deskthority

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 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.

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 )

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)

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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

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!")