Father passed and I came across an old keyboard

[surubixmo]

I'm new here (first post). My father passed away over a year ago and I found this old keyboard of his and I would really like to get it working. Here are the pictures. https://imgur.com/a/qzENt

Also do you know where I could get an old school IBM logo? It would be so cool to use the same keyboard as him and even funnier to use one 9 years older than me.

[seebart]

Hi surubixmo, welcome to DT! You are asking at the right place. What you have there is a very nice IBM Model M from the very beginning of that keyboard production. In other words its THE Model M to own, doesn't get any better.

wiki/IBM_Enhanced_Keyboard#1390120

1390120

Entering production in January 1986, this keyboard was associated with certain later models of the IBM PC XT that were announced in April 1986. Its most distinguishing characteristic is its lack of lock lights (the original PC/XT keyboard lacked them too). It attached to the XT with the same sort of detachable DIN 5 connector cable as the 1388032. Whilst designed to be compatible with the XT, it was also compatible with the AT (and PS/2) interface, and it is believed that many of the early AT keyboards could interface with the same XT models with which the 1390120 was designed to work.

I cannot tell you where to get a vintage square label, you will have to have some patience in finding one or have one reproduced. You need a DIN to PS/2 adapter like this to connect it to your computer provided your computer has a PS/2 port.

[surubixmo]

Thanks for the link. How would I get this keyboard working with a modern computer? It would be really cool to type of the same thing my dad did.

[seebart]

Sorry I edited my post. A bad habit of mine.

Thanks for the link. How would I get this keyboard working with a modern computer? It would be really cool to type of the same thing my dad did.

Female DIN to male PS/2 adapter is what you need if your computer has a PS/2 port.

[surubixmo]

You're quick you replied before I updated my reply.
So I wouldn't need something like this? http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/prod ... xtusb.html
And I wouldn't have to mess around with that Teensy build?

Do I just need "5-DIN to PS/2" and a "PS/2 to USB"?

[fohat]

Do I just need "5-DIN to PS/2" and a "PS/2 to USB"?

Yes, but for a bit more money, Orihalcon's SDL-to-USB cables look great and work well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271816109375?afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

Contact him directly for a better price. He is a member here and also on Geekhack.

[surubixmo]

Do you have a link for that? And why don't I need to do the Teensy or buy the adapter listed above?

[rootwyrm]

Not even that much, to tell you the truth. In fact, all you need to get it working can be purchased from Amazon for a few bucks. No, seriously.

First you'll need this kind of cable adapter.
Then you'll need this SPECIFIC PS/2 to USB adapter from Monoprice. That's the one I use and it works with all Model M's including high-current models.

[seebart]

That's why I said "if your computer has a PS/2 port." For USB I would also go with a Orihalcon's SDL-to-USB cable. Blue cube would be another option but I would get a Orihalcon's SDL-to-USB solutiuon, your Model M is worth it.

What you linked is a AT DIN-5 Male PS/2 PS2 6 Pin Female Keyboard Converter Adapter Cable rootwyrm! That's not going to work, he needs a Female DIN to male PS/2 adapter.

[rootwyrm]

What you linked is a AT DIN-5 Male PS/2 PS2 6 Pin Female Keyboard Converter Adapter Cable rootwyrm! That's not going to work, he needs a Female DIN to male PS/2 adapter.

Wups, so I did. Long fucking day yesterday. Here's the CORRECT part. Sorry 'bout that.

[seebart]

That's it, thanks for correcting. Just so we don't confuse surubixmo!

[surubixmo]

That's why I said "if your computer has a PS/2 port." For USB I would also go with a Orihalcon's SDL-to-USB cable. Blue cube would be another option but I would get a Orihalcon's SDL-to-USB solutiuon, your Model M is worth it.

What you linked is a AT DIN-5 Male PS/2 PS2 6 Pin Female Keyboard Converter Adapter Cable rootwyrm! That's not going to work, he needs a Female DIN to male PS/2 adapter.

Why is it worth it over going the adapter route? I was thinking about driving down to micro center and picking these up. Would they work?

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0201961
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0303624

Still not really sure what you mean by my model m is worth it. But I do sort of have an affinity for this springy cable. I just got laid off so can't really afford his price.

[andrewjoy]

Sorry to hear about your Father but that is prob the best Model M you can get full sized.

Thick Black cable , thick backplate , nice legends. All its missing is the wonderful silver label.

As for adapter.

You want a "blue cube" , Don't mess around with anything else, it just works, yeh you can find a cheap one that may work or may be ok but the blue cube has never failed me.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Newlink-USB-si ... B000BSJFJS

[seebart]

Why is it worth it over going the adapter route? I was thinking about driving down to micro center and picking these up. Would they work?

Yeah those are fine, go for it.

Still not really sure what you mean by my model m is worth it. But I do sort of have an affinity for this springy cable. I just got laid off so can't really afford his price.

I say that because there are many IBM Model M's, yours is one of the nicest ones from that series. Many of the later ones are not so nice (not so well built for example).

Thick Black cable , thick backplate , nice legends. All its missing is the wonderful silver label.

Exactly. Well worth the effort in this case. I got one of these myself recently and managed to destroy the barrel while taking it apart. Lucky for me 7bit has got a replacement for me.

[surubixmo]

Sorry to hear about your Father but that is prob the best Model M you can get full sized.

Thick Black cable , thick backplate , nice legends. All its missing is the wonderful silver label.

Yeah missing the silver label is killing me lol. I think I read somewhere (maybe on recycledgoods) this thing weighs like 7 pounds. Do you know where the silver labels can be found?

[seebart]

Do you know where the silver labels can be found?

They cannot be easily found. I told you that already. Not even in the US.

[surubixmo]

Do you know where the silver labels can be found?

They cannot be easily found. I told you that already.

Yeah, I was asking if he knew where to get one or if he had one. I really appreciate you all taking the time to share information.

[seebart]

Oh andrewjoy may have one that's right I do not know that but I doubt it. Just have patience with the label and keep searching. I see you are in the US then your chances of finding one are better.

I would ask elecplus if she has one or if she would kindly have a lookout for one.

elecplus-u6391/

[surubixmo]

Oh andrewjoy may have one that's right I do not know that but I doubt it. Just have patience with the label and keep searching. I see you are in the US then your chances of finding one are better.

What's the general pricing on the stickers?

[seebart]

They are not stickers they and there is no "pricing" since you cannot buy them. You could have one reproduced or you will have to find another vintage one. I do not know what one would cost. I guess you could have a sticker made if that's good enough for you.

[andrewjoy]

They are no identical, but if someone is scraping a model F 122 or similar then you could use one off that , it just saying IBM on it no Personal Computer under it.

Check out this thread for-sale-f55/model-mf-the-haul-parts-fr ... 14377.html

You could pull the badge off any model F 122 case , it will look like this .

IMG_20160914_163939.jpg (72.72 KiB) Viewed 5202 times

[surubixmo]

They are not stickers they and there is no "pricing" since you cannot buy them. You could have one reproduced or you will have to find another vintage one. I do not know what one would cost. I guess you could have a sticker made if that's good enough for you.

Thanks that looks perfect.

[fohat]

I was thinking about driving down to micro center and picking these up. Would they work?

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0201961
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0303624

Still not really sure what you mean by my model m is worth it. But I do sort of have an affinity for this springy cable. I just got laid off so can't really afford his price.

Those should work fine. If you can wait 2-3 weeks for shipping from China you can get them for 1/3 of Micro Center's price.

The ultra-cheap-0s have always worked fine for me, but some people always advocate for the "Blue Cube" in spite of its cost and problematic shape.

I hate coiled cables and black cables personally, but that was the original equipment.

Be patient and keep your eyes open and a square aluminum badge will eventually turn up.

[0100010]

Not sure if it is the correct size, but I should have a couple of those metal IBM badges from 3178 boards. PM me if interested, just cover shipping.

[elecplus]

Oh andrewjoy may have one that's right I do not know that but I doubt it. Just have patience with the label and keep searching. I see you are in the US then your chances of finding one are better.

I would ask elecplus if she has one or if she would kindly have a lookout for one.

elecplus-u6391/

Actually, I have 5 model M cases that are cracked on the back or bottom corners, but they all have the stickers. UPS was EXTREMELY rough in shipping these poor guys. Selling with no caps but complete springs and flippers for $20. https://www.elecshopper.com/index.php/i ... epair.html
I suppose I should put a picture there...