IBM 5251 cleanup/usb conversion

tron · 10 Feb 2018, 23:24

Finally got my hands on a 5251 and everything Chyros hyped up is true. I absolutely love it

. My board appears to be in great shape and it cleaned up/converted rather easily. I didn't run into issues with keys not registering with the solenoid on as stated in Chyros' 3278 video. Was the controller or firmware updated or changed? Why would the 3278 not register keys as shown in the video?

Here is the restoration gallery- https://imgur.com/a/VItoK

The switches do seem a tad wobbly. Is this due to the foam loosing elasticity/strength over the years? Does new foam need glued in? My foam isn't falling apart but it does have a single tear and feels a bit mushy.

darkcruix · 10 Feb 2018, 23:36

Awesome work with the restoration. Enjoyed the pictures!

JP! · 10 Feb 2018, 23:50

The old foam is always worthless and could contribute to some wobbliness. I'm not 100% sure if the new foam makes a huge difference though since the key modules are packed so close to each other. There will still be wobbliness when moving a key side to side when it is not pressed down. The foam does not need to be glued in. It will be held in place by the plastic key modules. Also the old foam is always a gooey sticky mess to remove. It goes a lot smoother with a heat gun and goo-gone.

Yours appears very clean. I'd be proud to own one like this one of these days. This model has somehow proved illusive to me.

Bonus:

Spoiler:

tron · 11 Feb 2018, 00:03

JP! wrote: The old foam is always worthless and could contribute to some wobbliness. I'm not 100% sure if the new foam makes a huge difference though since the key modules are packed so close to each other. There will still be wobbliness when moving a key side to side when it is not pressed down. The foam does not need to be glued in. It will be held in place by the plastic key modules. Also the old foam is always a gooey sticky mess to remove. It goes a lot smoother with a heat gun and goo-gone.

Yours appears very clean. I'd be proud to own one like this one of these days. This model has somehow proved illusive to me.

Ok, thanks for the tip. I figured the process of replacing the foam would be messy after pressing a finger into it. I may just put if off for awhile and enjoy the board. I have a bit of hearing loss and the solenoid actually helps me type better. I can barely hear the model f and can't hear blue alps at all.

JP! · 11 Feb 2018, 00:27

Also if you start this process without having all the tools and supplies on hand you will have a it torn apart for a while. It can be very tedious depending how far you get into things. My process entails disassembly, removal and cleanup of old foam, making new foam, derusting springs, sonic cleaning everything, ptfe lubing contact points, oiling springs and stems, and reassembly. Also these beamsprings tend to be louder in the metal case models. I enjoy the sound of typing with the solenoid.