deskthority

Maybe Orihalcon can make a solenoid kit with the mounting hardware, driver and solenoid together. It should be super easy to install and set up in the Xwhatsit software if it's like the beamspring expansion header drop down menu.

Thanks for keeping this alive. I'm still interested in 2 or 3 doors

IBM 3101 beamspring- https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-IBM-Be ... Swty5br7fT

Love the IBM badge It will be interesting to see what it goes for. This model seems to be a bit more rare vs 3278 and 5251.

The numpad numbers seem to have been pretty uncommon compared to the PF stuff. I know where you're coming from though, as I just made the same upgrade on my 3178 C2 with C4 caps. I can see me getting MX mount SA caps and cramp them into the stem. https://pimpmykeyboard.com/sa-ice-cap-keyset/ Maybe ...

Great job making this guide. I hope it shows potential buyers how much work and time goes into a proper restoration.

Shot a quick video to show the difference new foam makes. Old foam can look like it's in good shape if it's not falling apart but after ~40 years under compression it has totally lost its strength and elasticity.

https://imgur.com/qdiijm7

I wonder what factors determine foam condition, as I have two XT's sourced from the same place, one with near-mint original IBM foam and the other with the gross sticky stuff. Looking at the two I have side by side. The good/non-degrading foam version still has some thickness compared to the degrad...

That is so epic :shock: I would love to compare it to my fully restored XT to see how much wear from usage has changed the key feel. If you haven't done so already, I would suggest checking the foam layer without taking the assembly apart (degrading type will smear black residue on your finger). Eve...

My Guide for Restoring IBM 5251 - Make or find a contamination cover for assembly (Read a plastic sheet could work) - lubricate all switches. I tested EK "MechLube 2" on a extra switch I bought and it makes a night and day difference in the feel. But I am unsure if it will hurt the plastic or get o...

Interesting. Mine is also made by CP Clare but a year later. The black piece of plastic for the key rail is meant to prevent the key rail from rotating around in the round metal hole. I only noticed it was missing when I saw a mark on the metal were it used to stick. Here is a quick sketch of what ...

IBM 3278 in decent condition- https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-keyboard-model-3278-Very-Very-Very-Rare-1977-English-keys-version/163169414729?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140725133649%26meid%3D8e1ce0fe278b4373bf7573bf946750f0%26pid%3D100276%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D1529801...

How would these compare to those box Kaihua switches the kids are on about of late? And against Zealios? And, just for fun: Nixies? Linear is a good choice for MX clones. Just trying to get a feel for the differences. I know vintage MX blacks and Nixies, but not the rest. Would also like to know if...

I'm not familiar with HiRose switches. How do they compare to Gateron/Cherry MX Black?

[quote="Aer Fixus" post_id=418954]Quick update, the "ears" were not spread out enough on the problematic keys. I spread them apart and the keys are much more stable than before.[/quote IBM has a step in thier field guide for checking the stem "ears" for taper and forming them to the correct shape if...

Beamspring prices have indeed gone off the charts. The market is quite saturated atm with three good condition 5251s being offered from one seller alone. Only the fully restored/good condition boards seem to be selling quickly and near the max equalibrium price point. IMO buyers feel confident wait...

Not yet on the paint. Just enjoying typing on it so far and working out the bugs. A couple keys do feel slightly sluggish on off-angle keypresses, but nothing that I can't deal with. It's put my Kishsaver in a drawer so that has to say something! The one issue I've got that I'm pretty sure is a com...

Second invoice paid. Thanks again for running this group buy

I've been harvesting caps from Selectric 2 typewriters and noticed a variation with the double shot molds. I found similar typewriter models with all of one type or the other and mixed. I'm curious if anyone can shed some light on this. The second double shot style with uniform thick walls looks ver...

Curious about the Micro switch boards . Good luck with round 2. I'd be surprised if you can't lure an Unsaver out of hiding with an APL 3278 beamspring.

Blaise170 wrote: ↑

Thanks for the info guys. Prices seem to be fluctuating quite a bit lately depending on availability and condition (I found a 5140 ebay auction that sold for 350 about a year ago). I will probably wait for prices to stabilize a bit more before listing it. The recent brown Alps price shift seems simi...

Given the recent price increase for brown Alps I am curious how much my Brown Alps Videowriter is worth given its condition. It's in great shape and the switches are extremely smooth.

Link- https://imgur.com/a/dHgDSpo

If you find that beamspring is your end game then perhaps it will save you money in the long run. A steady stream of cheaper purchases over the course of a year or longer can really add up. I entered this hobby ~two years ago and kept buying stuff because it was all mediocre, unrefined or unbalanced...

Unfortunately the straight end that has the micro usb is not long enough for me to use it in my beamspring. I was thinking the same thing. I asked donutcat about it and he offered to swap the connectors. It's an awesome design, I just wish it was a bit longer on both ends and the coil started ~10" ...

Another ibm 5251 beamer on offer from the same seller in Singapore; https://www.ebay.com/itm/ibm-5251-beamspring-keyboard/123120439323?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D50999%26meid%3D71815a7674474b938dd0d4534a9a8a7e%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D123119814832%26it...

Great find. These boards look like they will clean up nicely.

Put me down for a white Z-150 when you get around to selling them.

These look great I would love to make a few IBM patches for my beamspring dust covers (black anti-static cover with an IBM patch that matches the 3101 IBM badge).

JP! wrote: ↑Displaywriter restored by JAC

https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Beam-Sprin ... SwwBha6gsx

Wow that's gorgeous. JAC did a great job with the restoration Best Displaywriter I've seen to date.

IBM 5251 Beamspring-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5251-73621 ... SwJpda6LcM

Wow, love the Alps soundtrack. How would you rate SKCL green Alps to modern linears like Tealios?

BTW- I like the tracked animated call outs. I wish more reviewers would use them. They give the video a professional touch.