[SOLD] 1960s Invac photoelectric keyboard

[ander]

Here's a pretty cool thing! At $1200 OBO, probably none of us are going to rush over and snap it up, but it seemed cool enough to share.

1960's Mechanical Keyboard Invac Photoelectric mechanical with Nixie Tubes














From brochure (included):

THE INVAC SERIES PK-200 PHOTOELECTRIC KEYBOARD.

This keyboard converts operator alphanumeric input information into coded electrical signals which serve as input to a wide variety of data handling devices. It is ideally suited for applications such a data display consoles, computer programming, input to tape punches in paper tape preparation and as an inquiry device for data processing and information retrieval systems.

Whoa, imagine that—a keyboard you can connect to a computer!  :?)

From seller's description:

[This is] the only 1960's keyboard I've been able to acquire.  The 1970's are near impossible but 1960's simply don't exist.  They're all in museums or were recycled long ago.  Hand routed PCBs, Nixie Tubes and mechanical wizardry that always reminded me of a German enigma machine.

[suicidal_orange]

Very nice!  The price has gone up to $1500 though, plus $177 to ship it here.  At least I've seen the pictures.

[E TwentyNine]

That's an awesome display piece, esp if you can those nixie tubes to do something.

And while it's not the most modern connector, it is an recognizable one, wonder if it could actually be made to do something without disturbing the innards at all.

[JP]

That's an awesome display piece, esp if you can those nixie tubes to do something.

And while it's not the most modern connector, it is an recognizable one, wonder if it could actually be made to do something without disturbing the innards at all.

And it sold - $1500 

[E TwentyNine]

I'll bet it went to a good home, maybe we'll see it on here or DT in the not too distant future with the nixies lit up.

[ander]

Huh, wonder why they raised the price after they listed it? Guess they got some feedback from someone suggesting they weren't asking enough.

Anyway, somebody's happy!

[Havattack]

Another one of these on the Bay. Such a cool layout with the ISO enter keys on both sides. What switches did it use?
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