Help identify more info about this keyboard? Monterey K2AX

[trissdv]

Hello!

So I came in to possession of this AT/XT keyboard recently, and I haven't been able to find anything about it! Extensive internet searching comes up without a single hit on the model number. Likewise searching this forum brought me nothing. The FCC ID tells me it's from 1986. It's almost like the model just doesn't exist in the world's collective memory though! No eBay listings present or recent past either.

The back tells me it's a Monterey model K2AX.

From what knowledge I've learned in researching, it appears to have ALPS blue switches with no brand mark (I read this was common for early complicated blues?)

Can anyone find information about it on the internet? Is it a good keyboard? Any idea why it's so hard to track down online? It's in great shape and I'd love to know value, but I know there is another thread for that. Thanks!

[chyros]

That looks like it's virtually unused, super clean too. If so, $$$. Many congrats!

[trissdv]

Thanks! It's in great shape for sure. I'm just hoping someone can fill me in on info about it and confirm my assumptions, and hopefully fill me in on the story as to why there is literally no mention about the model on the internet. I shy away from assuming it's rare or special, but that'd be pretty cool.

[Tuntematon]

The switches alone place its value well into the $100+ range. Essentially, it is very similar to many other AT-style keyboards like the Chicony KB-5160, but a bit nicer and more valuable than most because of its rarity and build quality (it has a nice metal bottom casing). This would be a nice keyboard for a collector. Like with most blue Alps keyboards, I would not harvest this for the switches. The condition (particularly of the switches, which is hard to describe if you aren't familiar with them) is of course important to the value of the keyboard, as well. 

[chyros]

Thanks! It's in great shape for sure. I'm just hoping someone can fill me in on info about it and confirm my assumptions, and hopefully fill me in on the story as to why there is literally no mention about the model on the internet. I shy away from assuming it's rare or special, but that'd be pretty cool.

It IS rare, I've never even heard of this. I didn't know Monterey made boards this old, actually.

It MOST DEFINITELY is special, on account of the switches and especially the condition they are in. Clean blue Alps are absolutely fantastic switches.

[Tuntematon]

The K2AX was also badged under a company called Jameco as model JE1015.

Jameco JE1015 will give you better search results.

[trissdv]

I also find it odd that there are 2 serial numbers. The one on the main back sticker that is 3 characters, and then a longer one slapped on with a different sticker. Any thoughts there?

Thanks for the info so far folks!

[mike52787]

That is an intriguing board for sure, I would love to find something this cool.  Blue alps is still a switch i havent tried in good condition, and that is certainly in great shape. It seems that all of these alps at/xt layout boards are somewhat sparsely documented and rare, but they are the most interesting in my opinion just because of the great switches they can have. Its a shame that they are so rare.

[trissdv]

Got around to fully cleaning it up, and did throw it on eBay to see what happens.

A little came up from the Jameco lead, but not much besides old advertisements. I emailed Monterey asking for any help with information they could give, but never did hear back (expected). The only other thing I've noticed is an FCC grant filing from "Dyna Micro Inc" for...well it's not clear WHAT, but in the comments it stated this model of keyboard (K2AX) plus other items needed to be included with it. I really couldn't find any mention or information about that company, except old business registration filings. I'm guessing they were shut down not too far after.

I guess this is just plain undocumented, and either had low production, no real production, or was produced for a specific task before it was licensed to Jameco to get a little more mileage from the design.

[Hypersphere]

There is another of these on eBay right now. $250 BIN OBO.

[Tuntematon]

I think you way over-hyped this keyboard in your listing, it's not THAT special. But I guess it worked, you got your price. Nicely done!