My first post here: I thought my today's find might interest some of you here...
Anyway, I came across a NOS Tipro programmable (industrial) keyboard, model T163 M1000, dated from back in 1995
New old stock, never used, in original packaging and a diskette with DOS programs to program the keyboard.
Unfortunately the connector is the old DIN type, but it seems to work OK with my DIN - PS/2 connector cable. I just plugged it into my PS/2 computer connector, and I see there is "something" found... The keyboard, being new, has not been programmed, so no real results when pressing the keys.
Unfortunately, they (the seller I got this from) did not have the original transparent covers for the keys, so I had to buy a whole set of new(er) TIPRO ones, with transparent covers. The switches are Cherry blacks.
Now, this being ortholinear, I'm not sure I'll be able to use it "as is"; but just for the heck of it, I printed out the key labels and put them on (since these are relegendable, I can always change the layout, etc..), just to see how it would be to type on such a freaky keyboard.
In the end, it can be done (typing), but not very fast
I'm not sure what I'll do with it - I first need to find an old computer and try to program the keyboard.... I like the black Cherry switches, although I'm not sure if I'd like them for "real" typing. Perhaps better used for a macro pad or something. Oh, one more thing: this thing is *heavy* - I mean, for its size... A solid chunk of metal (upper bezel is plastic, but everything else is solid metal - which shows its intended use).
But, what is interesting is the fact that this keyboard can also be programmed "manually": you just insert another keyboard in the back (with DIN connector again, but, as it happens, I *do* have one ....) - so I might just try to program it "manually", since the diskette I got with it is dead (unreadable), anyway... I might also try with some of the TIPRO software from their archives, maybe I'll manage to find something usable...
In any case, an interesting find. It wasn't cheap, though.... got it from the local IT stuff wholesaler - this one still had the price tag of about €200, but I managed to reduce the price a bit.... Probably still paid too much. But what the heck, it's brand new, never used, and I'll still be able to use it, at least as a "macro" pad.
Anyway, a few photos for your viewing pleasure... A piece of history in rarely found (NOS) condition...
