Old keypads

[BlueBär]

Since I don't have a single post here yet and DT seems to be a bit more focused on older keyboards I thought I would ask here.
I'm interested in "restoring" an old mechanical keypad, what I had in mind was disassembling, cleaning, maybe using retrobright or something similar to remove the yellowing, and if needed using a Teensy as a controller with direct wiring.

I'm not sure what would be a nice keypad that I could use for this, there is the Apple M0120 which looks neat, but they always are way too expensive (there's 2 on ebay right now for 70€+), especially with shipping from the US. Can you suggest some other options? Thanks in advance!

[Muirium]

Good question. Full size keyboards were so dominant in the past that I'd expect discrete keypads were a rarity. But! If there's one thing I'm learning with keyboard history it's to always expect a surprise. There's probably some nice ones I'm completely unaware of.

[BlueBär]

Well some computers like the C64 came without a numpad, so there's maybe some seperate ones for it or similar computers. I found the Atari CX-85 for example, but I don't know if it's mechanical.

[BimboBB]

G80-3700

[BlueBär]

I've already thought about the 3700, but I kind of want to make this a DIY project, to get some soldering practice
Just out of interest, for how much do the 3700s go these days?

[terrpn]

Since I don't have a single post here yet and

DT seems to be a bit more focused on older keyboards

I thought I would ask here.
I'm interested in "restoring" an old mechanical keypad, what I had in mind was disassembling, cleaning, maybe using retrobright or something similar to remove the yellowing, and if needed using a Teensy as a controller with direct wiring.

I'm not sure what would be a nice keypad that I could use for this, there is the Apple M0120 which looks neat, but they always are way too expensive (there's 2 on ebay right now for 70€+), especially with shipping from the US. Can you suggest some other options? Thanks in advance!

one of my favorite things about DT

ditto on the g80-3700

here's one- http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHERRY-G80-3700 ... 4d0760fd2e

you could always try a g84-4700 with a ml switch as well

http://deskthority.net/wiki/File:Cherry ... itches.jpg

[Halvar]

here's one- http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHERRY-G80-3700 ... 4d0760fd2e

I probably would have bought that already if shipping to Germany wasn't $50.90 .

[BimboBB]

I've already thought about the 3700, but I kind of want to make this a DIY project, to get some soldering practice
Just out of interest, for how much do the 3700s go these days?

havent seen one quite a long time. but last time i saw them...they went between 10-25 EUR.

[snoopy]

I got a m0120 somewhere... It's already in germany and in good condition. send me a pm if you have interest in it.

[BlueBär]

I probably would have bought that already if shipping to Germany wasn't $50.90 .

Word. I don't see how shipping could be that expensive for such a small thing?

havent seen one quite a long time. but last time i saw them...they went between 10-25 EUR.

There have been some on GH, but no public offers. That's quite a nice price!

I got a m0120 somewhere... It's already in germany and in good condition. send me a pm if you have interest in it.

PM sent.

[Findecanor]

G80-3700

I think that Mr Interface also had a few spares a while ago...

[davkol]

derp

[BlueBär]

I'm actually thinking about the same thing. I fact, I've almost decided to get a Genovation keypad, but... It' $100+.

There seem to be some good prices on ebay though?

[davkol]

derp

[BlueBär]

Oh ok, I jut searched for Genovation and there were some for like 15€, but not that Model.

[Dubsgalore]

There are a few g80-3700s floating about ebay..awesome keypads
i have one myself and love it

[dorkvader]

I don't know if you want to count it or not, but the IBM 4704-100 keyboard was essentially a tenkey pad. I have found a part number and description for what appears to be a proper model F tenkey, but no-one has stock (its understandably quite rare). The keypad in question was most likely meant to be used alongside a 1387033 "space unsaver) for the small 3290 plasma terminal. Other "space unsaver" model F's were for IBM graphics/CAD workstations (notably the 5083/5085 that I have most of) and didn't need a tenkey due to the presence of the LPFK.

On that note, does the LPFK count? it's got enough backlit keys, and it's fully programmable. It's from the early 1980's, so I don't know if it counts as "vintage"

Other than that, there existed an adb keypad addon for the macintosh, it has decent linear vintage futaba switches and optionally came with a serial trackball. I have the model with both together in the same case. The manufacturer, assimilation technologies, appears to have disappeared and kensington later made a very similar trackball, but I don't think the keypad was still made at that point.

That said, your best bet might be to get the apple version, as bar-mount alps are quite nice, and they can be found (sometimed under a different part number or name) for quite cheap on ebay sometimes. The last I checked, there was one for roughly $20 or so.

[BlueBär]

I'm sorrry but all those names don't say anything to me, and a quick google didn't really help. Can you provide pictures or links?

I wish I could find a M0120 for that price...