IBM Model M Terminal keyboard

[Fkazim]

Hi here I present to you probably the worst IBM Model M Keyboard I have ever seen it even has one broken plastic tabs which I have never seen before and I have had about 4 IBM Model M keyboards.

Question I have is if it is worth saving this IBM Model M keyboard given its condition. Please let me know what you guys think I have posted some pictures of the keyboard in question

Thanks in advance for all help on this matter.

[depletedvespene]

Hi here I present to you probably the worst IBM Model M Keyboard I have ever seen it even has one broken plastic tabs which I have never seen before and I have had about 4 IBM Model M keyboards.

Question I have is if it is worth saving this IBM Model M keyboard given its condition. Please let me know what you guys think I have posted some pictures of the keyboard in question

Thanks in advance for all help on this matter.

I... uhhh... what is the plastic tab that is broken? Do you mean the missing Tab keycap? (if so, it's easy to replace)

Non-US terminal keyboards aren't common, and that makes this unit interesting in and of itself. How's it look on the inside? Is the metal plate in good shape? Are the rivets loose? How does the controller look?

I'd need a better picture to fully judge, but seems the area where the space bar sits is in good shape, if dirty. A new space bar can be procured.

Without more pictures to tell me otherwise... I think this unit is worthy of saving — I'd make the effort.

[Fkazim]

Hi Thanks so much for your advice what I mean by tab is the tabs that hold the front of the case on btw I am typing this whole thing on an IBM Model F AT that i have completely taken apart cleaned lightened the space bar and replaced the foam sheet and it feels greeeeeeeat!

[Fkazim]

The Keyboard itself is in good condition but really dirty and is full of paper clips, crumbs hair etc which is all fine as it can be cleaned but how easy would the keyboard be to convert to work on PS/2?

Also the tabs I'm talking about are the things in the picture below let me know your thoughts Thanks.

[depletedvespene]

The Keyboard itself is in good condition but really dirty and is full of paper clips, crumbs hair etc which is all fine as it can be cleaned but how easy would the keyboard be to convert to work on PS/2?

The easiest way to convert this to USB (not PS/2) is to get a Soarer's Converter cable, like the ones orihalcon sells (I use these all the time).

Also the tabs I'm talking about are the things in the picture below let me know your thoughts Thanks.

What picture?

[Fkazim]

The Keyboard itself is in good condition but really dirty and is full of paper clips, crumbs hair etc which is all fine as it can be cleaned but how easy would the keyboard be to convert to work on PS/2?

Also the tabs I'm talking about are the things in the picture below let me know your thoughts Thanks.

[Fkazim]

That is the tabs I am talking about the one nearest to the corner is broken and as this is the case the corner where there is no tab is very loose and separates slightly when the keyboard is picked up.

[dotdash]

Some TLC and some JB Weld will fix that. A new space bar and tab key, and you're set. I like the unusual keycaps.

[Fkazim]

Which key caps do you like and also any idea how I can convert the keyboard to work on modern PC as if I am going to restore this really dirty Model M I want to at least be able to use it.

Thanks for all the help.

[depletedvespene]

Which key caps do you like and also any idea how I can convert the keyboard to work on modern PC as if I am going to restore this really dirty Model M I want to at least be able to use it.

Thanks for all the help.

As mentioned, a Soarer's Converter cable will make getting this keyboard to work with a modern PC a breeze.

As per me, that M with the µ sign looks pretty neat. Also that F7/F19 will be needed by snacksthecat so he can put the curse on the NMB keyboard.

Also, I don't remember seeing a Shift key with the "ExtGr" label before.

[Fkazim]

Hmm very interesting now that you mention it that is unique also the keyboard feels much heavier than my 1990 IBM made model M any ideas why that could be.

It even feels almost like a first generation IBM silver label Model M any ideas why?

[depletedvespene]

Hmm very interesting now that you mention it that is unique also the keyboard feels much heavier than my 1990 IBM made model M any ideas why that could be.

It even feels almost like a first generation IBM silver label Model M any ideas why?

This one was made in UK, so it stands to reason that the manufacturing process in the Grennock plant hadn't started thinning the plate yet.

[zrrion]

If the metal plate inside is thicker that would add to the weight.

I personally would try to fix it. Ms tend to clean well and it would be a good opportunity to learn since you wouldn't be at risk of harming a pristine board. The caps are super cool on your board and I would love to see it cleaned up.

[Fkazim]

Here are the pictures you were asking about please let me know everything you know from the pictures really appreciate it

[depletedvespene]

Looks in fairly decent condition. Clean it, repair the few things that do need repairing, get replacements for tab and space, and enjoy this quirky keyboard for the decades to come!

[Fkazim]

OK Thanks for all the advice would you like me to take pictures along the way of the restoration?

[depletedvespene]

OK Thanks for all the advice would you like me to take pictures along the way of the restoration?

This is DT. You're kinda expected to do just that.

[Fkazim]

OK no problem will be sure to take many pictures of the restoration and make a restoration log.

[Fkazim]

Hello guys I have removed all the key caps and cleaned them also I have cleaned the top and bottom case and barrel plate and am just about ready to reassemble when I start reassembly I will make a new post called IBM Model M terminal Keyboard restoration stay tuned for that.