Old IBM Model m with a unique controller help

[Fkazim]

So today I opened one of my really old IBM Model M's and it has a controller unlike any I have seems before on my other Model M's please help me identify please see image.

It seems to have a metallic thing on the main chip with a sticker over it should I pull the sticker off and take a picture of what's below?

[Polecat]

So today I opened one of my really old IBM Model M's and it has a controller unlike any I have seems before on my other Model M's please help me identify please see image.

It seems to have a metallic thing on the main chip with a sticker over it should I pull the sticker off and take a picture of what's below?

The sticker is there to prevent the contents of the controller's internal EPROM from being erased (by exposure to UV light). If you remove the sticker you risk losing the contents of the EPROM. Later/cheaper/mass produced controllers used one-time PROM instead of EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) so those aren't reusable and don't have a window.

[Fkazim]

Thanks for letting me know I will be sure not to ever remove the sticker.

But when you say Later/cheaper/mass produced controllers would that mean that the Model M keyboard this controller came out of is a pre production/prototype model?

Thanks anyway for letting me know what the sticker was there for and what the chip was

[Polecat]

Thanks for letting me know I will be sure not to ever remove the sticker.

But when you say Later/cheaper/mass produced controllers would that mean that the Model M keyboard this controller came out of is a pre production/prototype model?

Thanks anyway for letting me know what the sticker was there for and what the chip was

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the Model M keyboards, but someone here will know if that's an unusual controller.

[Fkazim]

Ok well I really appreciate the info you gave me anyway Thanks.

[zrrion]

When was the board it came from made?

[Fkazim]

It was made in 1986 and was made in the United Kingdom.

And it is even heavier than my bolt modded square label with lock lights IBM Model M made in 1987.

Does that help identify weather it is a pre production/prototype model?

[Fkazim]

Anyone with any other ideas what I got on my hands please helps Thanks.

[JP!]

Well you don't even have a pic of the label or list the part number in this thread but it sounds like you have an early production model and not a prototype. The controller looks fairly standard to me. The earliest production Model M's were made in 1985 and prototypes I believe date to later in 1984.

[Fkazim]

part number is 1389969 and the keyboard has a square silver metal IBM badge with no lock lights hope that helps.

[JP!]

I believe your board is essentially the ISO / UK version of the IBM 1386303 which is pretty much the first of the Model M keyboard's which were not intended for PC's.

Also see:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16967

[Fkazim]

Wow well not a prototype but one of first ISO UK layout Model M's very cool it's really heavy too

Thanks for identifying it really appreciate it.

[Wazrach]

Wow well not a prototype but one of first ISO UK layout Model M's very cool it's really heavy too

Thanks for identifying it really appreciate it.

How heavy? Are you able to weigh it? :3

[Chyros]

The very first Ms had a repurposed, depopulated terminal controller from 1984 and the famous Mandolin crystal; this one lacks both.Still, a 1986 M is always a great find, so congrats!

[Fkazim]

Thanks Chyros

[Fkazim]

All restored now it's in amazing condition overall part number is
1389969

[Fkazim]

Sorry Wazrach about your question before the weight is 2.29kg

[Wazrach]

Sorry Wazrach about your question before its 2.29kg

No problem, thanks for letting me know!

I have a square badge Model M with lock LEDs on the way, a UK model from March 1987. I feel almost guilty for nabbing it for £70 shipped!

[Fkazim]

Wow very good deal I got a pretty good deal too on my IBM Model M silver label 1987 keyboard with lock lights. I paid £77 for mine you never know with these things as I got my first generation IBM Model M XT with no locklight 1986 keyboard for just £55 that was a great day

[Wazrach]

Here's mine! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Oz8a1SC3-g

[Fkazim]

Sounds great and it is in fantastic condition good find

[Fkazim]

Also if you are interested here is the full restoration log of my IBM Model M silver label 1987 keyboard hope you like it.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21739

[Howard81]

This controller is pretty common in 1986 and early 1987 Greenock Model M keyboards, moreso in the "enhanced" keyboard that came with late models of XT.

[Fkazim]

Thanks for letting me know I'm really happy overall with this keyboard which I got for a great price.