Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[kennardsmith]

Anyone know anything about the alu 60% case on MD? The blue looks nice..

I've got the gold one. It's heavy!

Still on the fence about it (no information on the manufacture, can't find any thorough reviews...)

Oh well I'll wait til the last minute I guess.

I'm pretty sure it's the same as these:

http://world.taobao.com/item/40921762675.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.qbEGO3#detail

Let me know if I can tell you anything about the case. I like it a lot, will probably get another one soon.

[CommonCurt]

Anyone know anything about the alu 60% case on MD? The blue looks nice..

I got a silver one on the last drop.
It's  nice. I just wish they would offer it in a grey color.

[Bomble]

My HHKB spacebar has a real click/rattle sound to it, particularly when pressed on the left side (I press space with my left thumb ).

I've searched around a little bit and I couldn't find any solutions - I assume it's the probably the stabiliser? Anyone know what to do?

Bump to this while I'm here

But also, I'm looking to silence mod my HHKB - is there an advantage to Hypersphere's silencing rings other than convenience? Or would I get a similar effect from ironing EK landing pads? The weak Australian dollar is making this very difficult

[CPTBadAss]

1) I've searched around a little bit and I couldn't find any solutions - I assume it's the probably the stabiliser? Anyone know what to do?

2) But also, I'm looking to silence mod my HHKB - is there an advantage to Hypersphere's silencing rings other than convenience? Or would I get a similar effect from ironing EK landing pads? The weak Australian dollar is making this very difficult

Don't bump please.

1) Here's four threads I found really quick.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40653.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46648.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50312.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=66981.0

2) Here's some popular silence mods:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40582.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34972.0

I don't Topre so I have personal experience on if this works or not.

[Bomble]

1) I've searched around a little bit and I couldn't find any solutions - I assume it's the probably the stabiliser? Anyone know what to do?

2) But also, I'm looking to silence mod my HHKB - is there an advantage to Hypersphere's silencing rings other than convenience? Or would I get a similar effect from ironing EK landing pads? The weak Australian dollar is making this very difficult

Don't bump please.

1) Here's four threads I found really quick.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40653.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46648.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50312.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=66981.0

2) Here's some popular silence mods:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40582.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34972.0

I don't Topre so I have personal experience on if this works or not.

Oops sorry man.

Thanks for the links, the clicking seems to be from when I either rest my thumb on space, or when I bottom out. So I'm guessing I'll just need to lube it.

As for the silencing, I know what options I have, I'm just curious as to a comparison between the two methods that I mentioned

[edb5s]

Can someone identify this board?

[CPTBadAss]

Can someone identify this board?

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Either an IBM M2 (low profile BS board) or a rubber dome. I'm leaning towards M2.

[edb5s]

Can someone identify this board?

Show Image

Show Image

Either an IBM M2 (low profile BS board) or a rubber dome. I'm leaning towards M2.

Thanks for the input. Since I posted, I did some more searching and it looks like it is an IBM KB-8923, which is a rubber dome board.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72595.0

[fohat.digs]

it looks like it is an IBM KB-8923, which is a rubber dome board.

The 8923 is a very well-built rubber dome board, I have had a few of them.

The case of an M2 is considerably smaller.

[Blaise170]

The M2 is also less round than that one.

[Melvang]

Can someone post a side shot of some Leopold blanks please?  Also, number of each size and each row for the singles would be great.  Going to be selling mine and just want to check if I have all of them.

[Bucake]

what are my options to get an IBM Model F 'XT' to work on new hardware?
(i have PS/2 on this motherboard in case that gives me more options)

[CPTBadAss]

what are my options to get an IBM Model F 'XT' to work on new hardware?
(i have PS/2 on this motherboard in case that gives me more options)

PS/2 to USB converter
Teensy converter
Hasu converter
xwhatsit Controller
I think phosphorglow has a controller out too

[Bucake]

what are my options to get an IBM Model F 'XT' to work on new hardware?
(i have PS/2 on this motherboard in case that gives me more options)

PS/2 to USB converter
Teensy converter
Hasu converter
xwhatsit Controller
I think phosphorglow has a controller out too

thanks a ton for your response
did some googling to your suggestions, and eventually found this on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/281476427201
looks pretty damn incredible, can't believe there's a converter in there. anyway, hopefully i'll be able to get one once the seller is processing orders again..
thanks again!

[Melvang]

what are my options to get an IBM Model F 'XT' to work on new hardware?
(i have PS/2 on this motherboard in case that gives me more options)

PS/2 to USB converter
Teensy converter
Hasu converter
xwhatsit Controller
I think phosphorglow has a controller out too

I didn't realize that xwhatsit worked on the XT due to the controller being onboard.  Or am I missing something there with pulling that chip out?

[CPTBadAss]

I didn't realize that xwhatsit worked on the XT due to the controller being onboard.  Or am I missing something there with pulling that chip out?

I assumed if it worked for a Kishsaver, it would work for an XT. Is that not the case?

[Melvang]

I didn't realize that xwhatsit worked on the XT due to the controller being onboard.  Or am I missing something there with pulling that chip out?

I assumed if it worked for a Kishsaver, it would work for an XT. Is that not the case?

To my knowldedge no.  Because the xwhatsit is a full controller swap, and reads the matrix directly.  Hence all the cap sense adjustments in the GUI.  With the XT, since it is fixed on the board, I was under the impression that you were limited to converters.  Though there are still options.  Granted I don't remember if XT can be used on USB/PS/2 with simple plug changes. 

[fohat.digs]

I don't remember if XT can be used on USB/PS/2 with simple plug changes. 

No, it takes more. The DIN plug on the XT looks like an AT plug but doesn't speak the same language.

Orihalcon's cables are the cleanest and easiest, but not the cheapest.

Hagstrom makes a plug & play outboard converter.

Soarer's / Teensy probably gives the most options, but you have to buy it and build it.

[darkspider]

Anyone know if I can assign FnLock to some key on Model F using Xwhatsit?

[fohat.digs]

Anyone know if I can assign FnLock to some key on Model F using Xwhatsit?

Orihalcon listed some programming procedures in his ebay listing that will probably work. Look down in the details.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271973216154

[Melvang]

Anyone know if I can assign FnLock to some key on Model F using Xwhatsit?

Orihalcon listed some programming procedures in his ebay listing that will probably work. Look down in the details.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271973216154

I know you can with an external switch from the expansion header. 

[darkspider]

Anyone know if I can assign FnLock to some key on Model F using Xwhatsit?

Orihalcon listed some programming procedures in his ebay listing that will probably work. Look down in the details.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271973216154

Thanks

[ideus]

On switch opening, is there a recommended procedure to open a switch with a simple flat screw driver? I did that yesterday, and I found it to be doable, but wonder if there are some tips to do it better. I know there are fancy switch tools, as well as some DIY clip ones; but the driver had the job done.

[inanis]

On switch opening, is there a recommended procedure to open a switch with a simple flat screw driver? I did that yesterday, and I found it to be doable, but wonder if there are some tips to do it better. I know there are fancy switch tools, as well as some DIY clip ones; but the driver had the job done.

Before I had a switch opener tool I found the easiest thing to use was pointy tipped tweezers, the kind that you can find in the beauty section at a CVS, or other drug store. 

[davkol]

On switch opening, is there a recommended procedure to open a switch with a simple flat screw driver? I did that yesterday, and I found it to be doable, but wonder if there are some tips to do it better. I know there are fancy switch tools, as well as some DIY clip ones; but the driver had the job done.

Alps SKCM, or Cherry MX compatible? I always use a pair of curved tweezers for MX.

[ideus]

On switch opening, is there a recommended procedure to open a switch with a simple flat screw driver? I did that yesterday, and I found it to be doable, but wonder if there are some tips to do it better. I know there are fancy switch tools, as well as some DIY clip ones; but the driver had the job done.

Alps SKCM, or Cherry MX compatible? I always use a pair of curved tweezers for MX.

I am sorry, I did not mention they were Cherry clear switches. Do you have a picture or reference for those particular tweezers, and it sounds like a great idea.

[ideus]

Is there a place, besides the marketplace, to get Cherry clear stems?

Is there a Gateron switch whose stem is closer to Cherry clear?

[SpAmRaY]

Is there a place, besides the marketplace, to get Cherry clear stems?

Is there a Gateron switch whose stem is closer to Cherry clear?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74807.0 for the gateron equivalent

But there isnt' anywhere to buy just clear cherry mx stems, mechanicalkeyboards.com (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=58) has some clear cherry mx switches

You can also substitute mx tactile gray stems as they are the same, the spring is what makes the difference.

[davkol]

On switch opening, is there a recommended procedure to open a switch with a simple flat screw driver? I did that yesterday, and I found it to be doable, but wonder if there are some tips to do it better. I know there are fancy switch tools, as well as some DIY clip ones; but the driver had the job done.

Alps SKCM, or Cherry MX compatible? I always use a pair of curved tweezers for MX.

I am sorry, I did not mention they were Cherry clear switches. Do you have a picture or reference for those particular tweezers, and it sounds like a great idea.

See this video.

[ideus]

Thank you SpamRay and Davkol for the answers, I will have a sweet time checking them, this afternoon.

[ideus]

On switch opening, is there a recommended procedure to open a switch with a simple flat screw driver? I did that yesterday, and I found it to be doable, but wonder if there are some tips to do it better. I know there are fancy switch tools, as well as some DIY clip ones; but the driver had the job done.

Alps SKCM, or Cherry MX compatible? I always use a pair of curved tweezers for MX.

I am sorry, I did not mention they were Cherry clear switches. Do you have a picture or reference for those particular tweezers, and it sounds like a great idea.

See this video.

Those tweezers work great, thank you again for the reference.

[ideus]

Is there a place, besides the marketplace, to get Cherry clear stems?

Is there a Gateron switch whose stem is closer to Cherry clear?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74807.0 for the gateron equivalent

But there isnt' anywhere to buy just clear cherry mx stems, mechanicalkeyboards.com (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=58) has some clear cherry mx switches

You can also substitute mx tactile gray stems as they are the same, the spring is what makes the difference.

This Zealios - 65g - Tactile (Purple ergo-clear stem) - have the same specifications of my modded clears; but, the color and the high price.

Thank you for the reference.

[Karura]

Is there a place, besides the marketplace, to get Cherry clear stems?

Is there a Gateron switch whose stem is closer to Cherry clear?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74807.0 for the gateron equivalent

But there isnt' anywhere to buy just clear cherry mx stems, mechanicalkeyboards.com (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=58) has some clear cherry mx switches

You can also substitute mx tactile gray stems as they are the same, the spring is what makes the difference.

This Zealios - 65g - Tactile (Purple ergo-clear stem) - have the same specifications of my modded clears; but, the color and the high price.

Thank you for the reference.

Oh, so you got clear tops and bottom housing on your modded clears for the same price? Where can I get some?

[LechnerDE]

Has anybody saved the GMK Red Alert mock up pic from Photekq's mini GB?

The link is dead and only the Olivetti pic is still up.

[davkol]

Not sure if this is a simple question (or the answer would be simple)… I'm potentially interested in getting a Leeku PCB (probably the 1800 one) and using it with a custom layout (ANSI HHKB, ISO Shift and JIS spacebar row). However, I haven't found a clear statement

• what the controller is (i.e., the chip or something),
• how programming is done and/or what firmware is supported.

I have found several threads about what appears to be different revisions, and some GitHub repo, but I wonder if there's some precise specification somewhere (or if anyone can post it).

(For the record, I use GNU/Linux and have dfu-programmer installed among other stuff, but I guess other systems would give me some clue anyway.)

[azhdar]

Not sure if this is a simple question (or the answer would be simple)… I'm potentially interested in getting a Leeku PCB (probably the 1800 one) and using it with a custom layout (ANSI HHKB, ISO Shift and JIS spacebar row). However, I haven't found a clear statement

• what the controller is (i.e., the chip or something),
• how programming is done and/or what firmware is supported.

I have found several threads about what appears to be different revisions, and some GitHub repo, but I wonder if there's some precise specification somewhere (or if anyone can post it).

(For the record, I use GNU/Linux and have dfu-programmer installed among other stuff, but I guess other systems would give me some clue anyway.)

What pcb are you talking about here?
My LZ-SQ is a leeku PCB and I have the Jigon software, that is almost as good as the Gon one.
And I know he recently moved his 3000 & 1800 pcb onto this Jigon tool. It might be a windows only software tho, I'm not sure.

[CommonCurt]

Has anybody saved the GMK Red Alert mock up pic from Photekq's mini GB?

The link is dead and only the Olivetti pic is still up.

Show Image

Here ya go.

[LechnerDE]

Has anybody saved the GMK Red Alert mock up pic from Photekq's mini GB?

The link is dead and only the Olivetti pic is still up.

Show Image

Here ya go.

Show Image

Thanks 

[CommonCurt]

Has anybody saved the GMK Red Alert mock up pic from Photekq's mini GB?

The link is dead and only the Olivetti pic is still up.

Show Image

Here ya go.

Show Image

Thanks 

No problem 

[davkol]

…I'm potentially interested in getting a Leeku PCB (probably the 1800 one)… However, I haven't found a clear statement

• what the controller is (i.e., the chip or something),
• how programming is done and/or what firmware is supported.

I have found several threads about what appears to be different revisions, and some GitHub repo, but I wonder if there's some precise specification somewhere (or if anyone can post it).
(…)

What pcb are you talking about here?
My LZ-SQ is a leeku PCB and I have the Jigon software, that is almost as good as the Gon one.
And I know he recently moved his 3000 & 1800 pcb onto this Jigon tool. It might be a windows only software tho, I'm not sure.

I've highlighted the 1800 mention and the link to the MX1830 repo (last updated earlier this month).

Thanks anyway; if it's true that there's some migration to a closed solution going on, it might save quite some monies.

[azhdar]

…I'm potentially interested in getting a Leeku PCB (probably the 1800 one)… However, I haven't found a clear statement

• what the controller is (i.e., the chip or something),
• how programming is done and/or what firmware is supported.

I have found several threads about what appears to be different revisions, and some GitHub repo, but I wonder if there's some precise specification somewhere (or if anyone can post it).
(…)

What pcb are you talking about here?
My LZ-SQ is a leeku PCB and I have the Jigon software, that is almost as good as the Gon one.
And I know he recently moved his 3000 & 1800 pcb onto this Jigon tool. It might be a windows only software tho, I'm not sure.

I've highlighted the 1800 mention and the link to the MX1830 repo (last updated earlier this month).

Thanks anyway; if it's true that there's some migration to a closed solution going on, it might save quite some monies.

I think the Jigon tool is just a facilitator and you can work you own thing, but don't use me as a source I'm not quite certain.

[Bucake]

why are industrial IBMs so much more expensive than 'regular' ones?
i've seen top-condition IBMs go for a few dozens of bucks, but then see the industrial version go for 400, or 600, or even 800+? what makes them so special, rarity?

[hwood34]

what makes them so special, rarity?

^

[njbair]

why are industrial IBMs so much more expensive than 'regular' ones?
i've seen top-condition IBMs go for a few dozens of bucks, but then see the industrial version go for 400, or 600, or even 800+? what makes them so special, rarity?

Rarity, hype. It's a bubble.

[fohat.digs]

why are industrial IBMs so much more expensive than 'regular' ones?

The same reason that coin collectors pay 100x as much for a 1909S VDB Lincoln cent than for a 1909 VDB.
 

[Bucake]

hehe, got it.

so i have a zenith 100-1886 coming in. does anyone know if this thing is AT, or XT? would it be safe to just try it out with an AT to PS/2 adapter?
also, is there anything i should keep in mind when i open it up for cleaning? like a risk of breaking (stabilized) caps when pulling them up? (it uses Alps SKCL.)

[dohbot]

Well my question would be, what would the FC660M aluminum case in titanium grey look like with hyperfuse on it? So if someone has that combo, I'd love a picture, but since I don't know if anyone has that case or one by the same company with the same color, I'll ask, what color aluminum case http://world.taobao.com/item/520940971460.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.MLdXWo#detail would be best suited towards hyperfuse?

[ideus]

Where I can get some sip sockets? and what is the main difference between long and short ones?

[HoffmanMyster]

I know this question comes up an awful lot regarding various custom boards, but after some light searching I'm coming up empty.    So, sorry to be that guy, but:

Does anyone know the alloy type used in The Cheat's construction?

[CPTBadAss]

1) Well my question would be, what would the FC660M aluminum case in titanium grey look like with hyperfuse on it? So if someone has that combo, I'd love a picture, but since I don't know if anyone has that case or one by the same company with the same color, I'll ask,

2) what color aluminum case http://world.taobao.com/item/520940971460.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.MLdXWo#detail would be best suited towards hyperfuse?

1) This is the closest picture I could find of that case color and a quick search.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/aluminum-case-for-leopold-fc660m/talk - Case for reference
http://i.imgur.com/6R7DPK6.jpg - Keyboard (Not sure who is the owner or what keyboard it is )

2) Definitely personal preference in terms of what you think is "best". I can't do color comparisons on my work computer though to give you my opinion since my work computer's colors are jacked.

1)Where I can get some sip sockets?

2) and what is the main difference between long and short ones?

1) https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51792.msg1413823#msg1413823

2) You mean besides the length? ) I'd just use whatever everyone else used. I would imagine that the longer ones would make it harder to install.

hehe, got it.

so i have a zenith 100-1886 coming in. does anyone know if this thing is AT, or XT? would it be safe to just try it out with an AT to PS/2 adapter?
also, is there anything i should keep in mind when i open it up for cleaning? like a risk of breaking (stabilized) caps when pulling them up? (it uses Alps SKCL.)

I'm guessing AT from these pictures. Alps in general are more susceptible to dirt, dust, and grime affecting the feeling so you may want to clean it. Alps caps are harder to pull off so make sure you rock from side to side while pulling caps. Be very careful pulling stabilizers as they're hard to come off and if you break them, very hard to replace. I suggest checking out chyros' videos on how he cleaned up his Alps boards. Also BlueBar has a good video IIRC.

I know this question comes up an awful lot regarding various custom boards, but after some light searching I'm coming up empty.    So, sorry to be that guy, but:

Does anyone know the alloy type used in The Cheat's construction?

Seems like the vast majority of customs are Aluminum 6061 but I'm not sure. I couldn't find an answer but I did find this clue from DanGWanG.