The Apple II I just got has a very unusual external Keyboard

D10D3

15 Jan 2020, 22:31

I just got my first Apple. I've been collecting and fixing retro computers since they weren't retro, so not having ever had an Apple has always bothered me. This one has some real character.
The keyboard in the wooden case connects to the Apple via a ribbon cable that snakes out between the panels of the Apple's case.
The enclosure appears to be handmade mahogany, and the hardware is a Keytronic board from 1983, probably a foam and foil number. Tonight I hope to get into it further and take a look at the switches.
Image
Additional images https://imgur.com/gallery/x1WdA07

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User101

15 Jan 2020, 22:56

that's a franklin ace 1000 keyboard

D10D3

16 Jan 2020, 17:49

Thanks for the input, I think you nailed it.

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Man_In_Blue

17 Jan 2020, 01:40

Looks like a Keytronic vintage foam and foil board. I had a loral conic branded one that looked nearly identical to that.

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joebeazelman

17 Jan 2020, 02:04

It's the Ace Windu keyboard! Good find!

anmq91

17 Jan 2020, 22:44

It looks amazing. I can only imagine what an alps board inside that chassis would sound like. Time to retrofit? ;)

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SneakyRobb
THINK

18 Jan 2020, 00:54

Cool

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robo

25 Jan 2020, 00:28

Huh. Pretty interesting. I wonder if the original user was an early keyboard enthusiast, who wanted the feel of that keyboard, or the ability to move it around? Or maybe the numpad and extra keys...

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