Hello!

[djkib]

Hello, all!

I am another newbie to this site, but not to keyboards... I am a grey-haired programmer who has been banging on the same IBM Model M (1391401) since it was new... 11/20/1990... my career as a programmer started in 1987 on a model F that I have as well.

In addition to my first M, I have the following:
- two other Model M's 1391401 grey label (one from 1988, another from 1989) both have been bolt-modded
- two 84 key IBM Model F
- one NMB RT8255C+
- one Unicomp UB40446 (4/30/2009)

After typing for so long on the Model M, nothing else compares... I have tried the Cherry MX switches, ALPS, and other membrane (yuk!) keyboards, but keep coming back to the Model M.

I have found a TON of stuff on this site that is tremendous! What a treasure trove! I look forward to posting pics and info on my future mods and changes to my daily drivers. Plans include:
- modding one of my Model F's using a teensy 2.0 to the "ANSI" layout
- modified Model M to convert the number pad to a bunch of random function keys like audio controls, windows key, etc. (includes a teensy 2.0 mod as well)
- dyed case/keys

I hope to be picking up 3 1390120/1390131's soon, which will be the basis for the modded Model M(s).

One question, though... I am having issues finding resources for new keycaps for the model M/F other than unicomp and clickykeyboards.com. Any thoughts to re-arranging the ALL KEYCAPS post to indicate the types of caps they supply? Or is there a section of the post I missed?

Thanks to all!

Keith

[njbair]

Welcome to Geekhack! That's a nice collection you've got there. I've got four Model M's myself, including an SSK and an old Unicomp PC-122 that I'm hacking down to remove the navigation and number pad clusters.

Unicomp and clickykeyboards are really the only sources for Model M caps, so it's not just you.

You may be interested to know about the upcoming project to build some brand-new Model F-style buckling spring boards. There's a thread about it in the Interest Checks forum (I'm on mobile or I'd link it for you). They're not going to be cheap, but they seem like they'll be as good as the genuine article.

[Snowdog993]

Hello, all!

I am another newbie to this site, but not to keyboards... I am a grey-haired programmer who has been banging on the same IBM Model M (1391401) since it was new... 11/20/1990... my career as a programmer started in 1987 on a model F that I have as well.

In addition to my first M, I have the following:
- two other Model M's 1391401 grey label (one from 1988, another from 1989) both have been bolt-modded
- two 84 key IBM Model F
- one NMB RT8255C+
- one Unicomp UB40446 (4/30/2009)

After typing for so long on the Model M, nothing else compares... I have tried the Cherry MX switches, ALPS, and other membrane (yuk!) keyboards, but keep coming back to the Model M.

I have found a TON of stuff on this site that is tremendous! What a treasure trove! I look forward to posting pics and info on my future mods and changes to my daily drivers. Plans include:
- modding one of my Model F's using a teensy 2.0 to the "ANSI" layout
- modified Model M to convert the number pad to a bunch of random function keys like audio controls, windows key, etc. (includes a teensy 2.0 mod as well)
- dyed case/keys

I hope to be picking up 3 1390120/1390131's soon, which will be the basis for the modded Model M(s).

One question, though... I am having issues finding resources for new keycaps for the model M/F other than unicomp and clickykeyboards.com. Any thoughts to re-arranging the ALL KEYCAPS post to indicate the types of caps they supply? Or is there a section of the post I missed?

Thanks to all!

Keith

Finding Model M keycaps are severely limited to finding them at the two places you mentioned, and you might come across some on ebay with obscure legends and so on...
But yeah, there are not many other sources around any longer.
Sounds like you have some major projects getting going too! 

Welcome to geekhack!

[djkib]

NJBair - Thanks - I found that thread, and am watching... I think I am going to sell at least one of my Model F 84's and maybe even mod and sell the three model M's I'm picking up next week to fund the new F77 build. I will wait until I have the fundage to actually commit to the project.

Snowdog - Thank you too! I look forward to contributing here on this forum in any way I can.

I have a friend that has access to a HP 3D multijet fusion printer (prototype taken from a dumpster) - I am going to see if I can get him to print me some custom key caps, and see what the fit is like. Maybe a new hobby for him? Maybe when these printers actually hit the street, we might be good to go...

Thanks to all!

K

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Yay for Model M!  I have 4 and another one (almost) on the way

Apart from the two Model M keycap makers, there was Fentek, but I understand they are selling their last stock with no plans to make any more.

I also read somewhere that even Unicomp was out of a particular keycap, and were not going to restock it.

[bocahgundul]

Nice keyboard collection you got there bro. I'm searching for my first model m and its just so hard

[rowdy]

Nice keyboard collection you got there bro. I'm searching for my first model m and its just so hard

eBay is often a good place to look - have patience and eventually you will find a nice one at a good price.

Even if they look dirty, they clean up really well.

[bocahgundul]

Nice keyboard collection you got there bro. I'm searching for my first model m and its just so hard

eBay is often a good place to look - have patience and eventually you will find a nice one at a good price.

Even if they look dirty, they clean up really well.

Thx for the tips bro

[rowdy]

Nice keyboard collection you got there bro. I'm searching for my first model m and its just so hard

eBay is often a good place to look - have patience and eventually you will find a nice one at a good price.

Even if they look dirty, they clean up really well.

Thx for the tips bro

You are most welcome

And don't worry about missing cables - they too are fairly easily replacable.

If you find one with an SDL connector, you can buy those new.  Although expensive, orihalcon (search eBay, and he's a member here too) makes SDL to USB cables.  I have one, and it has worked flawlessly for me connecting various Model M keyboards to my Mac.

A hard-wired cable can also be replaced.  Unicomp sell replacement cables that plug in (you'll need a special nut driver to open the case though), or, like I did, you can salvage a PS/2 cable from almost any other old keyboard and solder the connectors on to an appropriate plug.  One of my Model M has just such a replacement cable, and with a PS/2 to USB adaptor it works perfectly.

These old keyboards were built like tanks - they seem to last forever!

[bocahgundul]

Nice keyboard collection you got there bro. I'm searching for my first model m and its just so hard

eBay is often a good place to look - have patience and eventually you will find a nice one at a good price.

Even if they look dirty, they clean up really well.

Thx for the tips bro

You are most welcome

And don't worry about missing cables - they too are fairly easily replacable.

If you find one with an SDL connector, you can buy those new.  Although expensive, orihalcon (search eBay, and he's a member here too) makes SDL to USB cables.  I have one, and it has worked flawlessly for me connecting various Model M keyboards to my Mac.

A hard-wired cable can also be replaced.  Unicomp sell replacement cables that plug in (you'll need a special nut driver to open the case though), or, like I did, you can salvage a PS/2 cable from almost any other old keyboard and solder the connectors on to an appropriate plug.  One of my Model M has just such a replacement cable, and with a PS/2 to USB adaptor it works perfectly.

These old keyboards were built like tanks - they seem to last forever!

Do you have a comment on the Unicomp model?

[rowdy]

Nice keyboard collection you got there bro. I'm searching for my first model m and its just so hard

eBay is often a good place to look - have patience and eventually you will find a nice one at a good price.

Even if they look dirty, they clean up really well.

Thx for the tips bro

You are most welcome

And don't worry about missing cables - they too are fairly easily replacable.

If you find one with an SDL connector, you can buy those new.  Although expensive, orihalcon (search eBay, and he's a member here too) makes SDL to USB cables.  I have one, and it has worked flawlessly for me connecting various Model M keyboards to my Mac.

A hard-wired cable can also be replaced.  Unicomp sell replacement cables that plug in (you'll need a special nut driver to open the case though), or, like I did, you can salvage a PS/2 cable from almost any other old keyboard and solder the connectors on to an appropriate plug.  One of my Model M has just such a replacement cable, and with a PS/2 to USB adaptor it works perfectly.

These old keyboards were built like tanks - they seem to last forever!

Do you have a comment on the Unicomp model?

On the Unicomp keyboards?  Not really, not having used one.

I'm given to understand they are still using much of the equipment that they bought from IBM all those years ago, and that the equipment may have worn slightly.

And someone had a couple of dozen of the Unicomp 122 key models that they were selling for $20 each or something, because many were broken and the seller couldn't be bothered testing all of them, and so sold them as is.  Apparently most were working, or just needed a few minor adjustments to get them working.  That thread is in Great Finds somewhere I think.

[SamirD]

Loving this IBM buckling spring love fest...welcome!

I have somewhere near 20+ Ms ranging from the one from our 30-286 bought back in 1988 to the various ones like the one I'm using now that I picked up for 50 cents each when no one knew what they were.

I haven't used as many other keyboards as you have, but like you, I always come back.  I even bought a carrying case for one of my Ms so I can safely take it with me anywhere.

[djkib]

Thank you all for the welcome... Good to know there is still an enthusiastic crowd out there for the Model Ms!

To respond to some of the questions in the above posts...

I agree - ebay is probably the best place to find a Model M. I just bought two from the same guy, 10 each. They have the RJ45 plugs on the end of the cable, making them terminal keyboards (not immediately compatible with a PC), but I also plan to do the teensy mod to USB on both. If you are not afraid of soldering and can follow instructions, there are folks on this board and deskauthority that have done these kinds of things and have painstakingly documented the processes. THANK YOU!

I bought the unicomp purely to see how it compares to the model m, and to possibly be my daily driver. I am sad to say, in my experience, it did not measure up to the real Model M. I use a Model M because of the distinct way the keys press and rebound. There is resistance before the spring buckles, then the resistance becomes less as the key travels to the bottom of the throw - there is a distinct point at which the resistance becomes less. With the unicomp, I don't really feel that distinct lessening of the resistance - The "click" doesn't feel the same. I'm not sure if it is just this keyboard, or what, but I keep going back to the Model M...

I also like typing on my Model F keyboards, and will probably do a teensy and ANSI mod on one of them in the near future. They have bigger "tabs" under the springs, and have a heavy circuit board plate between the barrel board and back board, so they sound and feel much different, in my opinion.

I will be sure to document and post what I can during my upgrade process of my "new" keyboards. hopefully I can contribute here too...

Thanks!

[SamirD]

I bought the unicomp purely to see how it compares to the model m, and to possibly be my daily driver. I am sad to say, in my experience, it did not measure up to the real Model M. I use a Model M because of the distinct way the keys press and rebound. There is resistance before the spring buckles, then the resistance becomes less as the key travels to the bottom of the throw - there is a distinct point at which the resistance becomes less. With the unicomp, I don't really feel that distinct lessening of the resistance - The "click" doesn't feel the same. I'm not sure if it is just this keyboard, or what, but I keep going back to the Model M...

This is very interesting.  I have read that the unicomp 'feel' should be the same as an M.  But that being said, Ms themselves can very in feel.  I know all of mine have a slightly different feel that I have to get used to when switching from one to the other.  Do you think this is why it may feel different?

[rowdy]

orihalcon sells Model M RJ45 to USB adapters - plug and play

(AFAIK, on his eBay site.)

[SamirD]

orihalcon sells Model M RJ45 to USB adapters - plug and play

(AFAIK, on his eBay site.)

He'll also sell them direct on here I believe from his post on here from a while back. 

[djkib]

SamirD - I'm not sure what the difference is... I agree - Each Model M I have "feels" a little different. I just repaired one of my M's with a cracked barrel plate (it is also nut-and-bolt modded), and it feels significantly different. The repair of the barrel plate also fixed the sticking space bar. I followed the instructions here:

http://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=Modifications:IBM_Model_M:Cracked_Barrel_Frame_Repair

except I used a different glue - Loctite G02 cement.

The glue is more like a stiff rubber cement that stabilized the crack, and stiffened the barrel plate significantly. It also had the effect of quieting the keyboard significantly, making it more "work" friendly.

The unicomp backing plate is significantly thinner, however. I have not gone the bolt-mod route with it yet, so I don't know what the blanket or other internals are like.

rowdy - Thanks for the info... I might hit him up in the future... I wanted to do this with a teensy as I intend to re-develop the code that Soarer abandoned. I am a true believer in GPL development, and feel that a community can support software far better than any one individual... and GPL also guards against the "mack truck" syndrome... My plan is to start with the Soarer apps, then work backwards... we will see how that goes.

Anyway, I got my two "new" terminal Model M's... kinda crusty, but in good shape... The first one has the "drain holes" in it, which makes cleaning the barrel plate a pain... it cleaned up pretty good... Now I'm waiting on my teensy 2.0 to finish the conversion. I will probably start a build thread for the rest of the work.

Again, thanks to all, and hope to be a decent contributor here in the future!

K

[SamirD]

Interesting that the stiffer plate changed the feel a lot.  I wouldn't have thought it would have been that dramatic since the metal plate is still behind it.