Shorter space bar for Model M?

[cheater]

Hi guys, I would like to modify an Unicomp Model M to add a new key immediately to the right of the left Alt key, taking that space away from the space bar. There is a shaft in that spot that is unused, so the mod should be easy. I'm not sure if I'll need to modify the membrane, but people tell me there's a likelihood there is a contact there already. If not, no big deal.

I would need to get/make a shorter space bar. The wire is not an issue, as I can make my own, but a space bar might be more difficult. I'm not too keen on making one myself, unless absolutely necessary. I would like to modify one of their models with win keys, such as EnduraPro. Are there space bars that will fit the 104 key Model M (regarding shaft position) and which are shorter? Can I buy them somewhere?

BTW, I understand I'd need a new controller, but I'm looking to add my own usb controller anyway.

I would appreciate any tips. Thanks!

[hypkx]

Did you know IBM buckling spring typewriters? They have split spacebars.

[fohat]

Did you know IBM buckling spring typewriters? They have split spacebars.

This. The "Code" key has its active barrel in the proper place, but you will need to add a secondary dummy barrel for the stabilizer. The space bar is a separate problem with no good solution.

But that is a probably difficult and painful project unless you are very good with a Dremel and epoxy.

[Phenix]

What about the Japan varients?

[fohat]

What about the Japan varients?

Are any of them buckling springs?

[Phenix]

Also the MF-GB by lot_lizard featured split spacebar support, which is imho really cool.

[cheater]

Did you know IBM buckling spring typewriters? They have split spacebars.

This. The "Code" key has its active barrel in the proper place, but you will need to add a secondary dummy barrel for the stabilizer. The space bar is a separate problem with no good solution.

But that is a probably difficult and painful project unless you are very good with a Dremel and epoxy.

Hey! That sounds interesting, but I didn't understand that at all I'm afraid What is the "code" key? Why is the space bar a problem?

Thanks

[cheater]

That japanese Model M is really cool - I wouldn't need to mod the spacebar row as it has pretty much everything I'd need - any clue where I could get one? Do they cost a lot?

Great tip, thanks

[Phenix]

looks like its rare, so in case you find one for sale it should cost a bit..

If you are also into Model Fs i would recommend try to get an MF-SSK or MF-M once they are shipped out.

in the GB thread for the MF theres an picture regarding the split spacebar.
You need an Code keycap, which is designed different to an Rshift to make split spacebars work on the MF

[Techno Trousers]

That Japanese layout would drive me crazy. I use my right thumb and it hits the space bar almost directly below the N. On that keyboard, it would be right between the space bar and the key to its right.

[subcat]

That japanese Model M is really cool - I wouldn't need to mod the spacebar row as it has pretty much everything I'd need - any clue where I could get one? Do they cost a lot?

Great tip, thanks

If you have 58,000 Yen to spare, it's yours. http://page15.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/a ... t473202034

[Phenix]

(according to my app thats 480€+shipping)

[cheater]

looks like its rare, so in case you find one for sale it should cost a bit..

If you are also into Model Fs i would recommend try to get an MF-SSK or MF-M once they are shipped out.

in the GB thread for the MF theres an picture regarding the split spacebar.
You need an Code keycap, which is designed different to an Rshift to make split spacebars work on the MF

Sorry, what is GB?

[Wodan]

Sorry, what is GB?

Awesome dude, you've got an account from 2012 and managed to avoid all Group Buys so far?

I envy you ...

[cheater]

Sorry, what is GB?

Awesome dude, you've got an account from 2012 and managed to avoid all Group Buys so far?

I envy you ...

Oh, that. Ok

[cheater]

If you are also into Model Fs i would recommend try to get an MF-SSK or MF-M once they are shipped out.

in the GB thread for the MF theres an picture regarding the split spacebar.
You need an Code keycap, which is designed different to an Rshift to make split spacebars work on the MF

FullSizeRender-7.jpg (1.17 MiB) Viewed 7431 times

Found the image. Thanks for the tip. Not sure it's what I am looking for though. The keys are all different profiles. But even if they weren't, I would like a 1.5u key under C, a 1.5u key under ,/. and a 3u space bar inbetween, mounted on the right like the 2.25u code key. Or in other words, imagine you took exactly the widths they have, and make the left "half" of the space bar 1.5u and the right 3u, rather a 2.25u/2.25u split as on that MF-SSK image.

Actually in the group buy thread they say Code and Shift are 2.25u each, but they look to be 5.5u together, what gives? They are 2.75u each, right?

[fohat]

The keys are all different profiles.

Actually in the group buy thread they say Code and Shift are 2.25u each, but they look to be 5.5u together, what gives? They are 2.75u each, right?

One of the greatest beauties of the IBM M/F line is that all keys are the same profile and they can be moved around at will.

Yes, those 2 keys are 2.75u each, but you have to work with what is available unless you want to start from ground zero.

[cheater]

The keys are all different profiles.

Actually in the group buy thread they say Code and Shift are 2.25u each, but they look to be 5.5u together, what gives? They are 2.75u each, right?

One of the greatest beauties of the IBM M/F line is that all keys are the same profile and they can be moved around at will.

Yes, those 2 keys are 2.75u each, but you have to work with what is available unless you want to start from ground zero.

Thanks for confirming!

The keys do not look the same to me, shift is rounded and code is flat, and the small tab key looks different height to the alt key next to it - but i guess code and tab are not from the same line of keyboards.

[cheater]

Ok, so apparently I am looking for a 4u key as the space bar, or I could get the japanese version and that would just work for me. If there is no 4u key easily available, that could be a viable option.

The 5576 uses the exact same buckling spring, key, and shaft design as the "usual" Model M, right?

[fohat]

Ok, so apparently I am looking for a 4u key as the space bar, or I could get the japanese version and that would just work for me. If there is no 4u key easily available, that could be a viable option.

The 5576 uses the exact same buckling spring, key, and shaft design as the "usual" Model M, right?

The Code key is indeed convex upward, unlike the rest of them.

Finding a key that you like is irrelevant unless the configuration of the base plate and PCB support it. I have never had a Japanese IBM, but it appears that they are in the "M2" style which is different and every row actually does have a different profile, like most other plastic keyboards.

After you have taken a Model M apart you will understand all of this much better.

[cheater]

Ok, so apparently I am looking for a 4u key as the space bar, or I could get the japanese version and that would just work for me. If there is no 4u key easily available, that could be a viable option.

The 5576 uses the exact same buckling spring, key, and shaft design as the "usual" Model M, right?

The Code key is indeed convex upward, unlike the rest of them.

Finding a key that you like is irrelevant unless the configuration of the base plate and PCB support it. I have never had a Japanese IBM, but it appears that they are in the "M2" style which is different and every row actually does have a different profile, like most other plastic keyboards.

After you have taken a Model M apart you will understand all of this much better.

Thanks! I am much less interested in key profiles than the mechanics. The mechanical aspect is the same as in M, right?

[clickykeyboards]

For the historical record, IBM (Lexmark) in 1994 did make a few model M keyboards with the shorter space bars (Erase-Eaze function)

(1378197) Lexmark Classic Touch 101-key keyboard with Integrated 25mm Trackball
(1378192) Lexmark Classic Touch 101-key Keyboard with Integrated Pointing Stick and Erase-Eaze Option

http://www.clickeykeyboards.com/model-m ... xmark-inc/

IBM model M 1378197 with erase-eaze split spacebar

Erase-eaze.jpeg (134.09 KiB) Viewed 7416 times

[snoopy]

wow, never saw that board before... wonder if Unicomp still has the mold for those short spacebars...

[fohat]

.... wonder if Unicomp still has the mold for those short spacebars ....

And the membranes and circuitry for the added node?

[Chyros]

Didn't the ergonomic one have one too?

[snoopy]

.... wonder if Unicomp still has the mold for those short spacebars ....

And the membranes and circuitry for the added node?

No... But wouldn't it be cool if those were somehow compatible with the MF project? Come on, let me dream...

[cheater]

OK, so I guess my best bet is to buy one of those japanese ones. So the big question is: where do I get one?

[002]

The 5576 uses the exact same buckling spring, key, and shaft design as the "usual" Model M, right?

The 5576-003 uses Brother buckling springs. They're different and I don't think they're cross-compatible with the buckling springs used in the Model M.

As for where to get one, Yahoo Auctions Japan is going to be your best bet -- and you will be paying through the nose.

[cheater]

The 5576 uses the exact same buckling spring, key, and shaft design as the "usual" Model M, right?

The 5576-003 uses Brother buckling springs. They're different and I don't think they're cross-compatible with the buckling springs used in the Model M.

Thanks, good to know. Which 5576 models use Model M springs?

As for where to get one, Yahoo Auctions Japan is going to be your best bet -- and you will be paying through the nose.

Yeah, I've noticed they can cost a bit.

[002]

I don't think any of the 5576 keyboards use the standard Model M buckling spring arrangement. The only one that is really relevant to you though is the 5576-003, because the rest of the line are full sized keyboards.

In saying that, I wouldn't be too deterred from it just because it's not exactly the same. The at least sound kinda similar...