

[wes1099]

Just to clarify, if I use a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter, will the keys do what they do on a normal keyboard? For example, will the SetUp/Attn key work like ESC, and will the ALT key were control normally is work like a control key?

If it says Alt it will output the Alt keycode. SetUp/Attn should work as Esc.

Is there a way to re-map that one alt key (the one where ctrl usually is) to control instead of alt?

autohotkey would probably do that for you

How do I know what the code for the key is since it is a non-standard key?

[Puddsy]

Just to clarify, if I use a DIN5 to PS/2 adapter, will the keys do what they do on a normal keyboard? For example, will the SetUp/Attn key work like ESC, and will the ALT key were control normally is work like a control key?

If it says Alt it will output the Alt keycode. SetUp/Attn should work as Esc.

Is there a way to re-map that one alt key (the one where ctrl usually is) to control instead of alt?

autohotkey would probably do that for you

How do I know what the code for the key is since it is a non-standard key?

Can't help you there, try ALT first and see if that works.

[fohat.digs]

How do I know what the code for the key is since it is a non-standard key?

Aqua Key Test returns a code for any key you press, doesn't it?

You may have to look in the small dialog box near the bottom.

[Karura]

What's the best switch tool for someone without a dedicated switch tool?

[Hzza]

For mounted switches I use 2 little screwdrivers, for loose switches I find that using a switch top works quite well.

http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how-to-open-a-non-mounted-cherry-mx-switch-t2130.html#p40423 -> I took this as inspiriation but I didn't actually make a jig, I just hold the switch in one hand and jimmy it open with the switch top with my other hand.

That whole thread has lots of good ideas on how to open switches actually.

[CPTBadAss]

What's the best switch tool for someone without a dedicated switch tool?

The OP also has some ideas.

[Prelim]

anyone knows if there would be any problem with the black color?! Doesn't make much sense as I've done retrobright in classic beige doubleshots and the black lettering remained perfect.

A quick Google search yields this page on the retr0bright website. Scroll down to #4.

that's hair bleach containing Terpene, not just plain and simple liquid H202+oxi used for retrobright... so my doubt maintains

[yasuo]

just curious not weabo )
what mouse premium japan
yeah like other stuff artisan,topre.etc

[CPTBadAss]

just curious not weabo )
what mouse premium japan
yeah like other stuff artisan,topre.etc

Not really keyboard related. Try asking the input sub-forum where you'll get a better response than you would here.

that's hair bleach containing Terpene, not just plain and simple liquid H202+oxi used for retrobright... so my doubt maintains

I don't have any retrobright experience personally. If you could experiment yourself on a board or another piece of plastic that isn't valuable to you and report back, that would be wonderful.

[Puddsy]

What's the best switch tool for someone without a dedicated switch tool?

I used a small screwdriver in my recent spring swap.

[swill]

Are there any PBT dyesub keycap replacements for the FC660C?  I know the new FC660C has the nice new dyesubs by default, but I have one of the old pad printed ones.  Can I haz dyesubs?

[wes1099]

What is the difference between AT and terminal? If there is a difference, does anyone know if a 1390636 model m is terminal or AT? I have deeply confused myself while researching model M's...

[fohat.digs]

The oldest Model Ms came with a black coiled cable and "AT-style" (aka large DIN) connector on the computer side and a removable SDL connection at the back of the keyboard.

Later incarnations had a removable SDL-to-PS/2 cable, and after about 1993 they went to a permanent PS/2 cable.

Terminals came with a dizzying array of odd connectors that would not plug into the back of a conventional PC. The earliest ones had the large 240 degree DIN plugs, then 180 degree DIN plugs, then "RJ45"-like connectors (actually 6P6C).

The brilliant Soarer made them all work beautifully with a Teensy.

[wes1099]

The oldest Model Ms came with a black coiled cable and "AT-style" (aka large DIN) connector on the computer side and a removable SDL connection at the back of the keyboard.

Later incarnations had a removable SDL-to-PS/2 cable, and after about 1993 they went to a permanent PS/2 cable.

Terminals came with a dizzying array of odd connectors that would not plug into the back of a conventional PC. The earliest ones had the large 240 degree DIN plugs, then 180 degree DIN plugs, then "RJ45"-like connectors (actually 6P6C).

The brilliant Soarer made them all work beautifully with a Teensy.

So if I understand this correctly, my 1390636 Model M is a terminal board since it does not have a removable black coiled cable or a ps/2 connection. I have heard that the 1390636 is compatible with modern PCs, is this true if it is in fact a terminal board?

This is what it looks like:

[hwood34]

The oldest Model Ms came with a black coiled cable and "AT-style" (aka large DIN) connector on the computer side and a removable SDL connection at the back of the keyboard.

Later incarnations had a removable SDL-to-PS/2 cable, and after about 1993 they went to a permanent PS/2 cable.

Terminals came with a dizzying array of odd connectors that would not plug into the back of a conventional PC. The earliest ones had the large 240 degree DIN plugs, then 180 degree DIN plugs, then "RJ45"-like connectors (actually 6P6C).

The brilliant Soarer made them all work beautifully with a Teensy.

So if I understand this correctly, my 1390636 Model M is a terminal board since it does not have a removable black coiled cable or a ps/2 connection. I have heard that the 1390636 is compatible with modern PCs, is this true if it is in fact a terminal board?

This is what it looks like:

Show Image

Show Image

Yep, that's a terminal. You can also tell because it has no caps/num/scroll lights