"Took them awhile", that's an understatement.

What I remember from back in the day, was the ringing spring reverb. They had such a lovely "ping" that you could hear and feel. It had a next level plushness that just wasn't there on anything else. Industrial design fine art.

Awesome video! Thank you for giving that Model F a new lease on life! Looking forward to the upcoming content. 👀

I picked up a "New Model M" in April for my office. Let's just say I know have to have my door closed when I type lol. Very satisfied with the build quality.

The Model F was LEGENDARY! Thanks for restoring this keyboard!

The use of the keyboard speaker is perfect! I was just thinking about a use for it today then saw your video.

I miss the Model "F" XT Keyboard (then again, I like all IBM buckling spring keyboards).

Just a little correction - the black caps from the M13 are NOT dye sublimated. They are pad printed.

Thank you @w I've been waiting for your Model M/F content for years. Thank you

What a use for the speaker. Loved the extra bit

I would love to see more content like this. Fantastic Wendell every video you make!!!!!

Really cool, Wendell!

My love for the model M peaked and collapsed at roughly the same time. Was in a room where all the machines had them, and they were amazing to type on. But 30 of them being typed on at once by touch typists - some of whom had to pace themselves to not overflow the buffer (yeah, that long ago) was a cacophony that was glorious and awful all at once. We had a user years ago that lover hers enough that she was allowed to keep it until we switched to black Dells, then we had to get her a black one. So very loud compared to the membrane keyboards everybody else on the floor had. Always felt like anyone that could make a buckling spring keyboard that was quiet could dominate the market like no other.

Wow, truly a labor of love here.

I love these building videos, same with model PDP! Super-fun!

15:27 Looks like that breadboard has seen some "magic smoke" releases

This is the best l1 video iv seen so far nostalgia is set to 11

very nice. love seeing these gems getting new life instead of ending up in landfill. more content like this please

This is a very good kind of video, please do more of restoration of vintage computers!

I remember selling the Pentium Overdrive kits at CompUSA back in the days of my youth...& people were already hoarding OG IBM keyboards.

Perfect music selection

I've Liked many of your video's, but have just now Subscribed. First video was of your Mega-Desk, which I thoroughly shared in your excitement lol! Gamers Nexus and the Sparc servers...sheesh...now that brought back memories! Sun Microsystems, did a lot of business with them back in the day. I keep finding and coming back to your content over and over again, nice to see another gentlemen of years enjoy tech toys as much as I do. After 30 years in tech and now retired, it's nice to get back to tinkering and having fun again. Thank-you!

I hope this becomes a series.

Seeing it in that state is actually better for me; restoring keyboards and tech in general is so satisfying and fun

this brings back memories of the van full old pc hardware i had years ago. i think i still have some of those keyboards in storage. i hated to see them thrown in the garbage. so i brought it all home from work. after their massive upgrades.

That is an amazing Keybiard!`

3 minutes in, I wanna go wash my hands already ;)

I grew up using these keyboards. Nostalgia meter through the roof.

Restomod keyboard, never expected that :D

Awesome video whooooo

Not sure why, but I want to kick it with Wendell fixing keyboards and drinking orange soda.

thanks Wendell

Wendel, try caking the barrels with PTFE powder. Should make them super smooth.

that foam looks like (UK name) plastazote, an 80's era (approximately) open cell foam used for separation/shock absorption between layers

Quite a few places might be willing to put your back plate in for High Corrosion Clear Trivalent plating. Got one done at a place that makes farm equipment and they didn't charge me for it, they just put it in with a bunch of other stuff. Might be worth asking around if your restoring small stuff like keyboards.

Can't wait to see more keyboard content I wish we still had very heavy switches made, I find MX blacks not as heavy as I'd like. I need to try some Kailh BOX Ancient Gray as I like heavy linear switches but that means likely building a custom board as most places don't offer it.

@tassadarforaiur

2 жыл бұрын

Doesn't have to be fully custom. Many box brand peripheral manufacturers have swappable switches now, socketed pins. You can switch swap on those

If you ever need any F springs hit me up i have loads. The backplate is hexavalent chromium, breathing it in is not advised . easy way to tell XT vs AT , XT has a metal back , AT does not. XT is the best feeling of the Fs imo i have 122 107 AT and so on , XT is the best. Control is in the correct place ! Tut tut call yourself a unix nerd.

Neat

the qmk universal controllers are legendary i do sell them on ebay but all of my boards use them

i am so frustrated that my workplace threw A LOT of beamspring keyboards when they upgraded and then again repeated history with model F, fortunately i got to save a few model M keyboards that had been long forgotten after the last upgrade(building was deemed unfit for health reasons), I mean they could have left a few of each older ones in storage long enough for someone to bring them home

Wonder if Wendel has tried making a keyboard with kailh box switches, might like em tbh.

I'm typing this comment on my Model M (I have two! Both converted to USB) and I love this keyboard!

very nice Wendel ill help you clean out your Basement bummer im over hear in Australia hahaha

lovit

so much DNA between those keys

Ewww that breadboard...what happened!?!? lol Cool mod tho, very interesting!

@kienanvella

2 жыл бұрын

Burny explody things probably

I didn't realize these had curved PCBs.

that bread board has seen some action

Had to get rid of a bunch of check writing speciffic model F keyboards(integrated into the checking machine)

Immortal keyboards.

Where on earth did you get that keyboard from?! Amazing how nice it turned out. :)

I am present and engaged, with IBM Model F Keyboard.

I have a TVS GOLD keyboard right now.

I suppose less of an issue with the model you have, but I have a model 'M' 122 key terminal keyboard and the USB keyboards have special USB specific scan-codes different from normal PS2 keyboards. For example my keyboard has 24 function keys but USB-scan codes for F13-F24 don't exist. So for all the 'extra' keys on USB terminal keyboards they just use shift versions of existing keys. F13 is just [Shift]+F1 and the same for the keys 10 extra keys on the left. They have unique scan codes on PS2, but they are duplicates of existing keys on the USB version.

Two things. I don’t recall what was the keyboard controller chip number? Also the Arduino keyboard controller dongle does it have a 21 key stroke buffer? I believe that’s what they had back then

I wish I had the pleasure of feeling that keyboard after the restoration. _engagement_

Dang! That foam pad looks nasty!

I love the feel, hate the sound. I want silent, but I still want the tactile bump that tells me it's pressed. Reason I go with MX Brown or Clear if it was more common. I'll be honest though, due to the noise factor I would sooner go with a quality membrane over loud clicky keyboards. (Typed on a Cooler Master Masterkeys M RGB MX Brown)

@XionEternum

2 жыл бұрын

In addition, I could see putting some form of rubber liner inside those columns to dampen the loud clack of the buckling spring.

@Level1Techs

2 жыл бұрын

The neoprene dapens the sound more than the stock rubber. But its still loud:)

@XionEternum

2 жыл бұрын

@@Level1Techs Then perhaps some neoprene liner inside those columns where the springs clack against the walls would help. I suppose a tiny square of electrical tape would work as a cheesy fix for the loudness.

@samfedorka5629

2 жыл бұрын

@@XionEternum You can put tooth floss inside the spring which will really help (after you already put foam). Putting a liner in the column would make the switch no longer work, as the spring is no longer loaded eccentrically (off axis) unless it was really thin. You could maybe put some kapton tape there or something though. When the spring buckles, it's a sudden event with a sharp drop off the force curve. This is very difficult to completely emulate with cherry style switches, and almost impossible with a tactile (non clicky) switch.

What's your take on Northgate Omnikeys?

Buckling springs are way better than Cherry MX switches and there better than Topre too. I've never tried beam springs or any Alps. But people who've only tried Cherry MX don't realise how much better buckling springs really are!

Mine still works fine. They were made to last :-)

hm.... mainframe reference manual... will redbooks for Z also work?

amazing ? Hi is the best !

So I have to ask .. do you do any mainframe work Wendell?

The Gods of keyboards

Does the Model F naming convention have anything to do with how they used letters in Star Trek I.e. Enterprise-D

Please some qmk/via content

I want one

I guess that is one of them thar SCSI (scuzzy) keyboards...

I keep going back to "why did I ever ditch my old IBM keyboard when I was a kid" and keep getting reminded how disgusting they can get.

So, the long keyboard video with ESR is still in the works?

@Level1Techs

2 жыл бұрын

Soon(tm)

I have one of those Model M. Any ps2 to usb recommendations for using it with something a little more modern than my 5150? edit: wasn't even paying attention while typing, I also have the Model F. Thats probably what came with the 5150. edit edit: I should have watched the whole video before assuming it was only about the physical restoration.

@digitaltactics9234

2 жыл бұрын

Step one watch the whole video then after easier rout this will work. For the Model M. ps2 to usb is has to be what is called a active convertor if it not active it will not work. For the Model F there are 3 different din - cables it can be. Soarer's Converter Adapter that are pre made if your cable is in good shape. orihalcon sell them on ebay. geekhack deskthority are great fourms to find out how to ad macros on some keys that might not work like print scr on a model F at or F xt . Soarer's Converter will work default for all keys but print scr you have to mess with the files to make it a macro. Model F XT keyboards spoke set one Model F at where set two in the language. Typing on my Model F xt right now it was made in 1983. Model F Keyboards both XT AT have NKRO no key rollover so there still great for gaming too. Model M keyboards are what they call two key roll over great for typing but not in so much for gaming. As a warring once you go back to a Model F Or a Model M you will never what to type on the new keyboards even if it is a mx switch or what ever else your using now lol.

I have the Unicomp Model M version with plug-in to the USB on the desktop. I have set it aside because I was making too many typing mistakes. I touch type, and the Model M is designed with 2-key rollover, not n-key rollover. When touchtyping rapidly, I would occasionally drop a character as the first finger was slow up, and the second finger fast down. A missed character would have me spend time to proof-read the text for missing characters. With text, there are many spell checkers that will catch things, but with programming, in C, C++, it takes a compile to find that type of error I have inquired about N key rollover (to prevent two finger rapid succession from causing one keystroke to be lost, but the company does not offer this software interface. With your mod, can you indicate that your mod now allows n-key rollover, or at least 3-4 key rollover? I watched the video several times and did not determine if it is at all possible with the M keyboard design. I set aside my Unicomp keyboard and have reverted to a membrane wireless unit with n-key rollover. But if your hardware mod allows n-key rollover, I would like to implement it and return to using my buckling spring item. My keyboard has 3 led lights and that is, to my knowledge, a fairly recent improvement. I also presume that unicomp might be interested in offering that mod as well. Gvie them a shoutout. Leslie with Canadian French keyboard Model M. (PC105)

@Level1Techs

2 жыл бұрын

Only on the Model F is 6-10 key rollover possible.. the M cannot do it. But the M is designed for 160wpm typing+. Do you type this fast? If not it may have been your USB PS2 converter dropping keys as the M demands a lot of power and that can have similar symptoms.

@lsatenstein

2 жыл бұрын

@@Level1Techs With 2 key rollover, you can be entering the letter T with the left hand and the H with the right. In burst mode (word "the" or other words that make use of both hands. Instaneous speeds when typing can be and are above 160wpm. The 160wpm assumes the peak uniform keypress spaced entry speed. Thank you for your prompt reply. BTW, my keyboard is the PC105 ISO layout. I am using the "Canadian French" layout, because I live in Quebec and occasionally need to provide accented characters.

@Level1Techs

2 жыл бұрын

The model may be just what you want then. There's new model Fs being made now but they are a bit pricey

@samfedorka5629

2 жыл бұрын

@@lsatenstein it is possible to make the model m have NKRO, but it requires replacing the membrane sheets inside it with a PCB. The model F keyboards support NKRO, but the converter may only support 6kro. there are other adapters that support NKRO on the model F. There is footage online of people typing over 200 WPM on a model M. It is unlikely that you type faster than that, even for short bursts. The problem you describe with the model M may be due to the higher amount of hysterisis inherent in the design: the key has to travel up a bit more to "unpress" However, you should not get blocking like that unless you are pressing three keys at once, and all three need to be near eachother on the keyboard. If you learn to release the keys faster, you will be able to type more quickly. Also, as has been mentioned before, if you are using a PS/2 to USB converter, then it's very likely that your issue lies with that. If you have a Unicomp keyboard that has USB natively then that's not an issue. Finally: it is unlikely your membrane keyboard has NKRO, one of the issues with membrane keyboards is the membranes themselves will not support NKRO. There is one exception to this that I am aware of and it is not available as a wireless. But I'm glad you're not having issues with it.

@copper4eva

2 жыл бұрын

What year is your Unicomp keyboard? The new keyboards don't have 2 key rollover. I think the worst any of them have is like 5.

Engagement !

I have a new in box model f with a Din connector. It is lacking an escape key or I would use it. I just save it for parts for my model m that hasn't even yellowed because it spent its life in a basement.

The whole video (and I enjoyed it) was totally worth it from the “hello world” moment thru the end. I laughed my a$$ off multiple times there hahaha

I prefer the feel of the Model F but the sound of the Model M. Can't have it all I guess ;)

@samfedorka5629

2 жыл бұрын

You can get close to the model M sound with some mods. The new higher density foam really helps, and you can put tooth floss in the springs to adjust it a bit more.

@samuelschwager

2 жыл бұрын

@@samfedorka5629 I might try that, thanks.

So it doesnt work without installing the software??????

The black keycaps are not dye-sub, they are pad printed. That's one of the reasons why they stopped making them.

My NOS Model F remains in it's original box fresh as an untouched virgin. Thankfully mine isn't as filthy as W's. shudder.

@andljoy

2 жыл бұрын

I have a sealed service part for an XT a brand new internals , springs plate everything sealed and new from IBM! Ready for when i wear out the 2 XTs i have :D.

"lil bit of rust"

I just used an stm32 to restore a cheap Chinese mechanical keyboard using qmk firmware

It sounds so fast.

meanwhile here I'm with my ducky one two mini (110 usd) and it's beautiful CHATTERING extra feature........

Yeah, but can it run crysis?

Make it Bluetooth!!

And he was never seen again... for he was eaten..

Wendell is amazing but #RyanBestWaifu2021

@linuxinstalled

2 жыл бұрын

Did I miss something Ryan did?

I would have preferred remove the metal backplane. Too much risk and it seems like it just adds extra that doesn't need to be there? Could it be 3D printed new guts/support structure?

@GatsuRage

2 жыл бұрын

he went for an OG restoration tho, even if he updates it's pcb/firmware that's only so he can use it on modern hardware but the idea was to have it as closes to original as possible.

dont get eaten

F

1:07 As far as I knew it was impossible to dye-sub a lighter color on darker plastic. What is this witchcraft?

@sharktastica

2 жыл бұрын

It's possible via inverse dye-sublimation (ie, take a light keycap and dye everything except where the letters go a dark colour). But that said, WoB keycaps for buckling springs such as the old black Model M13 keycaps and the set Unicomp used to sell until recently had perishable legends.

@wobbled5609

2 жыл бұрын

I'm pretty sure those keys are pad printed, not dye sub

@ev2477

2 жыл бұрын

@@sharktastica HEY ITS LBIBASS WASSSSSUUUP

@ev2477

2 жыл бұрын

It’s pad printed, not dyesubbed. And there’s something called reverse dyesubbing, where you dye everything but the text black. But thats a more modern invention.

@sharktastica

2 жыл бұрын

@@ev2477 Ayyy, small world!

oh no...Wendell...the soy boy look at the end. Noooooooooooo!!!!!!

More probably not native English spam yes?

Soyboy3

Nasty, old keyboards gross me out, but I wash my hands several times an hour, lol. What if a teenage boy owned that filthy thing, sure looks like it, lol. Sorry to poke fun ;)