IBM Model M SSK Arrived

[y11971alex]

This morning, my Model M SSK arrived in the mail.  It was shipped from mainland China in about 9 layers of bubble wrap, so I'm sure it arrived in the condition in which it was sent.  It was definitely cleaned prior to shipment, and it was close to being new, from a visual inspection.

The SSK turned out to be very much a silent keyboard, although, after a simple check of lifting up a key, it was definitely a buckling spring version of the Model M.  It has a nice, cushioned feel, and the tactility is sharp and noticeable.  The soft sound, though, is disturbing me after six months of Model F usage.  Maybe I'm going deaf from the F noise? 

Or is it possible that this one is so well worn that it doesn't make much sound any more?  Could we do a remote diagnosis on this condition?

[romevi]

Silent? F'real?

[y11971alex]

I made two sound recordings, from roughly the same distance from the SSK and another keyboard that I had.  Not at all complaining about the SSK, just asking if everything is normal about it.

https://soundcloud.com/alex-yan-11/m1-1
https://soundcloud.com/alex-yan-11/xt2

[evangs]

I made two sound recordings, from roughly the same distance from the SSK and another keyboard that I had.  Not at all complaining about the SSK, just asking if everything is normal about it.

https://soundcloud.com/alex-yan-11/m1-1
https://soundcloud.com/alex-yan-11/xt2

They sound about the same to me.... Maybe it's my untrained ear

[evangs]

I made two sound recordings, from roughly the same distance from the SSK and another keyboard that I had.  Not at all complaining about the SSK, just asking if everything is normal about it.

https://soundcloud.com/alex-yan-11/m1-1
https://soundcloud.com/alex-yan-11/xt2

They sound about the same to me.... Maybe it's my untrained ear

[y11971alex]

I also took to using the molten pen 7/32" nut driver.  Had to use the hood fan during the entire operation, but it did work.

Trying to cheat with a narrow gauge 1/4" (8/32") nut driver doesn't work.  I thought it was the difference of 1/32"

[rowdy]

Several other factors might influence the sounds, especially in a recording.

Like the desk material and thickness.  Whether you have the keyboard resting on some sort of padding material.

Room acoustics.

It does sound a bit quite for what I would expect, but then I don't know how loud to turn up my speakers to hear exactly what you're hearing.

The M will sound quieter than the F, and perhaps a slightly lower pitch, IIRC.

But an SSK is certainly not quiet - I get complaints about mine all the time!

[chryos1029]

Where did you buy the ssk from?

[y11971alex]

Where did you buy the ssk from?

Taobao. :3

[chryos1029]

Where did you buy the ssk from?

Taobao. :3

Mind sharing the link ?

[jerue]

A couple of things I can think of:

* Open the SSK and see if you have any broken rivets. You'll need a 7/32mm hex nut driver to open the bolts on the outside of the case. If you're missing a bunch of the plastic (black colored) rivets, consider doing a bolt mod

* If you want more noise, you can try removing the rubber mat underneath the membrane but that requires a bolt mod :/


Rowdy's suggestions are sound. I will try to listen to your recording later and see if it sounds a lot different than mine.

[y11971alex]

Where did you buy the ssk from?

Taobao. :3

Mind sharing the link ?

https://item.taobao.com/item.html?id=14322995910

Same link is visible in my post in the Great Finds forum.

[y11971alex]

A couple of things I can think of:

* Open the SSK and see if you have any broken rivets. You'll need a 7/32mm hex nut driver to open the bolts on the outside of the case. If you're missing a bunch of the plastic (black colored) rivets, consider doing a bolt mod

I've already managed to open mine to do a bit of preliminary cleaning, with the melted pen trick.  It seems 11/47 of the rivets were missing, but the tactility didn't significantly increase when I applied pressure to the plate assembly, like it would on a loose Model F.

* If you want more noise, you can try removing the rubber mat underneath the membrane but that requires a bolt mod :/

I'd probably not go that distance, as I don't have the necessary tools to perform a bolt mod.  If the mat has decomposed, I think I'll just send it off to Phosphor for a rejuvenation.  Interestingly, my Model F XT, which has sat in a box probably since the mid-'80s, has the foam mat perfectly intact and spongy.

Rowdy's suggestions are sound. I will try to listen to your recording later and see if it sounds a lot different than mine.

Thanks 

[chryos1029]

Where did you buy the ssk from?

Taobao. :3

Mind sharing the link ?

https://item.taobao.com/item.html?id=14322995910

Same link is visible in my post in the Great Finds forum.

I thought the seller is already out of stock..

[y11971alex]

I think not.

[Myk!]

I was about to order this last Saturday. But no more stock 

[WNovizar]

I am about to buy an ssk from this seller, but hesitated between buying these SSKs or joining Ellipse's F77 GB.....

[fohat.digs]

If the mat has decomposed,

The "mat" (aka blanket in Unicomp terminology) is totally different in an M, and serves a different function altogether. I have never seen one deteriorated.

It is basically a minor insulator, a single sheet of soft rubber, and the modern Unicomp replacement is a very thin sheet of white latex.

[chryos1029]

I am about to buy an ssk from this seller, but hesitated between buying these SSKs or joining Ellipse's F77 GB.....

The seller got no stock already, better ask the seller before buying as sometimes they forget to take down the listings

[y11971alex]

I am about to buy an ssk from this seller, but hesitated between buying these SSKs or joining Ellipse's F77 GB.....

The seller got no stock already, better ask the seller before buying as sometimes they forget to take down the listings

I'll try to compile a list of sellers who still have this keyboard in stock.  Prices can range from just over 300 to in excess of 600 RMB, however.

[chryos1029]

I am about to buy an ssk from this seller, but hesitated between buying these SSKs or joining Ellipse's F77 GB.....

The seller got no stock already, better ask the seller before buying as sometimes they forget to take down the listings

I'll try to compile a list of sellers who still have this keyboard in stock.  Prices can range from just over 300 to in excess of 600 RMB, however.

Do you mind posting your ssk picture 

[Tangtawan]

How did you managed to order from Taobao?.. I tried using Google Translate and it seems very complicated. Can i just order it directly like from ebay and aliexpress? I mean like using VISA based credit card and basic shipping method they offer. Do I need a chinese bank account and do they ship outside china? Or I need someone who lives in China to receive the package and sent it to me manually again?

Thanks a lot.

[Tangtawan]

Sadly, I have tried messaging the dealer using Google Translate, he stated that he cannot ship to my country (Thailand); and I need to find a cargo or shipping company. So how did people outside china actually managed to order stuff from Taobao?

[jerue]

Sadly, I have tried messaging the dealer using Google Translate, he stated that he cannot ship to my country (Thailand); and I need to find a cargo or shipping company. So how did people outside china actually managed to order stuff from Taobao?

A proxy like taobaofocus.

[y11971alex]

[Myk!]

I purchased my Model M 101 keys at Taobao too. Now I am looking for SSK.