Can I convert this?
I found this gigantic TA Gabriele 9009 in my dad's old stuff. It appears to use Cherry M9 switches and beautiful MX compatible doubleshots (probably ABS, as the rest of the case is made from it). Because I saw this 8-pin connector at the back, I was wondering if I could actually use it on a modern PC. (Not that I would actually daily drive this monster, as it would take up at least ¼ of my desk)
- Attachments
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- the typewriter
- IMG_20200824_120854.jpg (1.96 MiB) Viewed 1766 times
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- switches & keycaps
- IMG_20200824_115414.jpg (4.92 MiB) Viewed 1766 times
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- the plug
- IMG_20200824_115455.jpg (4.37 MiB) Viewed 1766 times
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- Location: United Kingdom
- Main keyboard: IBM Model F PC/XT
- Main mouse: Elecom Huge
That connector does not look like a normal XT or AT keyboard connector (180 degree 5-pin DIN) or even the kind used on the IBM terminal keyboards (240 degree 5-pin DIN).
But, as long as it outputs something from that connector as the keys are tapped then it should be possible to build a converter using a microntroller and something like TML or QMK as a base. It could be a lot of work though to identify what the pins do and what protocol it uses.
I don't suppose you have any documentation? What about test equipment? Would you be able to see whether any of the pins are power/ground and any are data, i.e. pulse when keys are pressed. Also some of the pins may be input, i.e. to use the typewriter mechanism as a computer printer.
But, as long as it outputs something from that connector as the keys are tapped then it should be possible to build a converter using a microntroller and something like TML or QMK as a base. It could be a lot of work though to identify what the pins do and what protocol it uses.
I don't suppose you have any documentation? What about test equipment? Would you be able to see whether any of the pins are power/ground and any are data, i.e. pulse when keys are pressed. Also some of the pins may be input, i.e. to use the typewriter mechanism as a computer printer.
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- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- DT Pro Member: 0011
In this image (from foxtrott's Triumph Adler Typewriters, Typewriters, Typewriters.... thread) we can see that the keyboard module has a ribbon cable connector.
When a keyboard module has a wide ribbon cable, that cable most often exposes the raw keyboard matrix. There would also be several LEDs on it.
You could probably trace what each pin is, split that cable up and connect to a microcontroller board.
When a keyboard module has a wide ribbon cable, that cable most often exposes the raw keyboard matrix. There would also be several LEDs on it.
You could probably trace what each pin is, split that cable up and connect to a microcontroller board.
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- Location: Canada
- Main keyboard: Apple Extended Keyboard II with Matias Clicky
- Main mouse: Logitech G600
- Favorite switch: Alps SKCM Amber
Well, i am also looking for the name of that connector, all i know's it's mainly used by Fujitsu Keyboard, Mitsumi Keyboard and this one. 8 Pin Din (not the mini kind). Was going to convert mine too.
- Inxie
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: IBM Model F XT
- Main mouse: Lenovo Legion M500
- Favorite switch: Buckling Spring
- DT Pro Member: -