Author Topic: IBM Model M Space Saving Mini Love (Read 44464 times)

skcheng · « **Reply #100 on:** Wed, 21 April 2010, 07:43:08 »

Quote from: bigpook;173916

Looks great but I notice there are about 8 rivets missing on the right side. I wonder if it affects the feel of the keyboard.
Could you do a nut/bolt mod on just the rivets that are missing?

I typed on that keyboard all day yesterday and it works fine. Feels great with that crisp spring feel. I'm neurotic and I would rather mod the entire board given a choice. But I'm sure that I could just place a few nuts/bolts on the missing rivets.

My formerly NIB unit is missing the EXACT same rivets.

skc

bigpook · « **Reply #101 on:** Wed, 21 April 2010, 09:59:13 »

Still though, even with 8 missing, all on one side, it still types fine.

kishy · « **Reply #102 on:** Wed, 21 April 2010, 11:53:28 »

I have a theory, but I can't piece together a way to explain it with any degree of clarity.

Overall concept: leverage.

Half-Saint · « **Reply #103 on:** Thu, 22 April 2010, 01:29:48 »

pfink: is that black Mini stock or painted?

Cheers

skcheng · « **Reply #104 on:** Thu, 22 April 2010, 06:25:06 »

Quote from: Half-Saint;174318

pfink: is that black Mini stock or painted?

Cheers

I'm pretty sure that the black Mini is painted. I'm going to follow his lead. I'm dropping off a case at my local body shop for some automotive paint. Just need to decide on a color.

But I think the camouflage unit is stock ;-))) Pfink is considering selling it to me.

iMav · « **Reply #105 on:** Thu, 22 April 2010, 09:01:15 »

Quote from: ripster;170379

The Ms never came with the cables in the box. Although interestingly enough there is a space in the foam packaging were one fits.

Congrats on the Minis. The King of Keyboards!

The only new one I ever purchased came with the cable in the box...direct from the manufacturer. So, that's not technically accurate.

pfink · « **Reply #106 on:** Thu, 22 April 2010, 10:56:43 »

Quote from: Half-Saint;174318

pfink: is that black Mini stock or painted?

Painted with spray vinyl dye, the keys are from an M13.

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6759

ricercar · « **Reply #107 on:** Thu, 22 April 2010, 23:02:10 »

I'm not certain what it is about a Space Saving Model M, but it's an instant favorite in this collection. If you're on the fence, get one.

It's got unadulterated simplicity--I never realized until it was in front of me that the SPace Saving Model M has no LEDs. I'm constantly aware of the missing Numpad--for its absence, not its functionality.
Couldn't resist a mini with a $79 BIN, even though it's not one of the elite Geekhack-approved sellers. Mine came to $100 with ship, well below average in the current market.
It's CLEAN. Seller didn't do anything about dust bunnies, but the caps are pristine. White. Unworn. Precise lettering. Yum.
Although the eBay photo shows all key caps, the F4 arrived without its 2-piece top. Trying to decide how I'm going to respond to the seller about that. With an extra F4 one-piece on hand, I'm not all that upset, but I have to hammer the seller on principle.

skcheng · « **Reply #108 on:** Fri, 23 April 2010, 07:28:10 »

Quote from: ricercar;174746

I'm not certain what it is about a Space Saving Model M, but it's an instant favorite in this collection. If you're on the fence, get one.
It's got unadulterated simplicity--I never realized until it was in front of me that the SPace Saving Model M has no LEDs. I'm constantly aware of the missing Numpad--for its absence, not its functionality.

Couldn't resist a mini with a $79 BIN, even though it's not one of the elite Geekhack-approved sellers. Mine came to $100 with ship, well below average in the current market.

It's CLEAN. Seller didn't do anything about dust bunnies, but the caps are pristine. White. Unworn. Precise lettering. Yum.

Although the eBay photo shows all key caps, the F4 arrived without its 2-piece top. Trying to decide how I'm going to respond to the seller about that. With an extra F4 one-piece on hand, I'm not all that upset, but I have to hammer the seller on principle.

Very cool!!! How many rivets came broken off on your unit?? And how crisp are the springs? Is your SDL cable in nice shape or disgusting??

That's great that you enjoy the keyboard. It's still my favorite out of the 30+ keyboards I've picked up in the last month.

PM and I'll drop a 2-piece F4 button in the mail to you as soon as I get some mailer envelopes.

skc

skcheng · « **Reply #109 on:** Fri, 23 April 2010, 07:29:38 »

Quote from: iMav;174405

The only new one I ever purchased came with the cable in the box...direct from the manufacturer. So, that's not technically accurate.

I can confirm that my NIB Space Saving Mini came with a nice fresh IBM SDL cable.

skcheng · « **Reply #110 on:** Fri, 23 April 2010, 09:41:21 »

Quote from: ripster;174861

Haha! But where did you get it?

From Lexington Kentucky

I just got in a really cool Lexmark branded French layout board. I'll post pics if I get the chance today. Purty!!

ricercar · « **Reply #111 on:** Fri, 23 April 2010, 10:21:49 »

Mine was the Baton Rouge place, refreshcomputer. I have been monitoring them since they have had a number of Data911 backlit keyboards (TG3 OEMs for Data911 and Deck).

EDIT: PM Sent with thanks, skcheng!

itlnstln · « **Reply #112 on:** Fri, 23 April 2010, 10:54:14 »

Webwit will be in tears.

itlnstln · « **Reply #113 on:** Fri, 23 April 2010, 11:15:05 »

I'll give USPS a call today on the Northgate; they were supposed to get back to me already (right). I know one thing, though, it's still in the Netherlands; they never shipped it back to me.

skcheng · « **Reply #114 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:00:28 »

Another Mini ready for travel to a new home. I've learned that I can buff out scuffs with acrylic polish and various rag wheels. Keys are 1-piece (which I prefer) and cleaned twice in my heated ultrasonic unit using the ol' denture tablet technique. Case buffed, and cleaned with Orange Solvent and Armor All.

I think it turned out pretty nice. Plenty of missing rivets on this one, but I know the new owner plans on performing the nuts/bolts mod. Still, the keyboard feels great and types just fine.

Can anyone guess the titanium flashlight??

Pics:

skcheng · « **Reply #115 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 00:09:25 »

Lexmark branded French Layout Space Saving Mini. NIB!!! And with a new SDL cable that does NOT say IBM on it. Pretty board!! Pics:

skcheng · « **Reply #116 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 06:45:38 »

Quote from: webwit;175386

Great board you got there. I don't think I've ever seen a Lexmark branded Space Saving keyboard. Or a French one Strange to see the old label on it. I'd keep it NIB if I were you.

Hey Webby,

I have three Lexmark branded Minis. All three are of the 85 key variety. I'm keeping my German IBM unit and this French unit NIB. Too many other toys to play with.....

skc

skcheng · « **Reply #117 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 06:59:25 »

Quote from: webwit;175390

What's the third one? British or another French one?

I had both of the other units converted to US layout 85 Key Space Savers. But the original keys are new and unused and it's a simple conversion back to the German and French layouts.

I'll post pics when I receive them next week.

skcheng · « **Reply #118 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 07:17:07 »

The worst part is all of the parts/keyboards that were thrown away. I was told personally that hundreds of the AT style black coiled SDL cables were tossed.

ch_123 · « **Reply #119 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 07:19:05 »

It's a rather unassuming looking place.

kriminal · « **Reply #120 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 08:15:12 »

hahahahaha its a cottage

skcheng · « **Reply #121 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 10:11:58 »

Quote from: ripster;175412

Well, the obvious question is whether Unicomp has more Lexmark/Unicomp minis?

What did Chuck say?

I would think that he has more......just needs the time to dig them up. He has some other cool goodies though :-))

bigpook · « **Reply #122 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 10:13:31 »

I remember asking Chuck a year or so ago about the mini's. IIRC, they were no longer available and they had no way of making them.

skcheng · « **Reply #123 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 10:21:35 »

I think it's more of a "lookee what I found" deal. Chuck is the BEST. He has total patience for me and my crazy requests. For example, black on black printed keys. Can't wait to get them in. hehehehehe

skcheng · « **Reply #124 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 10:34:57 »

SKCheng sent me some of these blue keys and although a little flimsy they are pretty cool.

[/QUOTE]

I like that board. Very cool!!! I personally prefer the one piece caps. They feel different than the two piece caps. I'm going to try modifying some caps with some polyvinyl siloxane impression material. Should provide a nice soft, damp feel.

The two piece caps are a pain in the ass. And some of them are loose and come apart. Minor quibble, but still a quibble since I've been cleaning a TON of these caps lately.

kishy · « **Reply #125 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 10:58:34 »

I would call Unicomp more often (re: such and such little piece of keyboard, etc) but I suspect the long-distance-toll-free calls cost them more than could be construed as fair.

itlnstln · « **Reply #126 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 15:42:47 »

Quote from: webwit;175431

File a complaint.

Hey, it's uncle Frank.

skcheng · « **Reply #127 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 16:01:32 »

I miss the Sopranos. Heck, the Bada Bing is only 10 minutes away from me. So instead of the Sopranos, I'm forced to settle with Glee

skcheng · « **Reply #128 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 16:09:55 »

Quote from: ripster;175536

I'm a Gleek!
Show Image

At least when Leah is on. My wife is beginning to suspect something.

Leah Michelle graduated from Tenafly High School. So yeah, she's big around these parts. My assistant just sent in an audition for a role on the show.

ricercar · « **Reply #129 on:** Sat, 24 April 2010, 16:17:28 »

Quote from: ripster;175536

At least when Leah is on. My wife is beginning to suspect something.

Bah. Don't worry until Zoey suspects something.

sk:
is that titanium flashlight one of those with an integrated laser pointer?

phototristan · « **Reply #130 on:** Mon, 26 April 2010, 20:40:41 »

Quote from: bigpook;174096

Still though, even with 8 missing, all on one side, it still types fine.

If there are rivets missing, is it good to put clue over them or something or is it best to leave as is?

I'm not clear on what negative effects missing rivets have on the performance of the board?

kishy · « **Reply #131 on:** Mon, 26 April 2010, 20:45:46 »

Quote from: phototristan;176379

If there are rivets missing, is it good to put clue over them or something or is it best to leave as is?

I'm not clear on what negative effects missing rivets have on the performance of the board?

A few missing has no discernable difference unless you're a very, very special type of crazy.

Half a board missing, well, then the hammers won't be staying in place properly, springs won't buckle properly...it effectively becomes useless.

skcheng · « **Reply #132 on:** Mon, 26 April 2010, 22:21:19 »

Quote from: kishy;176382

A few missing has no discernable difference unless you're a very, very special type of crazy.

Half a board missing, well, then the hammers won't be staying in place properly, springs won't buckle properly...it effectively becomes useless.

I've come to the conclusion that most Geekhackers (especially the longtime members) are a very, very special type of crazy :-)

skcheng · « **Reply #133 on:** Mon, 26 April 2010, 22:28:01 »

Quote from: ricercar;175542

Bah. Don't worry until Zoey suspects something.

sk:
is that titanium flashlight one of those with an integrated laser pointer?

No true flashlight geek would own a flashlight with a built in laser pointer

The light in the Lexmark French Layout board is a Ti Nautilus by Endeavor. Great light for diving or EDC or whatever.

phototristan · « **Reply #134 on:** Tue, 27 April 2010, 00:25:08 »

They relisted it but it looks like another one. My guess is he/she bought more than one and now can't decide which one to sell.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110525202429

kishy · « **Reply #135 on:** Tue, 27 April 2010, 04:38:12 »

Quote from: skcheng;176419

I've come to the conclusion that most Geekhackers (especially the longtime members) are a very, very special type of crazy :-)

Oh I'm well aware lol

aegrotatio · « **Reply #136 on:** Fri, 30 April 2010, 10:13:48 »

Quote from: itlnstln;170286

Concerning the SDL cables, there are a certain amount of Model Ms (Space Saving, Regular, whatever) that were Field Replacement Units (FRUs). These did not come with a cable. The FRU would be sent to the client or replaced by a technician for the client, and the existing cable would be used since they are detachable. While this might be one reason for MIA cables, it could also be that they were lost or not shipped by a negligent seller. You can get replacements from Unicomp, IIRC.

Jameco blew out these space savers around ten years ago. I bought three, and I think they were $15 each. I don't seem to have as many cables as I have keyboards. I believe one is an FRU and the rest were new old stock. All were built in the same year, 1993, at plant "F7" if I'm reading this label correctly.

Unfortunately I'm no collector so I threw out the boxes. I'm typing on one of them now, actually. I plan to use all three of them until I die.

aegrotatio · « **Reply #137 on:** Sat, 01 May 2010, 19:39:06 »

Quote from: ripster;177534

Lol, $15 each.

I wonder how much Comptek2wk paid for his? He is selling them for $200-$225 every two weeks. I don't think he got them from Jameco though. I have a 1991 from him and the last one sold was a 1992.

It was unusual. Jameco had them for so long they were listed in the printed catalog. I panicked and bought three which I suspect were the last three. Also, I wasn't aware that the space savers were made before 1992. Very interesting.

quadibloc · « **Reply #138 on:** Sun, 02 May 2010, 11:00:43 »

Quote from: skcheng;170417

Thanks Rip. So I don't feel so bad that my boards came sans cables?? No big deal......I just thought they forgot. Price on the cables.......$26/ea??

Unicomp has them for a price of $15:

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/cabdetmin.html

skcheng · « **Reply #139 on:** Sun, 02 May 2010, 11:14:33 »

Quote from: quadibloc;178142

Unicomp has them for a price of $15:

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/cabdetmin.html

Yes, I picked up a bunch and now I have plenty of extras. Life is too short to deal with a nasty, dirty old coiled cable.

Unicomp also has straight, black SDL to PS2 cables for $10/ea. I picked up some of those too.

aegrotatio · « **Reply #140 on:** Mon, 03 May 2010, 22:15:38 »

Quote from: skcheng;178146

Yes, I picked up a bunch and now I have plenty of extras. Life is too short to deal with a nasty, dirty old coiled cable.

Unicomp also has straight, black SDL to PS2 cables for $10/ea. I picked up some of those too.

At the time I had a feeling these were refurbished units that were returned because some of the keys didn't work. You see, at the time these were made, computers had Num Lock enabled on startup by default. The keyboard doesn't have any LEDs, so I thought those people just assumed the keyboards were faulty because some of the keys sent numbers instead of letters.

Indeed when I plugged them in the first time I thought the same thing. Nowadays any self-respecting PC BIOS lets you disable Num Lock on power-up.

skcheng · « **Reply #141 on:** Tue, 04 May 2010, 08:23:15 »

Quote from: webwit;178737

Hey now. Look what skcheng sent me..just like that, as a present. A red, printed IBM Space Saving key cap set! Very cool, thanks a lot! As you can see, there are certain advantages to having a dentist in the house.

I figured you would appreciate it. And I figured you didn't have any printed colored keysets for the Space Saving Mini.

Just remember to brush and floss your keyboard every night

)

Enjoy!!

skc

ps: I'm building an all black/red Space Saving Mini with a black straight SDL cable and a combo of black/red keys that will be dubbed Hellboy. Pics soon!!

skcheng · « **Reply #142 on:** Tue, 04 May 2010, 09:11:17 »

Quote from: ripster;178774

Skcheng is da bombe. He sent me a care package too (mine had a yo-yo - he likes me better :biggrin1:).

Can you do this yet:

>

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Author Topic: IBM Model M Space Saving Mini Love (Read 44464 times)