Just picked up this IBM model M, for free..

[krpec]

Hi all,

it's my first post here, as mechanical keyboards raised my interest recently. After seeing many restoration and other posts about old keyboards, I began searching local bazaar and auction websites and was asking all of my friends and family if they have any old keyboards laying unused.

Today, I remembered that a lot of those were at my local children and youth organisation, which runs hobby groups and where I've attended my first programming course years ago. So after e-mailing to the technical section manager of said organisation, I've picked up this beauty from him, for free! Few keycaps are missing and there's no cable, and the manager didn't know if it's working, but those are only minor setbacks, I have no reason to be disappointed given the price.



More photos:

Spoiler:

As I wrote, I'm new to this, but I'm looking forward to give this beauty a proper cleaning and restoration, maybe nut and bolt mod, and Teensy 2.0..

Anyway, I'll be thankful for any advice!

[seebart]

Welcome to DT krpec! You can't go wrong with a Model M, especially for free! You don't need a teensy to use this keyboard.

[scottc]

Welcome! Nice keyboard. What layout is that? It looks very interesting.

You should be able to get the cable from Unicomp, or from the the user "elecplus". A European member might have one closer, depending on where you're located.

[fohat]

Orihalcon's cables are pricey, but take you straight to USB and look and work great. Available now in beige, too!

[chzel]

They seem to be out if stock right now, though.

[guk]

http://deskthority.net/for-sale-f55/sel ... 10026.html

[krpec]

@scottc That is Czech layout We are the only one who's using accented r - ř I'll definitely look for that cable, thanks..

[scottc]

Oh, cool! I should know, actually, since I just bought a load of Czech keyboards. Check out guk's link for a cable!

[Muirium]

They're expensive things. And not actually necessary if you want to convert to USB inside the keyboard. You could remove the socket at the back and route a USB cable out from the Teensy you mentioned. Or, for a more professional look, there's Phosphor's replacement controller which I'm keen to get my hands on when he's ready for production:


http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/univ ... ml#p214231

[XMIT]

They seem to be out if stock right now, though.

Maybe? Shoot orihalcon a PM. You'll get better pricing that way anyway.

[krpec]

@Muirium yeah, that's what I was planning. I looked for replacement SDL to PS/2 cable at Unicomp website, eBay and few other places and I realized, that it'd be cheaper for me to just order Teensy 2.0 and convert it to USB inside the keyboard. The replacement cable at Unicomp costs I think $15 without shipping, while the Teensy would be for $16-$18 with free shipping.

[Redmaus]

There are a few SDL to PS/2 spares in my attic that I could let go.

Shoot me a PM.

[Redmaus]

Oh, and welcome to DT!