Rescued an IBM Model F PC/XT 83-key Keyboard Today

kylophone · 09 Oct 2015, 01:37

Hi everyone, I'm new here.

I found this keyboard at the local reuse center this afternoon. With tax, the price ended up being just $1.08. This is my first mechanical keyboard, and my goal is to restore and eventually put it back to use. I'm hoping to post progress pictures here as I step through the restoration.

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klikkyklik · 09 Oct 2015, 01:40

Very cool! Welcome aboard!

Obviously you like the typing experience on it well enough to give that poor thing some TLC. Best wishes on the restoration!

Chyros · 09 Oct 2015, 01:42

Nice, a pretty good start for your first mech!

And an excellent price too. Note; you'll need a converter to get it working on a modern PC.

Engicoder · 09 Oct 2015, 01:54

Nice, should clean up nicely. The cord is in excellent shape. What is the legend on the key cap where F10 should be?

kylophone · 09 Oct 2015, 04:03

Cracked open the back, and everything looks good. The electronics are clean, despite the spill on the top. The whole thing is held together with two tiny 1/4 " bolts, which was a good excuse to break out my tiny wrench.

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kylophone · 09 Oct 2015, 04:36

Engicoder wrote: Nice, should clean up nicely. The cord is in excellent shape. What is the legend on the key cap where F10 should be?

It's a menu key from an IBM typewriter. This key was also missing, so I took the keycap off of a typewriter they were about to toss. I also grabbed a couple of these `code' keys. I need to find an F9, a 0/INS, and a ./DEL in order to complete this keyboard. Anybody selling these keycaps, or know of a source?

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terrycherry · 09 Oct 2015, 07:36

Great price for the vintage Model F XT layout. I hope to get the model F for years but the price is expensive...
Glad to see your very first keyboard is that excellent monster. Keep it going!

andrewjoy · 09 Oct 2015, 11:10

To some the code keys are worth more than the XT board , for custom antics !

The plate looks a bit rusty but a good soak in vinegar should sort that out.

I also have some assorted parts if you need em.