Putting IBM PC AT guts in another case

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 15:46

Would the guts of the IBM PC AT keyboard fit in an all metal case?

Swap candidates: XT EMR and XT Bigfoot.

Redmaus · 23 Feb 2016, 15:51

Bigfoot does not have an all metal case.

Not sure about the XT though

Engicoder · 23 Feb 2016, 16:14

XT is a plastic case. I have an XT EMR and confirm it has the same plastic case as the XT.

Edit: keyboards-f2/ibm-pc-emr-keyboard-t12091.html

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 16:28

Crap. Looks like I'll be selling an XT EMR soon.

Now the question is: will an AT fit in a bigfoot?

Engicoder · 23 Feb 2016, 16:37

What is the incentive to swap the AT to a different case?

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 16:41

The incentive is simply that I enjoy metal cases...

Also, If I ever need to defend myself from a home invasion, I can use the keyboard to block bullets and bash the invader's head in.

Engicoder · 23 Feb 2016, 16:55

ohaimark wrote: The incentive is simply that I enjoy metal cases...

Also, If I ever need to defend myself from a home invasion, I can use the keyboard to block bullets and bash the invader's head in.

Fair enough. Cracking skulls seems like a valid goal

JBert · 23 Feb 2016, 18:31

ohaimark wrote: Also, If I ever need to defend myself from a home invasion, I can use the keyboard to block bullets and bash the invader's head in.

The back of the XT is a metal plate so you'd be somewhat safe. The edges are still made out of that brittle plastic though.

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 18:43

I was talking about the Bigfoot case.

Halvar · 23 Feb 2016, 18:45

The bigfoot case is plastic, too. Only the bottom plate is metal. You need a kishsaver or a beamspring board. Or Apple.

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 18:49

I misread the earlier posts. Oops. Well, looks like I have to give up on my dream of an AT in a metal case...

Muirium · 23 Feb 2016, 18:51

Going to have to bend that metal yourself. Like the Ellipsesaver!

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 18:53

Muirium wrote: Going to have to bend that metal yourself. Like the Ellipsesaver!

Maybe someday. I'm glad there are people around to correct me on DT. Lately I've been a bit harebrained, what with late nights at the University and all.

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 19:10

Also, the IBM EMR v1 does have a metal case, apparently.

w/images/6/6b/EMR1.jpg

photos-f62/ibm-emr-keyboard-t6920.html

Engicoder · 23 Feb 2016, 19:57

ohaimark wrote: Also, the IBM EMR v1 does have a metal case, apparently.

w/images/6/6b/EMR1.jpg

photos-f62/ibm-emr-keyboard-t6920.html

Interesting. The first picture is not proof alone as the plastic the XT case is made of is medium grey, so that could be the plastic showing through.

However, if Compgeke says his was metal, I have to believe that its possible there were some EMRs with metal cases. Damn, now I'll be hunting for one of these

ohaimark · 23 Feb 2016, 21:35

I can verify that the EMR I'm getting has a different finish texture. I'll know if it's metal tonight.

Engicoder · 23 Feb 2016, 22:16

I'll cross my fingers for you.

fohat · 24 Feb 2016, 00:19

ohaimark wrote: I'll know if it's metal tonight.

That would up the ante on the XTant project for sure.

ohaimark · 24 Feb 2016, 01:44

EMR prices would rise by at least $100 overnight.

ohaimark · 24 Feb 2016, 04:26

Alright. I do want to use the EMR. After much consideration, I think that my best bets are:

A) Replacing the left shift with a larger shift key, disabling the < key to use as a stab. Does anyone know what size will fit?

B) Going through with an XTant build. I don't have PCB etching equipment or metalworking equipment.

Engicoder · 24 Feb 2016, 04:31

Does that mean the EMR has a metal case?

ohaimark · 24 Feb 2016, 04:36

Still no word back from the seller. I'll PM you and post here once I know for sure.

Right now I'd use it either way -- the novelty/rarity value is high.

alh84001 · 24 Feb 2016, 14:28

Muirium wrote: Going to have to bend that metal yourself. Like the Ellipsesaver!

Ah, finally a proper name for them.

@ohaimark, any reason why the guts of an existing XT wouldn't do the job?

ohaimark · 24 Feb 2016, 14:34

The goal was to get a more ANSI like layout... The AT is closer than the guts of another XT, and using another XT would be somewhat pointless because the EMR is essentially an XT with some potting and shielding. Same protocol and everything.

orihalcon · 03 Mar 2016, 03:36

I've got an AT that I'll be trying to fit into a Buckling Spring Model M POS keyboard case. The layout on those is Identical. The case isn't metal, but it's a lot more compact than the original AT case and you get the cool lock on the side

Will post pictures if successful, but it's going to be a while before I have enough time to try it.

ohaimark · 03 Mar 2016, 03:38

I look forward to your future project... The EMR should be in my hands tomorrow. I'll break it out immediately to check its case composition.

terrycherry · 03 Mar 2016, 04:22

I just want to know: did the model F's hammer have a metal variant? Mine is plastic.

ohaimark · 03 Mar 2016, 04:37

Doubtful.

Redmaus · 03 Mar 2016, 04:44

terrycherry wrote: I just want to know: did the model F's hammer have a metal variant? Mine is plastic.

No, that is an interesting concept though.

ohaimark · 04 Mar 2016, 04:15

The EMR's case is NOT metal. I repeat, not metal. That means it's up for sale.