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IBM Model M2... worth restoring?

Posted: 08 Jun 2018, 18:49
by Tha_Pig
I found this. What do you guys think? Worth restoring? Or should I sell it for parts?
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Posted: 08 Jun 2018, 19:00
by Blaise170
I like the M2 and would restore it myself, but with two major caveats. One, the capacitor almost certainly needs to be replaced as they are notoriously bad. Secondly, rebuilding the keyboard after disassembly is probably the most annoying thing you will ever do in your life.

Posted: 08 Jun 2018, 19:12
by Darkshado
Unfortunately, the missing caps are going to be a problem because they have unique profiles (yes, plural) different from the other model M and F boards.

If you can find them, or combine this unit with another donor to get one functional board, I say it's worth trying.

As Blaise says, test the capacitors and replace as required, also be ready to deal with a broken plastic tab or two.

Posted: 08 Jun 2018, 19:25
by j0d1
If you do restore it, PM me what you need exactly as I have a donor board.
Free of charge, of course, only pay the shipping (should be around 8 - 10$).

Posted: 09 Jun 2018, 15:56
by Tha_Pig
Blaise170 wrote: I like the M2 and would restore it myself, but with two major caveats. One, the capacitor almost certainly needs to be replaced as they are notoriously bad. Secondly, rebuilding the keyboard after disassembly is probably the most annoying thing you will ever do in your life.
I love dismantling things and putting them back.
But I don't really know about the capacitors, aren't those the ones that make time travel possible? :lol:

Posted: 09 Jun 2018, 15:58
by Tha_Pig
Darkshado wrote: Unfortunately, the missing caps are going to be a problem because they have unique profiles (yes, plural) different from the other model M and F boards.

If you can find them, or combine this unit with another donor to get one functional board, I say it's worth trying.

As Blaise says, test the capacitors and replace as required, also be ready to deal with a broken plastic tab or two.
I found someone who is selling spare keys for it on Ebay. But I'm having my doubts about restoring it. Maybe I should give it in adoption to a good home?

Posted: 09 Jun 2018, 16:00
by Tha_Pig
j0d1 wrote: If you do restore it, PM me what you need exactly as I have a donor board.
Free of charge, of course, only pay the shipping (should be around 8 - 10$).
Since you have the means to fix it and most probably are better informed on these matters... Would you like to have it?

Posted: 09 Jun 2018, 17:39
by Blaise170
Capacitors are electrical devices that hold temporary stores of power and are used whenever the usual supply of power is too low.

Posted: 10 Jun 2018, 05:54
by Tha_Pig
Blaise170 wrote: Capacitors are electrical devices that hold temporary stores of power and are used whenever the usual supply of power is too low.
Yeah, but can they hold... 1.21 Jigawatts?

Posted: 10 Jun 2018, 13:06
by j0d1
Tha_Pig wrote: Since you have the means to fix it and most probably are better informed on these matters... Would you like to have it?
Thank you for the offer but I already have one.