IBM Model F 5291 "Bigfoot" protocol?

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Wazrach

08 Mar 2019, 15:09

Hi guys, I'm eyeing up two of these on Ebay right now. Wondering what protocol it speaks? Is it the same as the 4704 keyboards? Because if it is, I have a 4704 Hasu converter for my Pingmaster that I could use if I wire up an adapter. I did this with my 5155 Model F to use it with my XT/AT Soarer's converter. Really like the original cables, and I don't want to open up the keyboard to change the PCB. Thanks in advance!

HC514

08 Mar 2019, 16:27

Not an expert on this, but from what I can see online, the 4704 uses a unique protocol, so that Hasu converter probably won't help. It doesn't look like Soarer's Converter supports this board's protocol either. However, from this thread, it looks like Soarer's Controller probably is compatible.

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Wazrach

08 Mar 2019, 16:29

Ah, that's a shame. :C Guess I'll just have to open it up and risk ruining the key feel. I'll change the PCB to an XT one and use its cable.

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Wazrach

08 Mar 2019, 16:34

Or maybe I could solder on a new controller without disassembling the plates?

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Laser
emacs -nw

08 Mar 2019, 16:47

Read about Soarer's controller (not the converter - although the converter's docs are useful afterwards, with key mapping).

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Wazrach

08 Mar 2019, 17:04

My knowledge is super basic with this kind of thing :S

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Laser
emacs -nw

08 Mar 2019, 17:25

We all started somewhere (even here :P), e.g. viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9418

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Wazrach

08 Mar 2019, 17:30

I will have a look when I get home, thanks. :) It will probably go over my head though

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SneakyRobb
THINK

08 Mar 2019, 21:35

I have a bigfoot and was able to use the soarer firmware. It is a bit more involved than a typical model F as if I recall the bigfoot doesnt have an on board controller..?, but you can get it to work.

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swampangel

08 Mar 2019, 22:01

There's a howto post on reddit that sounds plausible https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyb ... ed/clvljyv

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