Great/Interesting Finds

mike52787 · 12 Dec 2016, 13:11

//gainsborough wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NORTHGATE-OMNI- ... Sw5cNYTJyV

So what are the odds it's blue alps? Also:

Pretty much 50/50

mike52787 · 12 Dec 2016, 13:12

//gainsborough wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NORTHGATE-OMNI- ... Sw5cNYTJyV

So what are the odds it's blue alps? Also:

Tapatalk double posted -_-

mike52787 · 12 Dec 2016, 13:13

//gainsborough wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NORTHGATE-OMNI- ... Sw5cNYTJyV

So what are the odds it's blue alps? Also:

Pretty good chance, however 2 have been found with white alps. watch out!

Wodan · 12 Dec 2016, 13:20

Seller describes the keyboard quite well but doesn't show the switches?
Might be a reason that's happening ... I wouldn't gamble with a keyboard that isn't obviously noob-labeled.

Scarpia · 12 Dec 2016, 14:03

Wodan wrote: Seller describes the keyboard quite well but doesn't show the switches?
Might be a reason that's happening ... I wouldn't gamble with a keyboard that isn't obviously noob-labeled.

This. A thousand times this. But good luck.

fohat · 12 Dec 2016, 14:23

Wodan wrote:
Seller describes the keyboard quite well but doesn't show the switches?

Might be a reason that's happening ... I wouldn't gamble with a keyboard that isn't obviously noob-labeled.

I would say that this is probably "noob-labeled"

They refer to "mechanical springs" which is a very peculiar term not what a keyboard enthusiast would say, and also "connector cord"

Odd terminology tells me that they probably looked up Northgate keyboards but did not really understand what they were reading.

Scarpia · 12 Dec 2016, 14:47

On second glance, it could be noob labeled/listed. It doesn't have any of the dead giveaways of a knowledgeable seller, like a part number or a closeup of the backlabel, and it doesn't mention "gold label" anywhere. And it refers to the board as 'OMNI KEY/102', two words and including the slash, as on the label. Collectors tend to just write 'Omnikey 102'.

Wodan · 12 Dec 2016, 14:48

HMMMHMHM ... still wouldn't ask for a switch pic before going all-in. Keyboard looks amazing, very nice layout!

Hypersphere · 12 Dec 2016, 21:45

E3E wrote: Anyone fancy a boxed DC-2014?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-leading ... 2518.l4276

It's not "NIB" as it was clearly used, but it's always nice to have the original box with a desirable keyboard. Nothing stopping this thing from being converted and fully functional on modern systems, even if it isn't off the bat.

I got this one. It had just about the dirtiest case and keycaps I had ever seen. However, it cleaned up very well and the top plate and switches were in excellent shape. I am typing on it now after installing an internal Soarer converter and panel-mount micro-USB connector. The layout lends itself to programming a HHKB layout, making for a very serviceable board. I also like the looks. Although it is almost a big as a full-size keyboard, I think the XT form factor gives it a sleek appearance.

Here it is wearing an acrylic cover from EK, which seems like it was made for this board:

: DC-2014_Cover.jpg (257.13 KiB) Viewed 6299 times

I purposefully chose an angle with annoying reflections -- otherwise, the cover is almost invisible.

//gainsborough · 12 Dec 2016, 22:16

Dang, hypersphere! You turned that thing into a really nice looking board!

edit: is that a GGing mat? I have that same one if it is!

Menuhin · 12 Dec 2016, 22:22

Hypersphere is an expert in ultrasonic cleaning and the performance of various models of ultrasonic cleaners.
His posts like this drove me check out ultrasonic cleaners a few times - for people that are not into vintage mechanical keyboards, they must think that I'm getting a bit crazy... UV light and all these.

Hypersphere · 12 Dec 2016, 22:37

@//gainsborough: Thanks! The mat is a Reflex Lab 36" x 12".

@Menuhin: Thanks for the compliment, but I am no expert on ultrasonic cleaning. I simply acted on a tip from XMIT, and after a bit of research, bought the model he recommended. I use it for keycaps and other small parts. It's not large enough to clean a keyboard case. For cases, I soak them in a laundry tub with strong detergent overnight, scrub with a sponge if necessary, rinse thoroughly in tap water, do a couple final rinses in 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol, and allow to air dry.

XMIT · 12 Dec 2016, 22:44

Oh good, glad that cleaner is working out for you. Be really careful with any keys longer than about 3u and hot water. Boiling water *will* bend your Space bar so watch out!

Hypersphere · 12 Dec 2016, 23:16

@XMIT: Yes, the ultrasonic cleaner was a good investment. Thanks again for the recommendation.

I use hot tap water and I use the built-in heater in the ultrasonic cleaner, but I've never taken it up to boiling. I've been lucky not to have warped any keycaps, including the super-long ones as on the LE DC-2014.

Chyros · 12 Dec 2016, 23:27

Hypersphere wrote: @XMIT: Yes, the ultrasonic cleaner was a good investment. Thanks again for the recommendation.

I use hot tap water and I use the built-in heater in the ultrasonic cleaner, but I've never taken it up to boiling. I've been lucky not to have warped any keycaps, including the super-long ones as on the LE DC-2014.

Whaaaa, tap water in a sonicator? Oo Why not demi or decon?

XMIT · 12 Dec 2016, 23:30

The built in heater won't get up to boiling. Even so, I keep my Space bars out of it.

//gainsborough · 13 Dec 2016, 07:19

Space unsaver

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-RARE-IBM- ... Sw4GVYT34G

Is there a keyboard that would be worth this price?

derzemel · 13 Dec 2016, 08:10

//gainsborough wrote: Space unsaver

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPER-RARE-IBM- ... Sw4GVYT34G

Is there a keyboard that would be worth this price?

no keyboard is actually worth this price... well, I believe Beamsprings cost as much or even more when they were new, but those are so tough and over-engineered that they will outlast humanity.

Anyway, the fact is that the Unsaver is very desirable and one with APL keys is very, very rare, which makes it very, very desirable. So, the seller takes advantage of that by asking the biggest price he wants and surely there will be a collector with enough money not to care.
The Mopar IBM SSKs too got up to about the same price in the last 2 years. Also the cherry g80-5000 has been slowly going up (constantly staying just out of my reach).
All this price increase is driven by the demand and the increasing rarity of these keyboards and sellers tend to take advantage of desperate collectors and of impatient, gullible more money than brains types of buyers. Best example of this, see the Blue ALPS craze that happened a few months ago, people started paying 300EUR and more for keyboards that had only the tiniest hint of having blue alps (E.G. OmniKey Gold label which was known to also come with White Alps).

y11971alex · 13 Dec 2016, 09:31

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252676349706

It seems the seller had the contamination shield removed already. Which means...

alh84001 · 13 Dec 2016, 10:25

Having both an Unsaver and 3278 in immaculate condition, I would say it is some collector that needs to liquidate them. A shame, really.

derzemel · 13 Dec 2016, 10:59

alh84001 wrote: Having both an Unsaver and 3278 in immaculate condition, I would say it is some collector that needs to liquidate them. A shame, really.

Oh, I did not notice that he had the 3278 for sale too. I agree with you that this is a collector

al.c · 13 Dec 2016, 15:25

aha, i finally have something to share!
here's what i found in a dumpster today:

first off, a tiny model f from an ibm 5155 "portable":

Spoiler:

and then this very yellow thing with a strange layout:

Spoiler:

hmm, keys feel pretty nice, i wonder..

Spoiler:

Chyros · 13 Dec 2016, 15:49

Jesus Christ, what a unicorn find, cyan Omrons are RIDICULOUSLY rare xD . And cool F as well, that model is the very first keyboard I EVER used!

alh84001 · 13 Dec 2016, 16:32

where exactly is that magical dumpster?

congratz!

al.c · 13 Dec 2016, 16:39

Chyros wrote: Jesus Christ, what a unicorn find, cyan Omrons are RIDICULOUSLY rare xD . And cool F as well, that model is the very first keyboard I EVER used!

haha i was just watching your review about the OMNOMNOMs

thanks for your vids, they are really entertaining!

the caps are off to take their decontamination bath, here's picture of the naked switches:

Spoiler:

and the underside of the pcb (no labels anywhere, text on pcb reads KTK - 1086 VER 1.2 1988 / 2 /3):

Spoiler:

this keyboard also comes from another, unlabeled 80s "laptop", a bit smaller than the ibm and grey. i wonder if i should go back and pick up the computers as well, but i've already got way too much stuff lying around. if anyone's interested, i could hook you up..

al.c · 13 Dec 2016, 16:42

alh84001 wrote: where exactly is that magical dumpster? congratz!

thanks! but i'm afraid i can't disclose the location of my hunting grounds

Hypersphere · 13 Dec 2016, 18:08

Chyros wrote:
Hypersphere wrote: @XMIT: Yes, the ultrasonic cleaner was a good investment. Thanks again for the recommendation.

I use hot tap water and I use the built-in heater in the ultrasonic cleaner, but I've never taken it up to boiling. I've been lucky not to have warped any keycaps, including the super-long ones as on the LE DC-2014.
Whaaaa, tap water in a sonicator? Oo Why not demi or decon?

I don't understand your question. Could you elaborate?

seebart · 13 Dec 2016, 18:11

al.c wrote: aha, i finally have something to share!
here's what i found in a dumpster today

That's some dumpster find!

We need more pics of those cyan Omrons when you have time PLZ! That second keyboard looks a lot like my Unitech K959, plate mounted vintage MX blacks, pretty sweet.

wiki/Unitech_K959

al.c · 13 Dec 2016, 18:42

seebart wrote: That's some dumpster find! We need more pics of those cyan Omrons when you have time PLZ! That second keyboard looks a lot like my Unitech K959, plate mounted vintage MX blacks, pretty sweet.

wiki/Unitech_K959

you're right, looks totally like your unitech. caps are a little different, and it seems there is no escape for you

how about the backside?

Spoiler:

and here are some better shots of the switches:

Spoiler:

Chyros · 13 Dec 2016, 20:05

Hypersphere wrote:
Chyros wrote:
Hypersphere wrote: @XMIT: Yes, the ultrasonic cleaner was a good investment. Thanks again for the recommendation.

I use hot tap water and I use the built-in heater in the ultrasonic cleaner, but I've never taken it up to boiling. I've been lucky not to have warped any keycaps, including the super-long ones as on the LE DC-2014.
Whaaaa, tap water in a sonicator? Oo Why not demi or decon?
I don't understand your question. Could you elaborate?

In the labs I've been in so far, we were never allowed to use tap water in sonicators. Just like with rotavaps, it rusts the basin, especially if heated - also, you don't want calciferous deposits on the things you sonicate, generally. So we also use demi-water or water with Decon 90 in it.