New user looking for advice on Model F

[JohnDoe77]

Hi. New user here. Currently using a Model M 42H1292. It's pretty nice, but I've heard the Model F is even better.

I just so happen to have one. It's a Model F AT. It looks exactly like this one:



I found it in my dad's garage and he let me have it. It is dirty, so I need to recondition it. I also need to convert it to USB and convert it to ANSI. Is there some guide I can follow to do all that?

One concern I have is that it only has F1-F10. F11 and F12 are missing. Is there some easy way to solve it? Having to re-learn my hotkeys would be annoying.

Sorry for being clueless. I'm a total beginner.

[JohnDoe77]

By the way, I know this is not the correct place to post this. I'm not sure where I should, though. Could someone direct me to the appropriate board to ask for advice?

[nubbinator]

Well, if you do one of the converters, you can create a function layer.

[FrostyToast]

You should put a new controller in it an program a function layer on your board for f11 and f12 on f1 and f2.
You might as well since you require a new controller for the ANSI mod.

[JohnDoe77]

I assume "converter" is a Soarer's converter, right? People mentioned that on other sites. How do I get/make one of those? Is there a comprehensive guide or did someone else document their own repair/upgrade process so I can follow along?

[nubbinator]

There's xwhatsit and soarer's.  I don't know the functional differences between the two since I haven't used either, but I know some people prefer the xwhatsit.

[Snowdog993]

Orihalcon has the AT to USB Soarer's converter on Ebay.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=64670.0

The one you want to get is this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XT-AT-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-NKRO-Support-IBM-Model-F-/281476427201

Please read on the notes at the bottom of the page to fully understand what it does and how it works.

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

For an F122 ISO to ANSI conversion, look here.  The same principal should apply to your Model F.

And a good place to post questions (or to create your own build thread) would be making stuff together (where, incidentally,. the other thread I linked is located).