Help with an old model f

[Levelog]

So all of you wonderful people, I'm finally trying to getting an IBM keyboard I got a couple months back to work. So far the most economical way to get an XT keyboard to work with a modern computer seems to be the teensy method. My biggest worry is that it does not seem to be an entire typical model F, and I want to ensure that is works before dropping this dosh.

Picture of the keyboard:



It seems to match up with http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11066/subcatid/0/id/567953 except for the scroll lock and caps lock key, but since they said they removed and cleaned the keycaps, I feel like they just put it in the wrong place.

Any suggestions? I really want to get this up and running if it's worth it. If not, I'm probably looking to sell it and pick up a newer keyboard.

[Pacifist]

thats a regular f xt

I just got a teensy and wired it up to a xt female plug and then flashed firmware and it worked

[JPG]

The key caps looks to be in the good right position.

The cheapest way to make it work is to get a pro micro clone instead of the teensy (or just the teensy if you prefer), plug some DuPont cables in it and in the keyboard (Look at the Soarer converter thread for more info) and plug a micro usb cable in it and once the Soarer converter code loaded, you are pretty much good to go.

It's not 100% easy, but it really isn't hard at all. And the model F is really fun to type on, my best switch so far. And the layout on this keyboard is not the best, but for many purposes it's quite ok and you can get used to it and you can remap the keys with the converter if you want anyway.

[Levelog]

Yeah. Although the layout is a bit subpar, I really want to keep it because it by far feels like the most fantastic keyboard I've ever typed on. I think I'll do the teensy method though because once I get the funds I'm pickup up a smaller 3d printer, and then I get to have some fun making enclosures for it.

[Pacifist]

Yeah. Although the layout is a bit subpar, I really want to keep it because it by far feels like the most fantastic keyboard I've ever typed on. I think I'll do the teensy method though because once I get the funds I'm pickup up a smaller 3d printer, and then I get to have some fun making enclosures for it.

I just used a plastic box from a cherry keypuller. But when you make the 3d files, send me a stl file so I can get myself one too

[Levelog]

Yeah. Although the layout is a bit subpar, I really want to keep it because it by far feels like the most fantastic keyboard I've ever typed on. I think I'll do the teensy method though because once I get the funds I'm pickup up a smaller 3d printer, and then I get to have some fun making enclosures for it.

I just used a plastic box from a cherry keypuller. But when you make the 3d files, send me a stl file so I can get myself one too

Will do, but it may be a while. Still playing with my options for it to look good. Convenience and cleanness is the name of the game with my current build. (Which is funny, because I'm going through a lot of trouble to get a keyboard from the 80's to work)

Also on the topic of cleanliness, any ideas on what to use to clean it up a touch? It appears to still be in excellent condition, but I'm sure a once over wouldn't hurt.

[Pacifist]

Yeah. Although the layout is a bit subpar, I really want to keep it because it by far feels like the most fantastic keyboard I've ever typed on. I think I'll do the teensy method though because once I get the funds I'm pickup up a smaller 3d printer, and then I get to have some fun making enclosures for it.

I just used a plastic box from a cherry keypuller. But when you make the 3d files, send me a stl file so I can get myself one too

Will do, but it may be a while. Still playing with my options for it to look good. Convenience and cleanness is the name of the game with my current build. (Which is funny, because I'm going through a lot of trouble to get a keyboard from the 80's to work)

Also on the topic of cleanliness, any ideas on what to use to clean it up a touch? It appears to still be in excellent condition, but I'm sure a once over wouldn't hurt.

Open case

Put bottom and top in dishwasher

Soak caps in denture tablets

Clean plate with tissues

Put back together once dry

[Levelog]

I'm getting the feeling that these are the Nokia's of keyboards. Also, even from my brief messing around with it, I'm already starting to hate my current keyboard.

[Pacifist]

I'm getting the feeling that these are the Nokia's of keyboards. Also, even from my brief messing around with it, I'm already starting to hate my current keyboard.

F's last forever. Only issues I've seen are the foam liners disengrating after a long time and a crack in my case. And when buying from ebay, most are sold as is because its hard to test without soarer's, but they almost always will work

[Levelog]

I'm getting the feeling that these are the Nokia's of keyboards. Also, even from my brief messing around with it, I'm already starting to hate my current keyboard.

F's last forever. Only issues I've seen are the foam liners disengrating after a long time and a crack in my case. And when buying from ebay, most are sold as is because its hard to test without soarer's, but they almost always will work

Yeah. I'm hoping this one works. Not a huge loss if it doesn't though. Some guy dropped it off at work for recycle along with a couple old DOS machines and I nabbed the keyboard right there.

Edit: Although I must admit my current keyboard doesn't feel terrible for long. Although not on the mechanical level, this plunger keyboard doesn't exactly feel mushy.

[1391406]

I'm getting the feeling that these are the Nokia's of keyboards. Also, even from my brief messing around with it, I'm already starting to hate my current keyboard.

F's last forever. Only issues I've seen are the foam liners disengrating after a long time and a crack in my case. And when buying from ebay, most are sold as is because its hard to test without soarer's, but they almost always will work

Yeah. I'm hoping this one works. Not a huge loss if it doesn't though. Some guy dropped it off at work for recycle along with a couple old DOS machines and I nabbed the keyboard right there.

Edit: Although I must admit my current keyboard doesn't feel terrible for long. Although not on the mechanical level, this plunger keyboard doesn't exactly feel mushy.

Based on the pic alone, I can almost guarantee it'll work. Lots of people and businesses toss out perfectly functional Model M's and F's simply because they think they're obsolete and antiquated.

[fohat.digs]

Open case

Put bottom and top in dishwasher

Soak caps in denture tablets

Clean plate with tissues

Put back together once dry

The bottom pan of the case is metal, don't put it in the dishwasher. I would scrub the upper case with a soapy sponge or scrubber in the kitchen sink.

[handystack]

DO NOT REMOVE THE SPACEBAR!!!

[berserkfan]

DO NOT REMOVE THE SPACEBAR!!!

I second this. Remove the spacebar = you die or else have to beg some expert like fohat to fix it for you.

[E TwentyNine]

Open case

Put bottom and top in dishwasher

Soak caps in denture tablets

Clean plate with tissues

Put back together once dry

The bottom pan of the case is metal, don't put it in the dishwasher. I would scrub the upper case with a soapy sponge or scrubber in the kitchen sink.

I'd scrub the case very gently.   Doesn't have the toughness of a Model M case and it is possible to flake off that upper layer.

[mougrim]

Yeah. Although the layout is a bit subpar, I really want to keep it because it by far feels like the most fantastic keyboard I've ever typed on. I think I'll do the teensy method though because once I get the funds I'm pickup up a smaller 3d printer, and then I get to have some fun making enclosures for it.

That's Model F for you. It's really absolutely fantastic to type on. Ever. Even if Topre zealots won't agree with me But it's totally different.

[Pacifist]

Open case

Put bottom and top in dishwasher

Soak caps in denture tablets

Clean plate with tissues

Put back together once dry

The bottom pan of the case is metal, don't put it in the dishwasher. I would scrub the upper case with a soapy sponge or scrubber in the kitchen sink.

you're not supposed to put metal in the dishwasher

[fohat.digs]

you're not supposed to put metal in the dishwasher ?

Certainly not unpainted metal (inside) with paper labels stuck on.