Need help Identifying this IBM "Quadrant Components" Model F Keyboard

lumpybutt33 · 30 Sep 2018, 23:46

I found this today at my local e-waste recycle center and haven't been able to find any information on its history online. Can anyone help me identify it? Im assuming "Quadrant Components" is some sort of partnership that happened with IBM in the 80's but Ive never seen IBM allow other companies to use their patented buckling spring technology.

Some of the details I've been able to find so far:

- Keycaps are a single piece unlike the Model M keycap and stem system.

- I own a model F with IBM badge on it and the layout is VERY different on my IBM Model F. This keyboard's layout is pleasantly usable on a modern keyboard.

- On my Model M stabilizers are used to balance larger keycaps. On this keyboard there aren't any plastic stabilizers but there are metal external stabilizing wires. Seems like an older system.

- Part Number: 6090817. Shop Date: F9 5079 (I think this means this part was made in 1979?)

- Underside of the Quadrant components badge on the right of the keyboard is housing for the caps locks/num locks LED's

Lastly, does anyone know of an adapter that might allow this keyboard to work on a modern computer? The pin out on the internal chip only seams to have 4 wires coming from it so I cant imagine converting it to USB would be too hard but I lack the knowledge to do it myself.

DM if you'd like to take it off my hands.

More Detailed Photos here: https://imgur.com/a/ljSu26A

OldIsNew · 30 Sep 2018, 23:58

Nice! Sure looks like a Model F AT minus lock lights in a proprietary case.

fohat · 01 Oct 2018, 00:24

Oh, that's a beauty! It might be worth a little more than a standard AT.

Have you tried an AT-to-PS/2 connector + a PS/2-to-USB? It might work straight up without additional drama.

JP! · 01 Oct 2018, 02:08

I am a bit confused since you had posted this days ago.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyb ... _quadrant/

lumpybutt33 · 01 Oct 2018, 03:15

JP! wrote: I am a bit confused since you had posted this days ago.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyb ... _quadrant/

Reddit didnt have all the answers so I was hoping to gain more info from the smart people here at Deskthority. I copy and pasted instead of re-phrasing my intent. Sorry for the lazy writing. More specifically Im hoping to find out who Quadrant Components is and what computer this may have gone with. There isnt much online about Quadrant Components.

JP! · 01 Oct 2018, 03:46

That makes more sense. Thanks for clarifying. I have not heard of Quadrant before.

What little I've found on them.
https://web.archive.org/web/20000510060 ... nyInfo.htm
https://www.bloomberg.com/profiles/comp ... onents-inc

lumpybutt33 · 01 Oct 2018, 03:54

JP! wrote: That makes more sense. Thanks for clarifying. I have not heard of Quadrant before.

What little I've found on them.
https://web.archive.org/web/20000510060 ... nyInfo.htm
https://www.bloomberg.com/profiles/comp ... onents-inc

WOW!! you guys rule over here. That was a really exciting thing to read. I retrieved it from an e waste recycle center still in the box very near Fremont where the headquarters is located so this makes a ton of sense. Fantastic! Its so nice to know the full history of this thing. thanks again

JP! · 01 Oct 2018, 04:06

To answer the question on the computer itself I think it is safe to assume was a re-branded IBM PC AT / 5170 or a compatible clone.

For more history.
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/342491/th ... -ibm-pcs/4