IBM 3279 Beamspring Keyboard with working LEDs and top switches

[orihalcon]

Here's a video of this beast in action (sorry for the poor lighting):
http://youtu.be/_UmhT_NL8Jo

The Blue "Lamp Test" top switch seemed only fitting for hook up to an LED sequencer for the unused LEDs.

The Grey and Red "On and Off" top switches control power going to the solenoid driver, with one LED indicating that the solenoid driver is on, and the other indicating solenoid firing.

The top switches are only momentary, but I found these cool momentary to latching converter circuits which make them work for turning the sequencer and solenoid power on and off: http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Momen ... -P928.aspx

These converter circuits would have a lot of applications if you wanted to wire one of your regular keyboard switches to switch things on or off.

Pictures:

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[Madhias]

Very nice, the lamp test is a funny feature, but the power on and off switch for the solenoid with LED is really a good feature now. That I would want for my Beamspring too! Like a turbo switch of an old Intel processor!

[seebart]

Very nice work, those Grey and Red "On and Off" top switches are put to good use.

[Halvar]

Great idea and execution! I also thought about how to use these LEDs and switches on mine but it never happened so far.

[Redmaus]

hnnnnnngggg

Good work orihalcon. Ultimate dreamspring

[tlt]

Great project getting all buttons to use! Those boards look really nice.

[kuato]

Ha, this is great! Nice work.

[Hypersphere]

Exquisite!

[vivalarevolución]

Mmmmm, that is tasty.