My article on differences between Model M122s

[sharktastica]

Hi,

I've been working on and updating my article on the differences between 122-key Model Ms, which also describes them in the four-type system I use on my website and its keyboard database. The backstory behind this endeavour was that when I was designing the model for my part number database about two years ago, I wanted distinction for M122 part numbers that were more clear cut than the generations people are already familiar with (as explained below, there's an intended difference). As such, I settled on this classification system and I was able to make an article for my IBM keyboard "knowledgebase" from it.

If you have any feedback on it, I'm all ears! Either in terms of the content and the classification system. Just please bear in mind that I'm just trying to figure out what makes the most sense for my database and quick classification. If it all looks good, I'll likely be porting some of the information and photo for the currently not-existed "IBM 122-key terminal keyboards" page referenced on the "IBM Model M" page on the wiki.

https://sharktastica.co.uk/topics/m122_diffs

m122s_five_types.jpg (1.72 MiB) Viewed 2544 times

Note: as mentioned, there's an intended difference of these 'types' compared to the 'generations' (for the Enhanced Keyboard) everyone is familiar with. I wanted to conceptualise this system since I've come across battleship-style M122s with what would be considered Enhanced Keyboard gen 1 and gen 2 production values (as per DT Wiki) inside, etc etc. With this, part numbers in the database only describe a single type of keyboard, however, they could be made to the internal specs of different generations throughout the production period. I know there are some potential exceptions (like battleship-style M122s that have been converted by CEI to fulfil the function of later battlecruiser-style M122s), but for the most part, this works. If your ideas differ or you disagree, please comment.

[raoulduke-esq]

My M122 has the F-style case and feet, no switches behind the switch door, and a fixed PS/2 cable. It has all-pebble black legend PF at the top and blue sub-legends everywhere else.

[sharktastica]

My M122 has the F-style case and feet, no switches behind the switch door, and a fixed PS/2 cable. It has all-pebble black legend PF at the top and blue sub-legends everywhere else.

Got any photos? Super curious!

[raoulduke-esq]

4AD970BA-9A7F-4556-9B9D-E854DFE80546.jpeg (967.55 KiB) Viewed 2519 times

CF41A97C-FC00-470E-8B04-996A20C2F08D.jpeg (941.98 KiB) Viewed 2519 times

Sure. Nothing headline-grade but they get the point across…

[sharktastica]

4AD970BA-9A7F-4556-9B9D-E854DFE80546.jpeg

CF41A97C-FC00-470E-8B04-996A20C2F08D.jpeg

Sure. Nothing headline-grade but they get the point across…

Ahh, nice! Completely forgot to mention possible earlier terminal emulator M122s. I'll put in a side note to avoid confusion.

[XMIT]

Take note of the mold numbers along the way, did they change?

Your "types" will map to production line differences at the factory.

[sharktastica]

Take note of the mold numbers along the way, did they change?

Your "types" will map to production line differences at the factory.

I don't have a lot of data on them. When it comes time to write for the wiki and a more detailed article I have planned, I'll be sure to look into them.

[sharktastica]

I've rewritten and reworked this page. The descriptions for each type are now more detailed, a few more photos have been added, example systems the keyboards shipped with have been added, and I've also mapped the types to the possible generations they can be.

https://sharktastica.co.uk/topics/m122_diffs