Replacement Controller for New Model M

JCMax

21 Feb 2022, 16:55

Are there any good guides for finding replacement controllers compatible with the Unicomp New Model M? I am planning on doing a bolt mod at some point and would like to upgrade the controller too.

But I would like to know how to install it too. Does anybody know of any good guides?

User avatar
Palatino

21 Feb 2022, 17:04

Not sure about controllers, but I was under the impression new Unicomp Model Ms don’t use plastic rivets like the original ones did, so don’t require bolt-modding.

User avatar
Bjerrk

21 Feb 2022, 17:14

Palatino wrote: 21 Feb 2022, 17:04 Not sure about controllers, but I was under the impression new Unicomp Model Ms don’t use plastic rivets like the original ones did, so don’t require bolt-modding.
I must be really stupid for bolt modding a Unicomp Classic then ;)

(Are you saying that the New Model M is different, though? :O )

User avatar
Palatino

21 Feb 2022, 17:29

Hehe my impression may be completely wrong! Don’t know where I read it. Or maybe I just assumed they wouldn’t repeat IBM’s mistake. (I’m talking about Model Ms you can buy new now from Unicomp)

User avatar
Palatino

21 Feb 2022, 17:43

Or perhaps it’s because the latest ones are so new that the rivets haven’t had time to go bad. But if you’ve removed plastic rivets a from a Unicomp, I don’t understand their decision, unless they’ve used a stronger plastic. Just cost-saving?

User avatar
sharktastica

21 Feb 2022, 19:38

JCMax wrote: 21 Feb 2022, 16:55 Are there any good guides for finding replacement controllers compatible with the Unicomp New Model M? I am planning on doing a bolt mod at some point and would like to upgrade the controller too.

But I would like to know how to install it too. Does anybody know of any good guides?
Not sure about guides, but there is a possible replacement controller - purdeaandrei's OverNumpad Controller.
Palatino wrote: 21 Feb 2022, 17:04 Not sure about controllers, but I was under the impression new Unicomp Model Ms don’t use plastic rivets like the original ones did, so don’t require bolt-modding.
They indeed still use rivets. The New Model M is basically just an outward retool and reskin.
newm_backplate.jpg
newm_backplate.jpg (781.49 KiB) Viewed 2179 times

User avatar
Bjerrk

21 Feb 2022, 20:37

sharktastica wrote: 21 Feb 2022, 19:38 They indeed still use rivets. The New Model M is basically just an outward retool and reskin.
Thanks for the clarification! Speaking of that, does a New Model M assembly fit in an IBM Model M (or Unicomp Classic) case?

User avatar
Palatino

21 Feb 2022, 22:05

Yes, thank you for shattering my misapprehension. The picture decides the riveting discussion. Bjerrk - did you do your bolt mod as a precaution, or had any rivets popped?

User avatar
Bjerrk

21 Feb 2022, 22:25

Palatino wrote: 21 Feb 2022, 22:05 Yes, thank you for shattering my misapprehension. The picture decides the riveting discussion. Bjerrk - did you do your bolt mod as a precaution, or had any rivets popped?
A precaution. I had recently gotten a drill press and went to town somewhat.

User avatar
Muirium
µ

21 Feb 2022, 22:31

Quality tool, that. Great on softer metal cases. If you know what I mean.

Image

User avatar
Bjerrk

21 Feb 2022, 23:08

That's inspiring, I really should get around to making something sturdier than the current "empty cardboard screw box" converter housing I've been using for the longest time.
("What's a cardboard screw?" you might ask, in which case I'd respond "Shh, it's not my fault that English is this terribly ambiguous language!")

Post Reply

Return to “Keyboards”