F104+SSK+122+62+77+50+Ergo orders now open! New Kishsaver+Industrial Model F Keyboards

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thefarside

07 Dec 2022, 03:38

Ellipse wrote:
06 Dec 2022, 23:00
Wow - how did this thread receive 6,000 views in the past week or so? Everyone please do let me know if they see the project posted somewhere so I can keep track of these things.
Where do you see the thread views? I didn’t notice that field. Your keyboard was briefly mentioned in chyros latest keyboard review with positive comments. I wonder if that had something to do with it? Below is a screenshot and link to the video for reference:
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I think his F77 is mentioned at time 8:55

AlexB555

07 Dec 2022, 22:56

1-2 comments about the Quebec CSA layout :

Ideally, all characters in the Group 1 / Level 3 should be front printed but if you plan to use the front side for your "fn" keys (Group 1 / Level 5 ?) I guess it's ok. They can also be colored (gr1/level1-2 in black, gr1/level 3 in red, gr2 in blue) but it's not mandatory, according to the standard. If the legends are monochromes, they must be perfectly aligned (iso 9995-3: group 1 left, group 2 right). In the future, If I develop a group 2 layout for macOS (Quebec ― CSA Part 2), then the only characters to change (from those in a red frame) would be the 4$ key (and use the one with a blue frame). It needs the proper pictograms for your command/option keys ⌘/⌥ too. The space / non-breaking space (pictograms) should be printed on your spacebar but if you can't it's fine too.

As you see in this picture, the Ù is darker because it's an optional key (pearl is good too), if you write mostly in English you can remap this key into a second shift key (1u) for example.

If someone is interested in the pictograms but not the layout, then you need a second boat wheel (ctrl) and maybe a second alt key (if your keyboard layout doesn't use the AltGr key). And of course, probably the proper left shift / enter if you use an ANSI keyboard. The compose key (1u) is cool too If you use the plain US English layout (on Linux) without the dead keys (US International). You can remap your Scroll Lock (Gnome Tweaks) and use it instead. If you want to type œ you type compose o+e and voilà. Same thing with the french AZERTY, compose+<+< = «. Super powerful.
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Last edited by AlexB555 on 08 Dec 2022, 04:43, edited 1 time in total.

Ellipse

08 Dec 2022, 03:45

This video shows the CNC milling in progress for the new mold for the 3 new keys: non-stepped ISO Enter, Code key, and PC AT Big Enter. The keys will be available in all new Model F project colors. Please sign the interest form here to reserve your key, either alone or as part of a set: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vsamkl ... kDG39r08Q/

klaas

09 Dec 2022, 16:47

Ellipse wrote:
30 Nov 2022, 18:39
klaas please follow the Quality Control Secrets video in the manual for adjusting the springs.
I tried... but especially the J key keeps suffering from this problem. What's the next step? The video speaks of replacing springs but I didn't get any spares.

Ellipse

09 Dec 2022, 17:51

Thanks thefarside. I see the views when an image was posted, right near the attachment name.

klaas did you physically remove and reseat the springs? When the key is removed while the signal level monitor utility is open, do the affected keys register with a higher number? The manual answers your question. It notes you can switch springs around with another installed spring, though many folks order the First Aid Kit to have plenty of springs for future repairs.

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thefarside

09 Dec 2022, 22:47

Ellipse wrote:
08 Dec 2022, 03:45

This video shows the CNC milling in progress for the new mold for the 3 new keys: non-stepped ISO Enter, Code key, and PC AT Big Enter.
Looking forward to this ellipse! I have a few questions:

1) Is the “code key” the left shift size key found on the display writers? Stupid question but I’m not super familiar with them.

2) Will the black PC AT enter key be pad printed?

3) Do you have the ability to make custom barrel plates and PCBs? I’m thinking of how awesome it would be to have a Focus layout on an F107 or F122. Wishful thinking :cool:

Ellipse

10 Dec 2022, 06:10

New store items

G H B trackpoint keys, factory sublimated. The keycaps are sourced from Unicomp. The texture on these particular keys is a bit different from the other keycap textures.

I had mailed the factory some stepped 1.75U caps lock keys and GHB trackpoint keys so they could sublimate them and send them back to me - this way the legends would match the other new Model F keys.
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sedevidi

11 Dec 2022, 11:44

I didn't see many AZERTY model Fs, or with the classic num+nav pad.
So here is mine:
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I'm very happy with it!

AlexB555

12 Dec 2022, 04:21

sedevidi wrote:
11 Dec 2022, 11:44
I didn't see many AZERTY model Fs, or with the classic num+nav pad.
I'm very happy with it!
Very clean.

Ellipse

12 Dec 2022, 04:34

Nice layout sedevidi! I think this is the first of this layout that I have seen posted.

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zetaomegagon

13 Dec 2022, 19:40

Moving accident. **Ejected** from a 2nd story window. Landed approx 40ft out from the building. Someone escaped death that day :/

:cry: :cry: :cry:

Tank confirmed.
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webwit
Wild Duck

13 Dec 2022, 20:02

Ellipse wrote:
10 Dec 2022, 06:10
New store items

G H B trackpoint keys, factory sublimated. The keycaps are sourced from Unicomp. The texture on these particular keys is a bit different from the other keycap textures.

I had mailed the factory some stepped 1.75U caps lock keys and GHB trackpoint keys so they could sublimate them and send them back to me - this way the legends would match the other new Model F keys.
Interesting. Is there some trackpoint mod I'm not aware of?

kmnov2017

13 Dec 2022, 20:28

webwit wrote:
13 Dec 2022, 20:02

Interesting. Is there some trackpoint mod I'm not aware of?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2P ... SDdvzF/pub

Ellipse

18 Dec 2022, 22:49

zetaomegagon that seems the largest drop I've seen reported for a new Model F!

Ellipse

20 Dec 2022, 03:34

Samples of the 3 new keys and beam module parts have been completed and will be mailed to me over the coming weeks. These first samples do not yet have the production colors.
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zrrion

20 Dec 2022, 04:53

is that a WW style code key I spy?

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thefarside

20 Dec 2022, 18:10

Very nice Ellipse! Will the PC AT enter key have dye sub legends for all colors except black? If so I’m curious what the legend will be.

Ellipse

20 Dec 2022, 18:14

Yes confirmed zrrion and thefarside. These keys will also be available in pad printed black keys with white text. They should be the standard legends for these keys, like on the originals.

Ellipse

23 Dec 2022, 11:55

On a related note the Brand New Beam Spring project officially launches today! I just emailed 1,200+ folks today with the notification email.

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product ... -keyboard/

Ellipse

30 Dec 2022, 06:12

Some additional follow up on another nice modification from the user who modified their keyboard in the post from July.

Sharing (with permission) photos of the latest status of the keyboard and a description of the steps taken for this mod:
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"There are three parts to turning a BNMF into replica Model 300. The keys, the labels, and the cable. Ordering a beige case, the new 4704 keys, and the relegendable keys is an obvious first step. You will then need to source the characteristic stepped modifiers as well as others. They can all be found on the IBM 3180 keyboard. The model M variant is part number 1390238. It seems to be rare but not overpriced.

For the labels I printed out the provided scan of original 4700 key labels and yellowed the paper with watered down coffee. After it dried, I used my IBM Wheelwriter with 12pt Courier to type some of the legends.

The cable is spliced: USB-C , DB9, USB-A. Sacrifice the USB-C end of a charging cable (or in my case the original cable my model F came with) and splice it with any 4 of the 9 cables inside the DB9. Order USB-A terminal parts and splice those on. Check the pins!

Next, get a serial hood and DB9 connector terminals. You need to melt all the plastic and pins out the connector terminals with a soldering iron. The USB-A end will then fit through it. I used hot glue to seal them together; be sure it sticks out enough to fit securely into a variety of ports. Fit your improvised serial plug inside its plastic housing. Align everything carefully and test that it works; once you stuff the housing with glue it will not open. If done right, your cable should be as beefy as the model F itself. For reference, the weight of my keyboard exceeds 9 pounds with this cable.

After this you will have a BNMF that looks as close to a Model 300 as you can get! If you are like me though, looking the part is not enough. Sadly I did not add a beeper and volume knob; the parts were more than I wanted to spend, but using VIA I did program the machine to work like a typical IBM keyboard of the time.

The function key swaps between three layers. For reference, FN is the right blank key, and left control is Reset. FN + LAlt activates alphanumeric mode: the right-side block types what it says. There is no numlock key so it is stuck in this mode until reset. FN + RAlt disables all keys except those needed to reset the keyboard. FN+ Reset resets the keyboard to its default layer. In this layer the right block becomes a nav cluster.

Beyond these modes, the FN key can be combined with tab to press End, or PD2 for Home. FN+ backspace presses left arrow. FN+ the "Test, Cursor, Blink" keys do those tricky CTRL+ALT+DEL style shortcuts. Finally, right control is enter, PD2 is backtab, PD3 is another enter key. There is no escape key unless you press FN+ `. Although it might not sound so this is a comfortable layout because each key does what it says for the most part."

Ellipse wrote:
01 Jul 2022, 23:15
I am posting (with permission) another nice photo, this time with some of the new Extra Keys (some of which recently arrived from the factory: terminal, 4704, Icons, Extras, num pad/right side blocks, front printing), as well as some customized transparent relegendable keys, which allow you to print graphics for both the top and front of the key so you can have a custom key with custom front printing for multi-functionality.

This may be one of the first photos I've seen with a near-original 4704-style configuration!

Here are some details on the fonts used:
"most the numbers are whatever font IBM used. It looks like Public Sans though. The period is Public Sans too. Fira Code for the two slashed zeros, after seeing a picture of a model M style macro pad with that on. Finally, my Wheelwriter uses Prestige Elite at 12 cpi. That's what all the VISA CREDIT stuff is written in. All the words [on the relgendables] are Prestige Elite. I typed it manually on my wheelwriter."

unique - Copy.jpg

Rauha

01 Jan 2023, 20:12

Thought that I would try and see what my F77 would look like with Ambra -keycaps and their non-standard keycap font and lower left placement .

Here are the horrible(ish) results:

Image

Image
Spoiler:
Borrowed from my FIN-SWE layout Ambra Model M
Image

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thefarside

01 Jan 2023, 21:17

Here’s a picture of my F77 with a Focus layout using a PC AT enter key and the HHKB split right shift and “\ |” from the ortho set, along with a few relegendable caps. Very happy with this setup. The big ass enter doesn’t need any stabilizers and is smooth just like the F AT it came from. Going to get a new one when they’re available do I can restore the F AT to its original setup.
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Kurozumi

04 Jan 2023, 13:20

I'm quite happy with my repro F77, too. first bought an identical F62, but realised, that i can't live with arrow keys and the delete on the fn-layer. The neat trick with the right Alt, right shift etc. as arrow keys doesn't do it for me either, since i need the alt graphic key for typing all the time.
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I was going for an ansi-fied 4704 look, so the 4704 keys, the front printed number keys and the clear keys on the right side are on the board. Can't decide if i like PD 2 back tab at the backslash position and the backslash besides the right shift better, or the standard ansi placement. For now i've got a caps lock key in there, since there is no 1U wide PD 2 back tab key available.
And i always liked the look of the promo shot with the IBM-badge on the top right side, hence i stuck on one of those.

For colors my favorite ibm board always was the industrial grey SSK Model M with the mopar blue keys as you can tell from the picture. I thought dark inserts with bright lettering on the clear keycaps would fit the industrial grey color and black badge, so i bought colored drawing paper and some 2185 gel pens.

That's the first iteration though, i bought an old stepped IBM terminal caps lock key, that hasn't arrived yet, and i'll redo the clear keycaps with the template that was posted here (i believe it's from @darkcruix iirc).

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darkcruix

04 Jan 2023, 14:35

Kurozumi wrote:
04 Jan 2023, 13:20
I'm quite happy with my repro F77, too. first bought an identical F62, but realised, that i can't live with arrow keys and the delete on the fn-layer. The neat trick with the right Alt, right shift etc. as arrow keys doesn't do it for me either, since i need the alt graphic key for typing all the time.

20230103_203651.jpg

I was going for an ansi-fied 4704 look, so the 4704 keys, the front printed number keys and the clear keys on the right side are on the board. Can't decide if i like PD 2 back tab at the backslash position and the backslash besides the right shift better, or the standard ansi placement. For now i've got a caps lock key in there, since there is no 1U wide PD 2 back tab key available.
And i always liked the look of the promo shot with the IBM-badge on the top right side, hence i stuck on one of those.

For colors my favorite ibm board always was the industrial grey SSK Model M with the mopar blue keys as you can tell from the picture. I thought dark inserts with bright lettering on the clear keycaps would fit the industrial grey color and black badge, so i bought colored drawing paper and some 2185 gel pens.

That's the first iteration though, i bought an old stepped IBM terminal caps lock key, that hasn't arrived yet, and i'll redo the clear keycaps with the template that was posted here (i believe it's from @darkcruix iirc).
A classic beauty ...

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TNT

05 Jan 2023, 16:04

I kinda started to abandon all of my other boards ever since this one hit my doorstep ...

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Nothing special, really. I tried to keep it classic while adding a little spice with the terminal keys, the secondary legends and the blue windows key.

User avatar
darkcruix

05 Jan 2023, 16:19

TNT wrote:
05 Jan 2023, 16:04
I kinda started to abandon all of my other boards ever since this one hit my doorstep ...


IMG_20230105_155202.jpg

Nothing special, really. I tried to keep it classic while adding a little spice with the terminal keys, the secondary legends and the blue windows key.
German legends and ISO ... looks interesting. I moved away from ISO years ago but I always liked the extra key next to the left Shift.

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Muirium
µ

05 Jan 2023, 17:41

Funny how opinions vary, isn’t it? ;)
Muirium wrote:
19 Nov 2019, 16:21
That’s my main complaint about ISO. That Shift key is the last sensible thing to cut down in size. Go cram in the extra key somewhere else!
I’ve loathed that little Left Shift for a lifetime. I even patch the extra ISO key out of existence (when pressed alongside any other key) via Karabiner on my laptop, so I don’t do the little guy any rage damage.

Kurozumi

05 Jan 2023, 19:46

darkcruix wrote: A classic beauty ...
Thanks :)
darkcruix wrote:
German legends and ISO ... looks interesting. I moved away from ISO years ago but I always liked the extra key next to the left Shift.
Moved away from ISO ages ago, too. Wide left shift, wide enter and the non language specific side for all the special characters is in my opinion far better option. But of course it's all a matter of taste, and i guess international layout with altgr / deadkeys doesn't work for everyone.
Muirium wrote: I’ve loathed that little Left Shift for a lifetime.[...]
Me, too, but i'm a lefty, so it's the shift i press 90% of the time. The key gets just to small if there's another key. But i quite like the extra key for the HHKB style right shift, it's is still big enough, and it feels like it's still in the right place.

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Muirium
µ

05 Jan 2023, 20:38

Agreed. Right Shift is a much better candidate to steal a key away from: 2.75 units standard is plenty big. And if you're going to trim it: do it HHKB style on the far edge, where you seldom hit the thing.

I suspect I'd find dinky ISO left Shift less egregious if it was immediately next to Z. It's the hopping over that kills it for me.

Ellipse

06 Jan 2023, 04:04

Nice customizations Rauha, thefarside, Kurozumi, and TNT! Each of them has something new and unique that I do not believe I have seen photos of before.

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