IBM Model M Keyboard Teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sonnytiger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 01:07:21 am
content: O0 Video:http://youtu.be/87HPpfSoQscBuckling Spring Image:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Model_M_patent.pngThe large chip is a microcomputer chip with ram, ROM, clock, etc. all build in.I have no idea what the smaller chip is, some kind of shift register maybe, I couldn't find datasheets for either component, I guess it is just too old.I don't think the speaker is missing, as there are blank connectors and components on the board. This would also leave room for the indicator lights to plug in.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 02:47:37 am
content: hitachi made version of a motorola 6805 with mask rom.

author: mazurov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 03:10:27 am
content: Unicomp is making model M now - this is what I use to type this message. The electronics is slightly different, the interface is now USB plus they added a couple of keys.The history model M is actually quite interesting ->http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard

author: jaqie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 03:52:05 am
content: yay fellow unicomp buckling spring keyboard owner!

author: mazurov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 05:26:13 am
content: :-)I own IBM model M too and have been using it since late 80-s - it is now attached to my CNC machine. Works like new.

author: sonnytiger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 12:27:02 pm
content: They are excellent keyboards to be sure! I have already of course read that entire article.

author: Telstar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 04:18:11 pm
content: I'd like a cleaning guide videoI polish my model M twice a year but I never did a teardown or inside cleaning.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 05:31:59 pm
content: Wow. Plenty of fellow Model M users aroundI've got a whole stack of them hidden in a cupboard and three in active service on my desk. Bestest keyboard ever.

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 07:03:22 pm
content: If my coworkers were using those model Ms I think I would go insane. A keyboard can't be too silent IMO. Same for mouse buttons. I hate all those clicky sounds.

author: lapm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2013, 10:10:58 am
content: Darn i got one of those in basement... Should see if it works still... Got it from fleemarket few years ago and cost 0.50 euros

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2013, 10:22:13 am
content: Quote from: lapm on February 26, 2013, 10:10:58 amJust check the price at ebay on that keyboard, its now a collector's item.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2013, 10:54:32 am
content: Quote from: david77 on February 25, 2013, 05:31:59 pmBest keyboard? Maybe for pseudo-geek cred - perhaps. If you're into that kind of thing.I'm all about this series of keyboards. They are near "perfect"

author: sonnytiger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2013, 11:46:37 pm
content: I cant see that one using anything but rubber membrane, the model M's are nice because they use nice clicky switches, and they are neigh invulnerable.

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2013, 06:03:48 pm
content: Clicky switches are not nice at all. Especially in an office it's not nice to coworkers to have such overly clicky keyboard that refuses to die too.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2013, 06:17:48 pm
content: I have a few that are not clicky switches but are hall effect units. too bad they are not ps/2 output though.

author: sonnytiger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2013, 08:23:58 pm
content: good thing i don't work in an office.