Difference between revisions of "IBM Beam Spring Keyboards"

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[[IBM]]'s first generation '''electronic capacitive-coupled keyboards''', known as the '''beam spring keyboards''', were keyboards using the [[beam spring]] mechanism. These replaced special adaptations of the Selectric typewriter modified to communicate with a computer during the early 1970s.
  
−
[[IBM]]'s first generation '''Electronic Capacitive-Coupled Keyboards''', known as the '''Beam Spring Keyboards''' were keyboards using the [[Beam Spring]] mechanism. These replaced special adaptations of the Selectric typewriter modified to communicate with a computer during the early 1970s.
+
=Detachable Beamspring Keyboards=
  
−
==History==
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==3101==
 +
<gallery widths="250" heights="147">
 +
IBM 3101.jpeg|IBM 3101
 +
</gallery>
  
−
==Common Design Features==
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Launched in 1979, the 3101 was a low cost serial ASCII terminal designed to work with both IBM systems, and systems made by competing vendors. Its keyboard had the same physical key arrangement of the 87-key 3278 keyboards (or the 88-key Japanese layout), but featured a different housing and a different keycap colour scheme. IBM later produced a [[IBM_Model_F#IBM_3101_Model_F_Keyboard|Model F version]] that was interchangeable with the beam spring one.
  
−
==Keyboards==
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<gallery widths="250" heights="167" caption="IBM 3101 Display Station">
 +
File:3101layout.jpg  | Layout diagram of US 87-key IBM 3101 keyboard
 +
File:3101japanese.jpg | Layout diagram of Japanese 88-key IBM 3101 keyboard
 +
</gallery>
  
−
===IBM 3277 (and related) Display Station Keyboards===
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==3276==
 +
<gallery widths="250" heights="147">
 +
3276.jpg| IBM 3276 Data Entry keyboard
 +
</gallery>
  
−
====IBM 4979 Display Station Console Keyboard====
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==3277==
−
The 4979 was a terminal that was launched in 1976 alongside the IBM Series/1 minicomputer to which it was designed to be attached to. It featured a 66-key data entry style keyboard built into the terminal housing which had the same physical key arrangement as the 3277 data entry keyboard, but a different layout and keycap colour scheme.
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===66 key version===
 +
====Micro Switch====
 +
<gallery widths="250" heights="167">
 +
IBM 3277 typewriter keyboard - keyboard top.JPG| IBM 3277 with Microswitch
 +
</gallery>
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 4979 Display Station">
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===78 key version===
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File:4979.jpg|IBM 4979 Display Station.
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<gallery widths="250" heights="167">
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File:4979layout.jpg|Layout diagram of the 4979's keyboard, taken from an IBM manual.
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3277.jpg | IBM 3277 Display Station model 2 keyboard
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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====External links====
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==3278==
−
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/3270/fe/S126-0005-4_3275_3277_Display_Station_Parts_Catalog_Jul76.pdf 3275/3277 Display Station Parts Catalog]
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<gallery widths="250" heights="140">
−
* [http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/ibm/series1/GA34-0026-1_4979_Display_Station_Description_Mar77.pdf 4979 Display Station Description]
+
File:3278 in the 87-key layout.jpg|3278 in the 87-key layout (modified for modern use)
 +
File:Green legends.jpg|3278 with engraved green alternate legends<ref>https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=378718#p378718</ref>
 +
File:3278 apl.jpg|3278 with APL tripleshot orange legends<ref>https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=310103#p310103</ref>
 +
</gallery>The IBM 3278 Display Station keyboards were part of the 3278 Display Station which were terminals for IBM mainframes. They featured keyboards with 75 and 87-key layouts (76 and 88 for katakana), with different legends for various purposes.
  
−
===IBM 3741 Data Station Keyboard===
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==3279==
  
−
The IBM 3741, and the related IBM 3742 (which was effectively two 3741s integrated into the one desk back-to-back) were released by IBM in 1973. They were designed as a more modern (by the standards of the time) alternative to a keypunch by storing data on 8" floppy disks instead of punching holes onto card. The keyboard was somewhat similar in layout to that of the IBM 029 keypunch.
+
<gallery widths="187" heights="210">
 +
File:IBM-3279.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 3741 Data Station">
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The IBM 3279 was IBM's first colour terminal. It was introduced in 1979. It was part of the 3270 series, using the 3270 datastream.
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File:3741.jpg|IBM 3741 Data Station.
+
 
−
File:3741keyb.jpg|Close up of 3741 keyboard.
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==3727==
 +
 
 +
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
 +
File:3101.jpg | IBM 3727 Operator Console keyboard
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
====External Links====
+
The IBM 3727 Operator Console was a variant of the 3101 designed to be attached to the the IBM 3725 Communications controller. Aside from a slightly different layout, the keyboard appears to be identical to the 3101's one.
−
* [http://www.corestore.org/3.htm Corestore page about IBM System/3 with pictures of 3741 Data Station]
+
 
 +
==4978==
 +
[[File:IBM 4978 Keyboard Front.jpg|none|thumb|IBM 4978 keyboard (US version)]]
 +
The IBM 4978 Display Station was a terminal for the IBM Series/1 minicomputer. It used a 122-key layout with 32 relegendable keycaps.
  
−
===IBM 3604 Keyboard Display Keyboards===
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==5251 & 5252==
−
Launched in 1973, the IBM 3600 Financial Communication System was a set of terminals and printers for bank tellers, and the networking equipment required to interface them with an IBM mainframe. The 3604 keyboard displays were the 3600's terminals, there were six models of which Models 1 - 4 featured beam spring keyboards (Models 5 and 6 used smaller keys which, at least in later production examples, used rubber dome switches). Model 1 was a compact unit which could be equipped with one of three keyboard options:
+
<gallery widths="300" heights="180">
 +
File:AJM-5251-1.jpg|83 key keyboard (US version)
 +
File:AJM-5251-2.jpg|83 key keyboard (Deutschland, German)
 +
File:Katakana.PNG|86 key Katakana keyboard<ref>https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_ibm525xGA2onDisplaySystemIntroductionJan80_3999909/page/n33/mode/2up?q=keyboard</ref>
 +
</gallery><gallery widths="300" heights="180">
 +
File:WThPUIC.jpg|66 key data entry keyboard w/o split spacebar (US)<ref>https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=177396#p177396</ref>
 +
File:67 key layout.PNG|67 key data entry split spacebar layout diagram<ref>https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_ibm525xGA2onDisplaySystemIntroductionJan80_3999909/page/n33/mode/2up?q=keyboard</ref>
 +
</gallery>The IBM 5251 and 5252, part of the IBM 5250 Information Display System, were video terminals meant to be application configurable means of data entry, located away from, or directly attached to the host system. They could be attached to a variety of hosts, including: series /1, system/34 or system/38. IBM suggested using the terminals in areas such as a sales counter, an order entry department or a receiving department. The 5252 differed from the 5251 in that the 5252 shared a single display that was split with a mirror between two operators to create two screens, however both units shared the same keyboard offerings. They featured four different keyboards, a 83 key keyboard (standard), a 86 key keyboard (Katakana) a 66 key keyboard (data entry) and a 67 key keyboard (data entry with split spacebar). The 83 key keyboard shares its layout with the later Model F 83 key [[IBM System/23 Datamaster Keyboard|IBM System/23 Datamaster]], [[IBM Model F#IBM 5291 Keyboard|IBM 5291 terminal]] and [[IBM PC/XT Model F keyboard|IBM PC keyboards]] as well as the 5280 Distributed Data Station keyboards discussed below. The 66 key variant dropped the number pad and featured "data entry" key legends, shown above. The 67 key layout was nearly identical to the 66 key layout, but had a split spacebar with a 3 unit zero key on the right side. The Katakana variant had 3 extra keys to accommodate the expanded character set. Legends were offered in several different languages, including German and Japanese, shown above. The 5250 system offered a light pen accessory which allowed the user to select highlight and copy text by dragging the light pen across the screen.
  
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* A 30-key Numeric Keypad, which featured a 15-key numeric keypad, and another 15-key block whose functionality was determined by the system software.
+
==5253 & 5254==
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* A Data Entry layout, which was based on the Numeric Keypad.
 
−
* A 45-key Extended Numeric Keypad, which added another 15-key programmable function block to the keyboard.
 
  
−
Models 2 - 4 were larger units which differed by screen size. There were two more keyboard options available in addition to the ones available for the Model 1:
+
<gallery widths="250" heights="180">
 +
File:5253layout.jpg|Layout diagram of 84-key IBM 5253/5254 Keyboard
 +
File:Ibm5254.jpg|IBM 5254 Display Station with keyboards
 +
File:5253 system in color.PNG|IBM 5253 Display with keyboard<ref>https://archive.org/details/TNM_IBM_5520_Administrative_System_20171101_0089/page/n1/mode/2up</ref>
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
The IBM 5253 Display Station and the dual screen 5254 were video terminals made for the IBM 5520 Administrative System, and were amalgamations of the 5251/5252 and the later 6580 Displaywriter System. The terminals, which looked identical to the 5251/5252, supported 3270 emulation and were designed to create, process and manage documents locally or remotely. The keyboards which were almost identical to the 6580 Displaywriter, had two known layout options: an 82 key, 92 character keyboard (shown above) and an 84 key, 96 character keyboard. The major differences between the keyboards of the Displaywriter and the Administrative System were the color of the keys, and the legends, with the Displaywriter having white keys and the Administrative System having black keys and more specialized legends. Not very much is known about this system because it was it was a commercial failure and was withdrawn from marketing after only three and a half years.<ref>https://www.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/pc/pc_5.html</ref>
 +
 
 +
==5281 & 5285==
 +
<gallery widths="300" heights="180">
 +
File:1600px-MNACTEC keyboards (31123483945).jpg|5281 Terminal shown with 66 key data entry keyboard
 +
File:S-l1600.jpg|5281 keyboard (Spanish) with top removed.
 +
</gallery>The 5281 and 5285 were video terminals made for the 5280 Distributed Data System. Described as a low cost way to enter data into and communicate data with larger computers, the 5280 offered increased performance from the 3740 Data Entry System which it was aiming to replace. Unique among IBM terminals, the 5285 was able to act as a controller and process data on the spot without being connected to a host device. The keyboard offerings were identical to the offerings for the 5250 System, however the bezels on the sides were shortened and the bottom bezel was elongated, to create a palm rest. As a result, the standard 83 key keyboard has the same form factor as the later Model F [[IBM Model F#IBM 5291 Keyboard|IBM 5291 terminal]] and Datamaster 5324 keyboards, and was the first keyboard to have this form factor. The top of the case is a cheaper and thinner plastic than on most beamsprings, and also yellows with age and light exposure, unlike most other models. While the legends are mostly identical to those from the 5250 System, there are a handful of unique legends on the number pad and function cluster. These keyboards use a speaker for auditory feedback similar to the 6580 Displaywriter and 4978 Display Station keyboards. Bizarrely, the speaker location was changed midway through production and was moved from being mounted in the upper right to the bottom left on later keyboards.
  
−
* A 74-key Alphanumeric layout, which featured an alphanumeric keypad with the same physical alphanumeric keypad layout as that on the 3277 78-key terminals. To the right of that was a numeric keypad and a number of programmable function keys. It is perhaps interesting to note that if one takes this layout, removes the Reset and Enter keys, replaces the Return and Back Tab keys with an ISO-style return, replaces the Tab and Lock key with a single L-shaped key the result is quite similar to the physical key arrangement of the later IBM 5100.
+
==6580==
−
* A 94-key Extended Alphanumeric layout, which added an additional 20 programmable function keys to the standard Alphanumeric layout.
 
  
−
The 3604 was replaced by the IBM 4704 which was launched in 1982. The 4704's Model F keyboard options are somewhat similar to those of the 3604.
+
The IBM 6580 Displaywriter was a word processor introduced by IBM in 1980. It featured two keyboard configurations: 82-key (with 92 characters) and 84-key (with 96 characters). One unusual feature was that the Caps Lock key physically locked down when pressed. The keyboard also contained a speaker instead of the click solenoid found in other Beam Spring keyboards. The Displaywriter was most likely the last IBM machine to feature a beam spring keyboard. The next year, IBM launched the System/23 Datamaster and the 5150 Personal Computer.
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 3604 Display Keyboard">
+
<gallery widths="250px">
−
File:3604-45key.jpg|IBM 3604 Model 1 with Extended Numeric Keypad. Note that the the long vertical key on the rightmost block appears to be non standard, as only single sized keys are present on official pictures.  
+
File:displaywriter.jpg   | 84-key DisplayWriter keyboard.
−
File:3604-74key.jpg|Diagram from IBM guide showing the layout of the 74-key Alphanumeric layout.
+
File:displaywriter92.jpg | 82-key DisplayWriter keyboard.
−
File:3604-94key.jpg|IBM 3604 Model 4 with Extended Alphanumeric layout.
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
====External Links====
+
==7485==
−
* [http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/ibm/3600/GA27-2776-4_IBM_3600_Finance_Communication_System_Operating_Guide_Aug76.pdf IBM 3600 Finance Communication System Operating Guide]
+
The IBM 7485 Display Station terminal is mentioned in certain documentation, and may have been a variant of the 3101.
−
* [http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/IBM-ProdAnn/3600.pdf 3600 Product Announcement Brochure]
+
 
−
* [http://kkraftonline.de/Museum/data/3604-02.htm Klaus Kraft's site on the 3604 (In German)]
+
<gallery widths="250">
 +
File:7485.jpg | Layout diagram of IBM 7485 keyboard
 +
</gallery>
  
−
===IBM 3767 Communications Terminal Keyboard===
+
=Non-detachable Beamspring Keyboards=
−
This was a printer type terminal from IBM which featured an integrated Beam Spring keyboard.
 
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 3767 Commutations Terminal">
+
==1130==
−
File:IBM-3767.jpg|IBM 3767 Communications Terminal.
+
Contrary to popular belief, the 1130 was created and sold years before the beamspring patent was filed, and does not have beamspring switches, however the keycaps are interchangeable.  
−
</gallery>
 
  
−
====External Links====
+
==2260==
−
* [http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/IBM-ProdAnn/3767.pdf 3767 Product Announcement Brochure]
+
Contrary to popular belief, the 2260 was created and sold years before the beamspring patent was filed, and does not have beamspring switches, however the keycaps are interchangeable.  
  
−
===IBM System/32 Console Keyboard===
+
==3604==
−
The System/32 was a midrange system, launched by IBM in 1975. It featured a console keyboard integrated into the computer unit, whose physical key layout could be described as a half way point between the layout of Selectric-based terminals such as the IBM 2741 and the keyboard of the IBM 5251 terminal which was designed for the later System/34.
 
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM System/32">
+
<gallery widths="250" heights="180" caption="IBM 3604 Display keyboard">
−
File:s32.jpg|IBM System/32 Console
+
File:3604-74key.jpg|Diagram from an IBM guide showing the layout of the 74-key alphanumeric layout
 +
File:3604 keyboard.jpg|3604 94 key extended alphanumeric keyboard
 +
File:3604 numeric keypad 2.PNG|3604 with 30 key numeric keypad keyboard
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
====External Links====
+
Launched in 1973, the IBM 3604 Keyboard Display keyboards were part of the IBM 3600 Financial Communication System, a set of terminals and printers for bank tellers, and the networking equipment required to interface them with an IBM mainframe. The 3604 keyboard displays were the 3600's terminals, there were six models of which Models 1 - 4 featured beam spring keyboards (Models 5 and 6 used smaller keys which, at least in later production examples, used rubber dome switches). Model 1 was a compact unit which could be equipped with one of three keyboard options:
−
* [http://www.corestore.org/32.htm Corestore System/32 page]
 
−
* [http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/ibm/system32/GC21-7591-3_System32_OperatorsGuide_Nov76.pdf IBM System/32 Operator's Guide]
 
  
−
===IBM 5100 Portable Computer Keyboards===
+
*A 30-key Numeric Keypad, which featured a 15-key numeric keypad, and another 15-key block whose functionality was determined by the system software.
−
The 5100 was an early portable computer (at least portable by the standards of the time, weighing in at around 25kg) launched by IBM in 1975. The 5100 was designed to run either a BASIC interpreter, an APL one, or have the ability to toggle between them. The 75-key keyboard was available either with a standard layout, or an APL layout.
+
*A Data Entry layout, which was based on the Numeric Keypad.
 +
*A 45-key Extended Numeric Keypad, which added another 15-key programmable function block to the keyboard.
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 5100 Portable Computer">
+
Models 2 - 4 were larger units which differed by screen size. There were two more keyboard options available in addition to the ones available for the Model 1:
−
File:5100.jpg|IBM 5100 with standard keyboard.
+
 
−
File:5100apl.jpg|IBM 5100 with APL keyboard.
+
*A 74-key Alphanumeric layout, which featured an alphanumeric keypad with the same physical alphanumeric keypad layout as that on the 3277 78-key terminals. To the right of that was a numeric keypad and a number of programmable function keys. It is perhaps interesting to note that if one takes this layout, removes the Reset and Enter keys, replaces the Return and Back Tab keys with an ISO-style return, replaces the Tab and Lock key with a single L-shaped key the result is quite similar to the physical key arrangement of the later IBM 5100.
−
</gallery>
+
*A 94-key Extended Alphanumeric layout, which added an additional 20 programmable function keys to the standard Alphanumeric layout.
  
−
====IBM 5110/5120 Computing System Keyboards====
+
The 3604 was replaced by the IBM 4704 which was launched in 1982. The 4704's Model F keyboard options are somewhat similar to those of the 3604.
  
−
The 5110 (launched 1978) was an updated version of the 5100 that supported additional peripherals, and the 5120 (launched 1980) was effectively the 5110 in a different form factor, with a larger screen and the tape drive replaced by a pair of 8" floppy drives. The keyboards and their layouts were the same as those on the 5100 but differed by the colour of their keycaps.
+
==3741==
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 5110 Computing System">
+
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
−
File:5110.jpg|IBM 5110 with standard keyboard.
+
3741keyb.jpg | Close up of an IBM 3741 keyboard
−
File:5110apl.jpg|IBM 5110 with APL keyboard.
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 5120 Computing System">
+
 
−
File:5120.jpg|IBM 5120 with standard keyboard.
+
The IBM 3741 Data Station keyboard, and the related IBM 3742 (which was effectively two 3741s integrated into the one desk back-to-back) were released by IBM in 1973. They were designed as a more modern (by the standards of the time) alternative to a keypunch by storing data on 8" floppy disks instead of punching holes onto card. The keyboard was somewhat similar in layout to that of the IBM 029 keypunch.
−
File:Keyboards computers history ibm marcin wichary 5120 desktop 1600x1200 hd-wallpaper-1014688.jpg|IBM 5120 with APL keyboard.
+
 
 +
==3767==
 +
<gallery widths="250" heights="200">
 +
File:IBM-3767.jpg | IBM 3767 Communications Terminal
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
====External links====
+
The IBM 3767 Communications Terminal keyboard was a printer type terminal from IBM which featured an integrated Beam Spring keyboard.
−
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/5100/SY31-0405-3_5100maint_Oct79.pdf IBM 5100 Maintenance Information Manual]
 
−
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/5120/SY34-0192-0_5120maint_Dec79.pdf IBM 5110 Model 3 (5120) Maintenance Information Manual]
 
  
−
===IBM 3278 (and related) Display Station Keyboards===
+
==4979==
−
75 and 87-key layouts (76 and 88 for katakana), different legends for various purposes
 
  
−
====IBM 3101 Display Station Keyboard====
+
<gallery widths="250">
−
Launched in 1979, the 3101 was a low cost serial ASCII terminal designed to work with both IBM systems, and systems made by competing vendors. Its keyboard had the same physical key arrangement of the 87-key 3278 keyboards (or the 88-key Japanese layout), but featured a different housing and a different keycap colour scheme. IBM later produced a [IBM_Model_F#IBM_3101_Model_F_Keyboard|Model F version] that was interchangeable with the beam spring one.
+
File:4979.jpg      | IBM 4979 Display Station
 +
File:4979layout.jpg | Layout diagram of the 4979's keyboard, taken from an IBM manual
 +
</gallery>
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 3101 Display Station">
+
The IBM 4979 Display Station console was a terminal that was launched in 1976 alongside the IBM Series/1 minicomputer to which it was designed to be attached to. It featured a 66-key data entry style keyboard built into the terminal housing which had the same physical key arrangement as the 3277 data entry keyboard, but a different layout and keycap colour scheme.
−
File:3101layout.jpg|Layout diagram of US 87-key IBM 3101 Keyboard
 
−
File:3101japanese.jpg|Layout diagram of Japanese 88-key IBM 3101 Keyboard
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
−
=====IBM 3727 Operator Console Keyboard=====
+
==5100==
−
The 3727 Operator Console was a variant of the 3101 designed to be attached to the the IBM 3725 Communications controller. Aside from a slightly different layout, the keyboard appears to be identical to the 3101's one.
+
{{Main|IBM 5100}}
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 3727 Operator Console">
+
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
−
File:3101.jpg|IBM 3727 Operator Console Keyboard.
+
File:5100.jpg    | IBM 5100 with standard keyboard.
 +
File:5100apl.jpg | IBM 5100 with APL keyboard.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
=====IBM 7485 Display Station Keyboard=====
+
The IBM 5100 Portable Computer was an early portable computer (at least portable by the standards of the time, weighing in at around 25kg) launched by IBM in 1975. The 5100 was designed to run either a BASIC interpreter, an APL one, or have the ability to toggle between them. The 75-key keyboard was available either with a standard layout, or an APL layout and featured the IBM Beamspring modules.
−
This terminal is mentioned in certain documentation, and appears to have been a variant of the 3101. Aside from a slightly different layout, the keyboard appears to be identical to the 3101's one.
+
 
 +
==5110==
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM 7485 Display Station">
+
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
−
File:7485.jpg|Layout diagram of IBM 7485 keyboard.
+
File:5110.jpg    | IBM 5110 with standard keyboard.
 +
File:5110apl.jpg | IBM 5110 with APL keyboard.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
====IBM System/38 Console Keyboard====
+
The IBM 5110 (launched 1978) was an updated version of the 5100 that supported additional peripherals. The keyboard and their layout were the same as those on the 5100 and on the  5120 but differed by the colour of their keycaps.
−
The System/38 was a midrange computer launched by IBM in 1979. In addition to the IBM 5250-series terminals that it was designed to operate with, it featured a console built into the computer unit whose keyboard had the same physical key arrangement as the 75-key 3278 keyboard.
+
 
 +
==5120==
 +
{{Main|IBM 5120}}
  
−
<gallery widths=250px caption="IBM System/38">
+
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
−
File:s38.jpg|IBM System/38 Console
+
File:IBM 5120 computer 2.jpg     | IBM 5120 with standard keyboard.
 +
File:ibm marcin wichary 5120.jpg | IBM 5120 with APL keyboard.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
====External links====
+
The IBM 5120 (launched 1980) was effectively the 5110 in a different form factor, with a larger screen and the tape drive replaced by a pair of 8" floppy drives. The keyboard and its layout was the same as those on the 5110.
−
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/3270/fe/S126-0029-0_3276_3278_Keyboard_Assembly_Parts_Catalog_Jan83.pdf 3276/3278 Keyboard Assembly Parts Catalog]
+
 
 +
==System/3==
  
−
===IBM 5251 Display Station Keyboards===
+
==System/6==
−
83- or 85-key (Katakana) layout, mechanically similar layout to the later 83-key [[IBM System/23 Datamaster Keyboard|System/23 Datamaster]] and [[IBM PC/XT Model F keyboard|IBM PC keyboards]]
 
  
−
====External links====
+
The IBM Office  was a word processor launched by IBM in 1977. Its keyboard has been described by some sources as being similar to that used by the later 5520 and DisplayWriter systems.
−
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/system34/fe/SY31-0461-0_5251_Display_Station_Model_11_Maintenance_Information_Dec77.pdf 5251 Display Station Model 11 Maintenance Information] - service manual for a 5251 terminal, including technical details on the keyboards used with the 5251
 
  
−
===IBM 4978 Display Station Keyboards===
+
==System/32==
  
−
===IBM Displaywriter Keyboards===
+
The System/32 was a midrange system, launched by IBM in 1975. It featured a console keyboard integrated into the computer unit, whose physical key layout could be described as a half way point between the layout of Selectric-based terminals such as the IBM 2741 and the keyboard of the IBM 5251 terminal which was designed for the later System/34.
  
−
====IBM 5253 Display Station Keyboards====
+
==System/38==
−
<!--
+
The IBM System/38 Console was a midrange computer launched by IBM in 1979. In addition to the IBM 5250-series terminals that it was designed to operate with, it featured a console built into the computer unit whose keyboard had the same physical key arrangement as the 75-key 3278 keyboard.
−
==== Encoding matrix ====
 
  
−
[[image:Displaywriter-matrix.svg|thumb|Displaywriter key encoding matrix]]
+
=External links=
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="background:none;border:none;"
+
*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/3270/fe/S126-0005-4_3275_3277_Display_Station_Parts_Catalog_Jul76.pdf 3275/3277 IBM Display Station parts catalog]
−
|+ Displaywriter key encoding matrix
+
*[http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/ibm/series1/GA34-0026-1_4979_Display_Station_Description_Mar77.pdf Description of the IBM 4979 Display Station]
−
!width="5em"|
+
*[http://www.corestore.org/3.htm Corestore page about IBM System/3 with pictures of 3741 Data Station]
−
!width="10em"|10
+
*[http://www.kbdbabel.org/schematic/kbdbabel_doc_ibm_displaywriter.pdf IBM DisplayWriter controller schematic]
−
!width="10em"|11
+
*[http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/ibm/3600/GA27-2776-4_IBM_3600_Finance_Communication_System_Operating_Guide_Aug76.pdf IBM 3600 Finance Communication System: operating guide]
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*[http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/IBM-ProdAnn/3600.pdf IBM 3600 product announcement brochure]
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*[http://kkraftonline.de/Museum/data/3604-02.htm Klaus Kraft's site on the IBM 3604 (German)]
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*[http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/IBM-ProdAnn/3767.pdf IBM 3767 product announcement brochure]
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*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/5100/SY31-0405-3_5100maint_Oct79.pdf IBM 5100 Maintenance Information Manual]
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*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/5120/SY34-0192-0_5120maint_Dec79.pdf IBM 5110 Model 3 (5120) Maintenance Information Manual]
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!width="10em"|17
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*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/3270/fe/S126-0029-0_3276_3278_Keyboard_Assembly_Parts_Catalog_Jan83.pdf IBM 3276/3278 keyboard assembly & parts catalog]
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*[http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/ibm/525x/SY31-0461-0_5251_Display_Station_Model_11_Maintenance_Information_Dec77.pdf IBM 5251 Display Station Model 11 maintenance information] — service manual for a 5251 terminal, including technical details on the keyboards used with the 5251
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*Deskthority — [https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/80s-keyboard-party-t10963.html 80s keyboard party] — MMcM's USB conversion for vintage IBM keyboards
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*[http://www.corestore.org/32.htm Corestore's IBM System/32 page]
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*[http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/ibm/system32/GC21-7591-3_System32_OperatorsGuide_Nov76.pdf IBM System/32 operator's guide]
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|- style="background:#F8F8F8;"
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*[http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/ibm/3270/fe/SY27-2314-0_3277_Troubleshooting_Guide_May72.pdf IBM 3277 maintenance guide]
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*IBM Library of manuals at [http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/pdf/ibm/ bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de]
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====External links====
 
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* [http://www.kbdbabel.org/schematic/kbdbabel_doc_ibm_displaywriter.pdf Controller schematic]
 
  
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[[Category:List of all keyboards]]
 
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[[Category:Vintage keyboards]]
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[[Category:List of all IBM keyboards]]
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[[Category:List of all keyboards]]
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<references />

Revision as of 18:40, 9 September 2020

This article is a stub. You can help Deskthority by expanding it.
 IBM's first generation electronic capacitive-coupled keyboards, known as the beam spring keyboards, were keyboards using the beam spring mechanism. These replaced special adaptations of the Selectric typewriter modified to communicate with a computer during the early 1970s.

Detachable Beamspring Keyboards

3101

  • IBM 3101

Launched in 1979, the 3101 was a low cost serial ASCII terminal designed to work with both IBM systems, and systems made by competing vendors. Its keyboard had the same physical key arrangement of the 87-key 3278 keyboards (or the 88-key Japanese layout), but featured a different housing and a different keycap colour scheme. IBM later produced a Model F version that was interchangeable with the beam spring one.

  • IBM 3101 Display Station

  • Layout diagram of US 87-key IBM 3101 keyboard

  • Layout diagram of Japanese 88-key IBM 3101 keyboard

3276

  • IBM 3276 Data Entry keyboard

3277

66 key version

Micro Switch

  • IBM 3277 with Microswitch

78 key version

  • 3277.jpg

    IBM 3277 Display Station model 2 keyboard

3278

  • 3278 in the 87-key layout (modified for modern use)

  • 3278 with engraved green alternate legends[1]

  • 3278 with APL tripleshot orange legends[2]

The IBM 3278 Display Station keyboards were part of the 3278 Display Station which were terminals for IBM mainframes. They featured keyboards with 75 and 87-key layouts (76 and 88 for katakana), with different legends for various purposes.

3279

  • IBM-3279.jpg

The IBM 3279 was IBM's first colour terminal. It was introduced in 1979. It was part of the 3270 series, using the 3270 datastream.

3727

  • IBM 3727 Operator Console keyboard

The IBM 3727 Operator Console was a variant of the 3101 designed to be attached to the the IBM 3725 Communications controller. Aside from a slightly different layout, the keyboard appears to be identical to the 3101's one.

4978

IBM 4978 keyboard (US version)

The IBM 4978 Display Station was a terminal for the IBM Series/1 minicomputer. It used a 122-key layout with 32 relegendable keycaps.

5251 & 5252

  • 83 key keyboard (US version)

  • 83 key keyboard (Deutschland, German)

  • 86 key Katakana keyboard[3]

  • 66 key data entry keyboard w/o split spacebar (US)[4]

  • 67 key data entry split spacebar layout diagram[5]

The IBM 5251 and 5252, part of the IBM 5250 Information Display System, were video terminals meant to be application configurable means of data entry, located away from, or directly attached to the host system. They could be attached to a variety of hosts, including: series /1, system/34 or system/38. IBM suggested using the terminals in areas such as a sales counter, an order entry department or a receiving department. The 5252 differed from the 5251 in that the 5252 shared a single display that was split with a mirror between two operators to create two screens, however both units shared the same keyboard offerings. They featured four different keyboards, a 83 key keyboard (standard), a 86 key keyboard (Katakana) a 66 key keyboard (data entry) and a 67 key keyboard (data entry with split spacebar). The 83 key keyboard shares its layout with the later Model F 83 key IBM System/23 Datamaster, IBM 5291 terminal and IBM PC keyboards as well as the 5280 Distributed Data Station keyboards discussed below. The 66 key variant dropped the number pad and featured "data entry" key legends, shown above. The 67 key layout was nearly identical to the 66 key layout, but had a split spacebar with a 3 unit zero key on the right side. The Katakana variant had 3 extra keys to accommodate the expanded character set. Legends were offered in several different languages, including German and Japanese, shown above. The 5250 system offered a light pen accessory which allowed the user to select highlight and copy text by dragging the light pen across the screen.

5253 & 5254

  • Layout diagram of 84-key IBM 5253/5254 Keyboard

  • IBM 5254 Display Station with keyboards

  • IBM 5253 Display with keyboard[6]

The IBM 5253 Display Station and the dual screen 5254 were video terminals made for the IBM 5520 Administrative System, and were amalgamations of the 5251/5252 and the later 6580 Displaywriter System. The terminals, which looked identical to the 5251/5252, supported 3270 emulation and were designed to create, process and manage documents locally or remotely. The keyboards which were almost identical to the 6580 Displaywriter, had two known layout options: an 82 key, 92 character keyboard (shown above) and an 84 key, 96 character keyboard. The major differences between the keyboards of the Displaywriter and the Administrative System were the color of the keys, and the legends, with the Displaywriter having white keys and the Administrative System having black keys and more specialized legends. Not very much is known about this system because it was it was a commercial failure and was withdrawn from marketing after only three and a half years.[7]

5281 & 5285

  • 5281 Terminal shown with 66 key data entry keyboard

  • 5281 keyboard (Spanish) with top removed.

The 5281 and 5285 were video terminals made for the 5280 Distributed Data System. Described as a low cost way to enter data into and communicate data with larger computers, the 5280 offered increased performance from the 3740 Data Entry System which it was aiming to replace. Unique among IBM terminals, the 5285 was able to act as a controller and process data on the spot without being connected to a host device. The keyboard offerings were identical to the offerings for the 5250 System, however the bezels on the sides were shortened and the bottom bezel was elongated, to create a palm rest. As a result, the standard 83 key keyboard has the same form factor as the later Model F IBM 5291 terminal and Datamaster 5324 keyboards, and was the first keyboard to have this form factor. The top of the case is a cheaper and thinner plastic than on most beamsprings, and also yellows with age and light exposure, unlike most other models. While the legends are mostly identical to those from the 5250 System, there are a handful of unique legends on the number pad and function cluster. These keyboards use a speaker for auditory feedback similar to the 6580 Displaywriter and 4978 Display Station keyboards. Bizarrely, the speaker location was changed midway through production and was moved from being mounted in the upper right to the bottom left on later keyboards.

6580

The IBM 6580 Displaywriter was a word processor introduced by IBM in 1980. It featured two keyboard configurations: 82-key (with 92 characters) and 84-key (with 96 characters). One unusual feature was that the Caps Lock key physically locked down when pressed. The keyboard also contained a speaker instead of the click solenoid found in other Beam Spring keyboards. The Displaywriter was most likely the last IBM machine to feature a beam spring keyboard. The next year, IBM launched the System/23 Datamaster and the 5150 Personal Computer.

  • 84-key DisplayWriter keyboard.

  • 82-key DisplayWriter keyboard.

7485

The IBM 7485 Display Station terminal is mentioned in certain documentation, and may have been a variant of the 3101.

  • Layout diagram of IBM 7485 keyboard

Non-detachable Beamspring Keyboards

1130

Contrary to popular belief, the 1130 was created and sold years before the beamspring patent was filed, and does not have beamspring switches, however the keycaps are interchangeable.

2260

Contrary to popular belief, the 2260 was created and sold years before the beamspring patent was filed, and does not have beamspring switches, however the keycaps are interchangeable.

3604

  • IBM 3604 Display keyboard

  • Diagram from an IBM guide showing the layout of the 74-key alphanumeric layout

  • 3604 94 key extended alphanumeric keyboard

  • 3604 with 30 key numeric keypad keyboard

Launched in 1973, the IBM 3604 Keyboard Display keyboards were part of the IBM 3600 Financial Communication System, a set of terminals and printers for bank tellers, and the networking equipment required to interface them with an IBM mainframe. The 3604 keyboard displays were the 3600's terminals, there were six models of which Models 1 - 4 featured beam spring keyboards (Models 5 and 6 used smaller keys which, at least in later production examples, used rubber dome switches). Model 1 was a compact unit which could be equipped with one of three keyboard options:

  • A 30-key Numeric Keypad, which featured a 15-key numeric keypad, and another 15-key block whose functionality was determined by the system software.
  • A Data Entry layout, which was based on the Numeric Keypad.
  • A 45-key Extended Numeric Keypad, which added another 15-key programmable function block to the keyboard.

Models 2 - 4 were larger units which differed by screen size. There were two more keyboard options available in addition to the ones available for the Model 1:

  • A 74-key Alphanumeric layout, which featured an alphanumeric keypad with the same physical alphanumeric keypad layout as that on the 3277 78-key terminals. To the right of that was a numeric keypad and a number of programmable function keys. It is perhaps interesting to note that if one takes this layout, removes the Reset and Enter keys, replaces the Return and Back Tab keys with an ISO-style return, replaces the Tab and Lock key with a single L-shaped key the result is quite similar to the physical key arrangement of the later IBM 5100.
  • A 94-key Extended Alphanumeric layout, which added an additional 20 programmable function keys to the standard Alphanumeric layout.

The 3604 was replaced by the IBM 4704 which was launched in 1982. The 4704's Model F keyboard options are somewhat similar to those of the 3604.

3741

  • Close up of an IBM 3741 keyboard

The IBM 3741 Data Station keyboard, and the related IBM 3742 (which was effectively two 3741s integrated into the one desk back-to-back) were released by IBM in 1973. They were designed as a more modern (by the standards of the time) alternative to a keypunch by storing data on 8" floppy disks instead of punching holes onto card. The keyboard was somewhat similar in layout to that of the IBM 029 keypunch.

3767

  • IBM 3767 Communications Terminal

The IBM 3767 Communications Terminal keyboard was a printer type terminal from IBM which featured an integrated Beam Spring keyboard.

4979

  • 4979.jpg

    IBM 4979 Display Station

  • Layout diagram of the 4979's keyboard, taken from an IBM manual

The IBM 4979 Display Station console was a terminal that was launched in 1976 alongside the IBM Series/1 minicomputer to which it was designed to be attached to. It featured a 66-key data entry style keyboard built into the terminal housing which had the same physical key arrangement as the 3277 data entry keyboard, but a different layout and keycap colour scheme.

5100

Main article: IBM 5100

  • IBM 5100 with standard keyboard.

  • IBM 5100 with APL keyboard.

The IBM 5100 Portable Computer was an early portable computer (at least portable by the standards of the time, weighing in at around 25kg) launched by IBM in 1975. The 5100 was designed to run either a BASIC interpreter, an APL one, or have the ability to toggle between them. The 75-key keyboard was available either with a standard layout, or an APL layout and featured the IBM Beamspring modules.

5110

  • IBM 5110 with standard keyboard.

  • IBM 5110 with APL keyboard.

The IBM 5110 (launched 1978) was an updated version of the 5100 that supported additional peripherals. The keyboard and their layout were the same as those on the 5100 and on the 5120 but differed by the colour of their keycaps.

5120

Main article: IBM 5120

  • IBM 5120 with standard keyboard.

  • IBM 5120 with APL keyboard.

The IBM 5120 (launched 1980) was effectively the 5110 in a different form factor, with a larger screen and the tape drive replaced by a pair of 8" floppy drives. The keyboard and its layout was the same as those on the 5110.

System/3

System/6

The IBM Office was a word processor launched by IBM in 1977. Its keyboard has been described by some sources as being similar to that used by the later 5520 and DisplayWriter systems.

System/32

The System/32 was a midrange system, launched by IBM in 1975. It featured a console keyboard integrated into the computer unit, whose physical key layout could be described as a half way point between the layout of Selectric-based terminals such as the IBM 2741 and the keyboard of the IBM 5251 terminal which was designed for the later System/34.

System/38

The IBM System/38 Console was a midrange computer launched by IBM in 1979. In addition to the IBM 5250-series terminals that it was designed to operate with, it featured a console built into the computer unit whose keyboard had the same physical key arrangement as the 75-key 3278 keyboard.

External links

  1. ↑ https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=378718#p378718
  2. ↑ https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=310103#p310103
  3. ↑ https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_ibm525xGA2onDisplaySystemIntroductionJan80_3999909/page/n33/mode/2up?q=keyboard
  4. ↑ https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=177396#p177396
  5. ↑ https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_ibm525xGA2onDisplaySystemIntroductionJan80_3999909/page/n33/mode/2up?q=keyboard
  6. ↑ https://archive.org/details/TNM_IBM_5520_Administrative_System_20171101_0089/page/n1/mode/2up
  7. ↑ https://www.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/pc/pc_5.html
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