Search found 369 matches
- 19 May 2024, 21:06
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Help Dating a Silver Badge Model M
- Replies: 16
- Views: 10969
Re: Help Dating a Silver Badge Model M
So I contacted IBM regarding this board and though they did look for anything related to it (thanks to the IBM Corporate Archives), sadly their records did not include any documentation that could help identify the board. But I had the opportunity to receive some awesome documentation that adds to ...
- 06 May 2024, 00:47
- Forum: Gallery
- Topic: Representing IBM at a meetup
- Replies: 3
- Views: 864
Re: Representing IBM at a meetup
Very nice boards! Is that the numpad that came with the L40SX? Did you manage to convert it to usb? Yes to both questions. It's fairly straightforward as it's an AT-compatible device but with a specific PS/2 plug pinout - the mouse's passthrough pins are in the usual positions with the keyboard's c...
- 05 May 2024, 17:28
- Forum: Gallery
- Topic: Representing IBM at a meetup
- Replies: 3
- Views: 864
Representing IBM at a meetup
Yesterday, I attended a fairly impromptu keyboard meetup in Exeter, UK to represent IBM. I didn't want to take a suitcase with me for all the train commuting I had to do within a day, so I took what I could fit into a particularly large backpack. This meant no Model B(eam spring) keyboards, but I ma...
- 10 Apr 2024, 17:01
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: IBM Model F BigFoot... 8521
- Replies: 17
- Views: 8654
Re: IBM Model F BigFoot... 8521
Hi, did you make it run with the Arduino Pro Micro? I have acquired three Bigfoots and would like to use the cheaper Pro Micros instead of the expensive Teensy or Micro (without Pro). If you're using Soarer's Controller firmware, it can work but with one modification. The firmware's (at least by de...
- 12 Feb 2024, 02:29
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Steven Spielberg's beamspring?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 8183
Re: Steven Spielberg's beamspring?
It looks to be IBM 5253/5254 . The terminal specifically looks like an IBM 5253 Display Station, which (along with its 5254 dual-operator sibling) were for the IBM 5520 Administrative System, a document creation, editing and storage system. They're interesting since the terminals look very similar t...
- 05 Feb 2024, 23:12
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Help Dating a Silver Badge Model M
- Replies: 16
- Views: 10969
Re: Help Dating a Silver Badge Model M
What this heck is going on here? This PCB is quite a bit longer with space for a number of unpopulated components, not to mention some other subtle differences in components. It seems that this controller layout was borrowed from early terminal models. (Copying what I said on my Discord to you for ...
- 15 Jan 2024, 20:04
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: How can I tell if an IBM Model F 122 keyboard has missing keys?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 7087
Re: How can I tell if an IBM Model F 122 keybaord has missing keys?
My hope is that my Keyboard Directory will help with such questions in the future but it's still a WIP. There are only 4 unique F122s currently in it (can search "F122" to see them) but I'll work on them this evening so more may appear shortly. But in lieu of that, you're welcome to post a photo of ...
- 04 Jan 2024, 22:19
- Forum: News
- Topic: Shark's IBM keyboard part number database hits 3000+ keyboards recorded
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1995
Shark's IBM keyboard part number database hits 3000+ keyboards recorded
These are keyboards spanning 1949 to the present, covering IBM, its descendants and companies that have acquired IBM divisions, staff and IP. From the IBM 024/026 Card Punch Keyboard Assembly to the Unicomp Mini M and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16's Bluetooth TrackPoint Keyboard and Stand... 70+ years ...
- 11 Dec 2023, 17:38
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Dear Model F owners, can we talk? (Long rant)
- Replies: 143
- Views: 279197
Re: Dear Model F owners, can we talk? (Long rant)
It was my understanding the solenoid activated when the terminal couldn't keep up with your key presses? I'm recalling from a YouTube comment I read years ago so maybe this is totally wrong. They were called "clicker assemblies" (or some variation of that) and primarily used for engaging on key pre...
- 11 Nov 2023, 23:38
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: IBM PS/2 L40sx and PS/2e M4-1 Space Saver keyboards
- Replies: 2
- Views: 8417
Re: IBM PS/2 L40sx and PS/2e M4-1 Space Saver keyboards
Good to see you here! I certainly think they're interesting (and I always defend that IBM buckling sleeve keyboards are underrated!) Thank you taking the time to post the membrane layouts - whilst I have M4s, I've been put off the idea of completely opening up the inner assembly in case I broke anyt...
- 19 Oct 2023, 01:10
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Comparison & classifications of 122-key IBM Model M keyboards (redux!)
- Replies: 1
- Views: 7860
Re: Comparison & classifications of 122-key IBM Model M keyboards (redux!)
Apologies for the poor photo for Type 5. They're not common and its really hard to find photos of them. The photo above is a (quick and poor) scale up of a photo from Unicomp's website in the late '90s. I have an example of Type 5 (a Quiet Touch NLynx Technologies brand P/N 301-5520-012 from the ear...
- 19 Oct 2023, 01:03
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Comparison & classifications of 122-key IBM Model M keyboards (redux!)
- Replies: 1
- Views: 7860
Comparison & classifications of 122-key IBM Model M keyboards (redux!)
A few years ago, I wrote a guide on the different types of 122-key Model Ms (aka, "M122s") explaining how there were four distinct types of them and how Unicomp later adapted some of the later ones to suit their needs. I've recently been revamping content on the entire IBM Converged Keyboard (the of...
- 18 Oct 2023, 19:10
- Forum: News
- Topic: Official names for IBM 75/87/104/122 key terminal keyboards
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3337
Re: Official names for IBM 75/87/104/122 key terminal keyboards
Any idea what this here Kishsaver's layout was called? I think I've seen it described by IBM as a 4704 type something-or-other (searching DT isn't bringing it up), along with numeric names for its brother 4704s like the 77. I don't recall having seen the layout itself described, however. I'm not su...
- 18 Oct 2023, 18:15
- Forum: News
- Topic: Official names for IBM 75/87/104/122 key terminal keyboards
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3337
Official names for IBM 75/87/104/122 key terminal keyboards
A few weeks ago, I was looking for layout diagrams for IBM 3270 family terminal keyboards and I saw some specific names being used to describe styles of IBM keyboards that I don't think I've seen mentioned before (at least, contemporary in keyboard communities). IBM Base Keyboard and IBM Converged K...
- 17 Oct 2023, 18:59
- Forum: Other external
- Topic: Great/Interesting Finds
- Replies: 26266
- Views: 8737099
Re: Great/Interesting Finds
Now up to $760. Besides the color is there anything else that differentiates this from a normal Model M? From normal Model Ms in general? Mechanically, not really. Obviously, the general rule of thumb is that the earlier the Model M the better quality though. In my experience though, the earliest o...
- 20 Sep 2023, 17:13
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Classic Style FSSK Model F vs. Unicomp Mini M
- Replies: 25
- Views: 35690
Re: Classic Style FSSK Model F vs. Unicomp Mini M
Something else no one has pointed out. The Unicomp Mini-M has lock lights. From the photos, it looks like the FSSK will not. I know the original SSK did not have lock lights, which is why the FSSK does not. But I really like either lock lights. or integrated LEDs into the caps lock and num lock key...
- 11 Sep 2023, 22:04
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
- Replies: 23
- Views: 28739
Re: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
Updates are live! Changes: "How to get them" has been split so it's no longer a massive text wall. Two "Compatibility with..." sections and the "Can I make my incompatible keyboard compatible?" section were formed from it. Created "How do I find out if new Unicomp already has one?" section to explai...
- 10 Sep 2023, 21:50
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Dear Model F owners, can we talk? (Long rant)
- Replies: 143
- Views: 279197
Re: Dear Model F owners, can we talk? (Long rant)
(sometimes 3, depending on which keys on the matrix)? Model Ms are always 2-key rollover. Rollover would be the guaranteed minimum achievable combo size for all keys, not the maximum in a certain scenario. For example, the matrix used in the Unicomp Mini M is theoretically capable of having Q-T + A...
- 10 Sep 2023, 01:09
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
- Replies: 23
- Views: 28739
Re: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
The PCBs are thicker but they still fit. I also installed one in my 2014 GE Medical Unicomp. You just need to use a worrying amount of force and come in from the right angle. This was my experience as well. They fit, but something seems tighter. I tried 3 Unicomps (a 2019 Classic, a 2019 Ultra Clas...
- 08 Aug 2023, 19:52
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: IBM Model M6/M6-1 ThinkPad, PS/note & PS/2 laptop keyboard assemblies
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1949
Re: IBM Model M6/M6-1 ThinkPad, PS/note & PS/2 laptop keyboard assemblies
Full applicable laptop/subnotebook/portable workstation list M6 or M6-1 is given either by IBM/Lexmark's assignment or based on a keyboard's closest related M6 or M6-1 (pretty much all the keyboards are related to at least another or based on another's layout) with the discussion in the "M6 versus ...
- 08 Aug 2023, 19:33
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: IBM Model M6/M6-1 ThinkPad, PS/note & PS/2 laptop keyboard assemblies
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1949
IBM Model M6/M6-1 ThinkPad, PS/note & PS/2 laptop keyboard assemblies
Anyone who has or had particularly early ThinkPads (700 to 755, 350 to 365, etc.) and taken them apart or lifted the keyboard may have noticed they have an "M6" or "M6-1" Model M designation on their manufacture sticker... The IBM Model M6 was the original family of ThinkPad keyboards used on many h...
- 03 Aug 2023, 01:09
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
- Replies: 23
- Views: 28739
Re: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
bottom row Should note that like with their other keyboards, it's possible to configure the Mini M with a "Tsangan" style bottom row. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's simply the bottom row of a classic Model M with the blanks filled in. Unicomp calls it the "103" style for their other keyboards. ...
- 03 Aug 2023, 00:57
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
- Replies: 23
- Views: 28739
- 29 Jul 2023, 22:17
- Forum: Gallery
- Topic: Shark's IBM/Lexmark/Unicomp Keyboard ID Chart (W.I.P.)
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4339
Shark's IBM/Lexmark/Unicomp Keyboard ID Chart (W.I.P.)
As a Star Trek fan, I've long enjoyed looking at charts of various ships on websites like Ex Astris Scientia and Starfleet Museum . I've been wanting to bring this magic over to my website, in the process making some cool content that looks neat and shows the evolution of IBM's keyboard families, an...
- 22 Jun 2023, 23:25
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
- Replies: 23
- Views: 28739
Re: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
Wonderful guide Sharktastica! Just finished programming my Mini M with the Justify controller. Thanks, enjoy! The hardest part was prying off the retaining rings used to hold the old controller in (seriously, why on earth did Unicomp design it this way instead of using screws?). Because at first, t...
- 22 Jun 2023, 18:03
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
- Replies: 23
- Views: 28739
Unicomp's new RP2040/Pico controller purchasing & flashing Vial-QMK guide
As some are probably already aware, Unicomp was forced to update its controller design this year since their previous chip of choice for USB keyboards has been discontinued and [largely] unavailable. This chip was also difficult for anyone to reprogram. Unicomp elected to embrace an RP2040 future, w...
- 27 May 2023, 16:06
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: IBM 5324 Model F Keyboard
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2291
Re: IBM 5324 Model F Keyboard
Ah, the Bigfoot. The classiest keyboard cover ever made. The cable on yours comes out at a different spot on the back, though. Probably a design improvement for ease of access to the 60% storage compartment. :D This is a different bigfoot. The one you pictured with the three-setting feet are IBM 52...
- 25 May 2023, 01:03
- Forum: Mice & other input devices
- Topic: Unidentified clicky 80's IBM optical mouse with nonstandard connector
- Replies: 14
- Views: 26452
Re: Unidentified clicky 80's IBM optical mouse with nonstandard connector
It appears to be an IBM 5277 Mouse ( source 1 , source 2 ). It's intended for IBM 3270 family colour/graphics terminals (3179-Gx, 3192-Gx0) and PC-based emulators (3270 PC AT/G and 3270 PC AT/GX). The earliest mention I can find on IBM's Offering Info portal is June 1984 at a price of $340 USD (arou...
- 18 May 2023, 23:24
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Old IBM Model M serial numbers
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2366
Re: Old IBM Model M serial numbers
Pulled from my database ;) , an early production Model F AT. I was wondering what this particular ID meant. I didn't believe it to be the 55th unit produced. AT.jpg Looks like the folks at Greenock forgot the rest of the ID! For reference, he's some completed Model F IBM U.K. birth certs: F/XT: htt...
- 18 May 2023, 21:18
- Forum: Keyboards
- Topic: Old IBM Model M serial numbers
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2366
Re: Old IBM Model M serial numbers
Yes, the letter at the beginning of an IBM Model M serial number does mean something special. The letter indicates the plant where the keyboard was manufactured. A: Lexington, Kentucky B: Chicopee, Massachusetts C: Austin, Texas D: South Carolina E: Japan F: Mexico G: Taiwan H: China So, your keybo...