Programmable Model M?

dorf · 09 Jun 2016, 10:14

I did a quick search but didn't find any direct answer to this.
Is there a replacement controller anywhere to be found for Model M. Is there a difference between the IBM version versus the Lexmark version?

Halvar · 09 Jun 2016, 11:24

Yes, phosphorglow makes a very nice USB controller for Model Ms. You can even extend it later to use bluetooth.

workshop-f7/universal-model-m-controlle ... controller

http://phosphorglow.net/store/products/ ... troller-3/

There are many generations of the Model M controller made by IBM and then later IBM's offspring company Lexmark, but as far as I know the matrix on the membranes never changed, so you should be able to use all generations in your keyboard.

EDIT: the LED connctors are different in different versions though, so you might need to keep an eye on that.

Muirium · 09 Jun 2016, 11:37

Where are you, Worf?

help-f53/please-add-your-country-of-res ... it=Country

Sorry, Dorn. Uh, I mean Dorf. Um, ach whatever.

Anywho, I might have one for you if you're in Europe. American international shipping is something to avoid, I find!

Stabilized · 09 Jun 2016, 11:38

What are the advantages of using a replacement controller like this over just putting a Pro Micro into the keyboard with soarer's converter on it (apart from the obvious possibility of bluetooth)?

Muirium · 09 Jun 2016, 11:39

Much less work getting the USB socket right, I find. Phosphor's is great for lazy buggers like me! Simple drop in replacement, designed around IBM's original mounts.

Halvar · 09 Jun 2016, 11:55

Yes, it's a very cool solution to have a USB port directly where the SDL port was on the original. All in all by doing this you get a really well-designed USB Model M without any kludges.

I have to admit that I wasn't willing to spend the money for one yet. I built something similar with bluetooth and a Teensy myself, but it does look like an 80s kid's electronics project.

dorf · 09 Jun 2016, 12:45

I really have to learn to follow threads when I create them...

dorf · 09 Jun 2016, 12:46

Muirium wrote: Where are you, Worf?

help-f53/please-add-your-country-of-res ... it=Country

Sorry, Dorn. Uh, I mean Dorf. Um, ach whatever.

Anywho, I might have one for you if you're in Europe. American international shipping is something to avoid, I find!

I'm in Sweden, land of the Vikings. It would be great if you could send one to me.

Muirium · 09 Jun 2016, 14:21

I'll see what I can rustle up. I have two of them, and Phosphor was talking to me about a third. If you're just after USB, you could be in luck. My quest for Bluetooth goes on!

andrewjoy · 09 Jun 2016, 15:06

Halvar wrote: Yes, phosphorglow makes a very nice USB controller for Model Ms. You can even extend it later to use bluetooth.

workshop-f7/universal-model-m-controlle ... controller

http://phosphorglow.net/store/products/ ... troller-3/

There are many generations of the Model M controller made by IBM and then later IBM's offspring company Lexmark, but as far as I know the matrix on the membranes never changed, so you should be able to use all generations in your keyboard.

EDIT: the LED connctors are different in different versions though, so you might need to keep an eye on that.

Some very late Model Ms had a controller up at the top right just like a M2, so open it up to check first.

dorf · 09 Jun 2016, 15:10

Muirium wrote: I'll see what I can rustle up. I have two of them, and Phosphor was talking to me about a third. If you're just after USB, you could be in luck. My quest for Bluetooth goes on!

Bluetooth sounds nice.

dorf · 09 Jun 2016, 15:11

andrewjoy wrote:
Halvar wrote: Yes, phosphorglow makes a very nice USB controller for Model Ms. You can even extend it later to use bluetooth.

workshop-f7/universal-model-m-controlle ... controller

http://phosphorglow.net/store/products/ ... troller-3/

There are many generations of the Model M controller made by IBM and then later IBM's offspring company Lexmark, but as far as I know the matrix on the membranes never changed, so you should be able to use all generations in your keyboard.

EDIT: the LED connctors are different in different versions though, so you might need to keep an eye on that.

Some very late Model Ms had a controller up at the top right just like a M2, so open it up to check first.

The one I'm planning to mod is a '94 from Lexmark so I will open and check. Thanks.