IBM Model F Bigfoot

[hwood34]

So I just bought a model f Bigfoot, but upon closer inspection, it looks to be some strange model. A different connector and controller. Any ideas?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56747.0

[7bit]

Looks normal to me. It is no PC keyboard, but for some terminal to connect to mainframe computers.

[Muirium]

Apparently incompatible with Soarer's converter though. But when the controller is replaceable, well, you can go straight to USB instead:

http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/new ... t7171.html

My understanding is that all Model Fs (from your Bigfoot all the way down to my little Kishsaver 60%) share the same controller header, so this replacement controller is compatible with the lot. We've swapped around controllers on Model Ms for years (putting PS/2 ones inside of awkward terminal keyboards) so the community built F controller is a welcome addition.

Nice keyboard by the way. Types just like my XT, and you can hide an HHKB under it…

[dorkvader]

My understanding is that all Model Fs (from your Bigfoot all the way down to my little Kishsaver 60%) share the same controller header, so this replacement controller is compatible with the lot.

This is incorrect, the PC/XT model F and some others (like this one) have the controller on the same PCB as the matrix and have no header.

You can see the controller in this picture. Note how it sticks out from under the plate with no header:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=567 ... msg1283485

It should be possible to replace the chip with a teensy and get it working that way though. This would involve much work.

[Muirium]

Bugger. That is more awkward than I ever expected. Thanks for the correction. I assume too much. Consistency from IBM? Ha!

Although not easy either, the converter route starts to appeal again. Wonder if anyone's ever worked on the protocol used here?