Search found 29 matches

by Howard81
29 Jul 2020, 21:38
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Mind The Gap - Unicomp NOS Industrial case
Replies: 95
Views: 22346

Re: Mind The Gap - Unicomp NOS Industrial case

Good evening, I am the chap who sold the keyboard 18 months ago to the seller that currently has it on eBay for £800, and I think I should clear things up as I am getting a number of threats and insults thrown at me via my eBay account. I wake up at 4AM today and the first I hear about this debacle ...
by Howard81
05 Mar 2020, 14:22
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IBM Model M keyboard search
Replies: 41
Views: 10156

Re: IBM Model M keyboard search

If you only have a handful of broken rivets don't bother with a full bolt/screw mod, just drill out the failed rivets with a 1/16" dill bit and replace them with M2 6mm machine screws. Don't tighten them hard, just enough to grip while still allowing the springs to move freely back and forth in the ...
by Howard81
15 Jan 2020, 13:50
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IBM Model M keyboard search
Replies: 41
Views: 10156

Re: IBM Model M keyboard search

I thought I could offer 180 for this one, but it sounds like really expensive? I would prefer ANSI https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1987-IBM-Model-M-White-Logo-1391401-ANSI-US-Buckling-Spring-Keyboard-Screw-mod/113988969825?hash=item1a8a45a561:g:hGoAAOSwqMtdofQi I'm the seller for that.. it's a heavy ear...
by Howard81
23 Sep 2019, 13:50
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Suggestions needed for cleaning an old keyboard
Replies: 18
Views: 5608

Re: Suggestions needed for cleaning an old keyboard

I chuck the keycaps and cable in a hot bowl of water that has had a dishwasher tablet dissolved in it. Leave for 30-45 minutes with the occasional mixing and the dirt will lift right off!

For the cases I use Cif/Jif cream cleaner and a sponge.
by Howard81
18 Sep 2019, 15:17
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IBM Model M with gold square badge?
Replies: 24
Views: 6128

Re: IBM Model M with gold square badge?

As above, it's the original protective film that has yellowed and is a total pain in the backside to remove - they go brittle and will take hours to pick off in tiny bits!
by Howard81
16 Sep 2019, 15:08
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: bought my first model M and have a few question about modding and cleaning
Replies: 13
Views: 5052

Re: bought my first model M and have a few question about modding and cleaning

If only a few rivits are missing, just drill out using a 1/16" bit and replace with M2 6mm machine screws. I generally only screw mod the keyboard if it physically doesn't work.
by Howard81
16 Sep 2019, 15:05
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Bolt mod question.
Replies: 2
Views: 1166

Re: Bolt mod question.

Personally I prefer not to use bolts, I drill 1/16" holes and use M2 6mm machine to hold the plates together.
by Howard81
28 Jun 2019, 14:36
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Question regarding Model M keyboards (maybe specifically Unicomp ones)
Replies: 3
Views: 1225

Re: Question regarding Model M keyboards (maybe specifically Unicomp ones)

As above, they do wear in with use and become smoother.
by Howard81
24 Jun 2019, 14:39
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Navless IBM AT layout mechanical keyboard
Replies: 22
Views: 5555

Re: Navless IBM AT layout mechanical keyboard

Buying an original IBM AT keyboard would tick all the boxes perfectly..
by Howard81
11 Jun 2019, 14:27
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Proper screw size for Model M Screw Mod
Replies: 14
Views: 6286

Re: Proper screw size for Model M Screw Mod

I use stainless M2 x 6mm POZI countersunk machine screws.
by Howard81
30 May 2019, 14:17
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Model M appreciation
Replies: 45
Views: 11415

Re: Model M appreciation

Unicomp do indeed sell ISO sets in any language you wish.
by Howard81
27 May 2019, 21:33
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Cleaning a rubber-pad-against-PCB keyboards
Replies: 1
Views: 1165

Re: Cleaning a rubber-pad-against-PCB keyboards

Press lightly and drag over a piece of standard white paper. A small amount of rubber will stick to the paper. The trick is to just do it enough to remove the shine. Wash and dry, then reassemble!
by Howard81
27 May 2019, 19:08
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Model M appreciation
Replies: 45
Views: 11415

Re: Model M appreciation

I use Model M and F keyboards. I prefer the earlier silver badge boards as i think they feel better, plus I have an abundant stash of them! At home I have three machines, my daily HP Z220 tower I use a 1986 M. I also regularly use an IBM 5160 XT and an IBM 5170 AT; the XT has the F, and the AT being...
by Howard81
10 May 2019, 15:13
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Old IBM Model m with a unique controller help
Replies: 23
Views: 5772

Re: Old IBM Model m with a unique controller help

This controller is pretty common in 1986 and early 1987 Greenock Model M keyboards, moreso in the "enhanced" keyboard that came with late models of XT.
by Howard81
04 Apr 2019, 15:16
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: ISO users
Replies: 65
Views: 17263

Re: ISO users

I prefer ISO and use a UK layout myself; I can't get used to the narrow Enter key on ANSI, I like a nice big Enter key to mash! I also like having \ and / either side of the bottom row, plus the Alt Gr function (which doesn't get used too often in UK English but is handy to have when you do need it)...
by Howard81
24 Mar 2019, 22:32
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Model M PCB Mounting Repair
Replies: 3
Views: 1456

Re: Model M PCB Mounting Repair

Double sided tape for sticking on car number plates works a treat.
by Howard81
24 Mar 2019, 22:31
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Connecting a Model M to a Macintosh Computer
Replies: 9
Views: 6602

Re: Connecting a Model M to a Macintosh Computer

You need to use an “active” USB adapter - I have had success with this one:

For Keyboard Mouse Male to Female Cable Adapter Converter Use USB to PS2 Cord Converter Adapter
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bnowFZg5
by Howard81
24 Mar 2019, 22:28
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Model M Chattering
Replies: 9
Views: 3456

Re: Model M Chattering

I purchased an early style membrane from Unicomp late last year, you just have to give them the model number of the keyboard.
by Howard81
06 Mar 2019, 00:59
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Do any modern Laptops have even halfway decent keyboards?
Replies: 26
Views: 14181

Re: Do any modern Laptops have even halfway decent keyboards?

I’ve stuck with my ThinkPad X220 for this very reason!
by Howard81
23 Feb 2019, 23:00
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Recommendation needed - quiet mechanical for Model M user
Replies: 17
Views: 5773

Re: Recommendation needed - quiet mechanical for Model M user

You can get Model M keyboards with rubber domes.. they're actually quite nice.
by Howard81
08 Feb 2019, 18:47
Forum: Try before you buy
Topic: DELEATED
Replies: 1
Views: 13940

Re: Would like to try a model M keyboard in the derbyshire area

Not the closest, but I have a nice selection you'd be more than welcome to try if you're ever in London..
by Howard81
08 Feb 2019, 18:28
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Model M Problems
Replies: 27
Views: 5991

Re: Model M Problems

I used to do this all the time and never once had any issues with my Model M keboards... You may have just been unlucky (or myself super lucky!). Double-register presses are usually the tell-tale sign of a liquid spill that is causing havoc with the membrane. Do you have any spare cables or even a c...
by Howard81
09 Jan 2019, 21:33
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IDENTIFY COMPAQ keyboard
Replies: 9
Views: 2331

Re: IDENTIFY COMPAQ keyboard

Those are actually fairly decent keyboards - they have a decent weight to them thanks to a giant metal plate in the casing and don't feel too bad if they're fairly low mileage.
by Howard81
07 Jan 2019, 21:36
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: What do "M" and "F" stand for?
Replies: 34
Views: 10606

Re:

My 1986 IBM XT “enhanced” keyboard (Model M without the LED panel) states Model G in the inner sticker.. That would usually be a 1390120. Could you please post a photo? It's marked 1389969 on the outer case with 1386719 (and 1386751) on the inner chassis. UK ISO layout, so it will have a different ...
by Howard81
07 Jan 2019, 00:24
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: What do "M" and "F" stand for?
Replies: 34
Views: 10606

My 1986 IBM XT “enhanced” keyboard (Model M without the LED panel) states Model G in the inner sticker..
by Howard81
06 Jan 2019, 20:30
Forum: Reviews
Topic: Datacomp DFK-515AT review (Alps SKCM Blue)
Replies: 7
Views: 3722

I have this keyboard too, also with Blue Alps. It came with the DigiSystems Jetta XD V40 PC around 1986. Luckily for me it had hardly been used and types like new. It also came complete with the original manual which states how turn off the beeper: CTRL PAUSE 8-) Since this was otherwise unknown, I ...
by Howard81
21 Dec 2018, 22:06
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Can't get backslash or pipe key working on IBM Model F XT
Replies: 11
Views: 3588

I know this is a slightly old thread, but being a newbie to programming a Soarer's Converter this caused me a little head scratching too. However, if all you want to do is to get the keypresses on a UK layout Model F keyboard to match their printed legends use the following: # Remap to UK layout # R...
by Howard81
05 Jul 2018, 15:03
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Removing grime and marks from Model F case
Replies: 5
Views: 1650

Cream cleaner such as CIF and a soft nail brush. Just go easy on the corners and don't go over the metal badge.

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