IMSAI IKB-2 keyboard within a VDP-80 computer

snuci · 17 Oct 2015, 19:06

Along with the IKB-1 keyboard shown here, the keyboard within the IMSAI VDP-80 computer from 1977 contains the evolution of the "War Games" keyboard identified as the IKB-2.

This keyboard has similar Hi-Tek key switches and appears to be a "smart keyboard" as well but it was integrated into the IMSAI's VDP-80 computer.

Here are some pics:

: IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard exterior; IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard exterior.jpg (415.12 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - VDP-80 cover lifted; IMSAI IKB-2 - VDP-80 cover lifted.jpg (492.91 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard profile; IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard profile.jpg (486.78 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - top of keyboard circuit board; IMSAI IKB-2 - top of keyboard circuit board.jpg (396.57 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - back of keyboard circuit board; IMSAI IKB-2 - back of keyboard circuit board.jpg (622.55 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard markings; IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard markings.jpg (386.17 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - key caps removed; IMSAI IKB-2 - key caps removed.jpg (386.1 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard mounting plate; IMSAI IKB-2 - keyboard mounting plate.jpg (386.33 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

: IMSAI IKB-2 - complete IMSAI VDP-80; IMSAI IKB-2 - complete IMSAI VDP-80.jpg (398.24 KiB) Viewed 2821 times

mr_a500 · 17 Oct 2015, 19:56

Wow, a VDP-80! Once again, it's a pity it's Hi-Tek - rough, scratchy sliders that usually crack in the corners.

I'm sure you've seen this ad:

BYTE IMSAI VDP-80.jpg

Notice the ad shows both a blue (background) keyboard and a black one.

snuci · 18 Oct 2015, 01:52

mr_a500 wrote: ↑Notice the ad shows both a blue (background) keyboard and a black one.

Very interesting. I've not seen that ad but the blue background keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad so it's either a slightly different model or a prototype. The ad you posted also doesn't mention the numeric keypad either. Strange.

MECHGAMER · 18 Oct 2015, 04:44

Is that key used for starting the system?

snuci · 18 Oct 2015, 05:40

MECHGAMER wrote: ↑Is that key used for starting the system?

Yes, you turn the key to power it up and boot. Some of the older systems are like this.