Recommendations for Model F rescued from oblivion

[sz42]

The other day, I rescued a circa 1981, IBM PC 5150 keyboard, Model F, XT version (part number 1501100) from a very clean home electronics workshop that was being "dejunked" by the owner/friend.  If you had asked me last week what a "Model F" was, I'd have given you a blank stare--this is my second post on GH.

The keyboard has no modifications, no corrosion, really clean keys/case and all the keys still go "clack"... I just currently lack a way to easily test if the worky bits inside still work properly.

I'm not likely to keep this keyboard afterward--As pretty as it is, I'm only really going to be happy building my own keyboard.  I've been a GH member for 3 days and don't have access to post to it to the classifieds section yet.  I might offer it up for the cost of shipping from Canada once my 25 post, 60 day trial period is over.

However, I would be very keen to know now:
- Would such a keyboard be expected to work properly with a passive 5-pin DIN to PS/2 adapter? (so I can test it)
- Am I likely to be able to test it as some kind of meetup in the near future? (which, I assume may be mentioned in one of them sections I can't access yet)
- Is there a good chance that this keyboard's capacitive plate is likely to be in a 100% functioning state? (it was stored in a clean, dry location along with expensive test equipment)

Anybody here use a XT Model F as their daily driver?

I hope I did the right thing rescuing it...

[Hypersphere]

You will need an active converter to use the XT with a modern computer. You can get a ready-made switchbox from Hagstrom:

https://www.hagstromelectronics.com/products/ke_xtusb.html

Alternatively, you can install a "Soarer Converter":

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=17458.0

You can use the existing layout or modify it in various ways. There are numerous threads on this here on GH or over on Deskthority (DT).

Enjoy. The XT has one of the best-ever switch types in terms of sound and feel, and they sound and feel especially good in the XT case.

[Parak]

Model Fs have a very low failure rate due to age, and they even tolerate corrosion to some extent as long as it doesn't hit the controller. So I wouldn't worry about it not working. Here's another ready made adapter made by a member of this forum:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281476427201

If you DIY a bit with a soldering iron and such, you can get one going for under $10.

Fs have one of the best feeling clicky action of any (keyboard) switch mechanism - the number of comparable switches can be counted on one hand, and none of them are still manufactured

[Melvang]

What layout modifications can be made to the XT?  Each key is center stemmed stepped, and there are no extra pads on the pcb. Unless you are talking about the xtant, but that is more of an internals swap as you need a new pcb and barrel plate.

[Hypersphere]

What layout modifications can be made to the XT?  Each key is center stemmed stepped, and there are no extra pads on the pcb. Unless you are talking about the xtant, but that is more of an internals swap as you need a new pcb and barrel plate.

I set mine up like this:





I sourced caps from Unicomp and other IBM boards and installed a Teensy with Soarer's Converter to remap the keys.

[Snarfangel]

Model Fs have a very low failure rate due to age, and they even tolerate corrosion to some extent as long as it doesn't hit the controller. So I wouldn't worry about it not working. Here's another ready made adapter made by a member of this forum:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281476427201

If you DIY a bit with a soldering iron and such, you can get one going for under $10.

Fs have one of the best feeling clicky action of any (keyboard) switch mechanism - the number of comparable switches can be counted on one hand, and none of them are still manufactured

 
I can vouch for orihalcon's adapter, though I use mine on an old Maltron rather than a Model F. Really a nice unit, and you can remap things.

[Defect]

If I were you, I'd keep it just because Model F buckling springs are up there at the top in terms of typing feel.  I'm actually restoring an F122 currently, and if it weren't so large I would use it for everything.  It will have to stay in the basement for my server =\ only table strong enough to support it.

XT layouts kind of suck, tbh, but you could re-map with soarers and MAYBE get used to the layout.

Unicomp sells custom buckling spring keys for a decent price.

[sz42]

Wow!  Those mods look awesome!  I hadn't previously considered modding it.   It's certainly something to consider as owning a keyboard made almost entirely out of pure Unobtainium has a certain appeal to it.  Thanks a bunch, all, for the sage advice.
---   .-..   -..   -   .   -.-.   ....   .-.   ---   -.-.   -.-   ...

I knew about Soarer's converter but haven't played around with it yet.

Heh... I just clicked "buy" for $500 worth of blue and clear switches from Digikey.  When they come in, I shall try to resist pouring them all over me.

And, now, back to my KiCAD tutorial...

[snarfarlarkus]

Is the Hagstrom the exact same thing as orihalcons soarers converter?

[pr0ximity]

What layout modifications can be made to the XT?  Each key is center stemmed stepped, and there are no extra pads on the pcb. Unless you are talking about the xtant, but that is more of an internals swap as you need a new pcb and barrel plate.

I set mine up like this:

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I sourced caps from Unicomp and other IBM boards and installed a Teensy with Soarer's Converter to remap the keys.

Do standard-size IBM shift keys fit on an XT?

[Melvang]

What layout modifications can be made to the XT?  Each key is center stemmed stepped, and there are no extra pads on the pcb. Unless you are talking about the xtant, but that is more of an internals swap as you need a new pcb and barrel plate.

I set mine up like this:

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I sourced caps from Unicomp and other IBM boards and installed a Teensy with Soarer's Converter to remap the keys.

Do standard-size IBM shift keys fit on an XT?

No.  Every multi unit length is stepped and only a single middle stem.  The one exception is the space bar.

[fohat.digs]

Is the Hagstrom the exact same thing as orihalcons soarers converter?

No, Hagstrom is a completely different, pre-built, package unit.

Orihalcon uses a very "mini" version breakout board integrated into the cable itself, generally similar to Soarer's Converter.

[Hypersphere]

@pr0ximity: Regarding Shift keys, I have difficulty hitting a 1-unit (1x) shift key, but if the key is just slightly larger (e.g., 1.25x, which Unicomp calls 1.3x), I have no trouble at all. I replaced the stepped shift keys on my XT with 1.25x keys from a 122-key Model M, and I used the adjacent 1x keys as Fn keys (remapped with Soarer's converter; the Fn keycaps were a special order from Unicomp). My mapping included something as close as I could get to the HHKB layout.

I really like the sound and feel of the switches in the XT, but even with the changes I have made, I have to admit that I would prefer a standard ANSI layout as a starting point. The ANSI layout is much easier to achieve with an IBM Model F AT keyboard, but IMO the case on the XT makes for a better sound and feel than what you get with the AT.

[vivalarevolución]

@pr0ximity: Regarding Shift keys, I have difficulty hitting a 1-unit (1x) shift key, but if the key is just slightly larger (e.g., 1.25x, which Unicomp calls 1.3x), I have no trouble at all. I replaced the stepped shift keys on my XT with 1.25x keys from a 122-key Model M, and I used the adjacent 1x keys as Fn keys (remapped with Soarer's converter; the Fn keycaps were a special order from Unicomp). My mapping included something as close as I could get to the HHKB layout.

I really like the sound and feel of the switches in the XT, but even with the changes I have made, I have to admit that I would prefer a standard ANSI layout as a starting point. The ANSI layout is much easier to achieve with an IBM Model F AT keyboard, but IMO the case on the XT makes for a better sound and feel than what you get with the AT.

You'll have the standard ANSI soon.  Plates currently in Illinois.  Should be here by Wednesday.  Exciting times.

[XMIT]

You'll have the standard ANSI soon.  Plates currently in Illinois.  Should be here by Wednesday.  Exciting times.

Am I missing something here? I'm familiar with XTant (which would be perfect except for the 1.25u inverted-T alpha cluster which ruins it for me). vivalarevolución what are you talking about?

[vivalarevolución]

You'll have the standard ANSI soon.  Plates currently in Illinois.  Should be here by Wednesday.  Exciting times.

Am I missing something here? I'm familiar with XTant (which would be perfect except for the 1.25u inverted-T alpha cluster which ruins it for me). vivalarevolución what are you talking about?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69344.0