Apple II
 |
This article requires additional photographic illustration — undocumented types, plus photos of the computers for good measure |
Apple ][, Apple ][ Plus and Apple ][ Europlus (hereafter "II" for readability) are microcomputers from Apple.
| Manufacturer |
Datanetics Alps Electric The Keyboard Company |
|---|---|
| Layouts | Proprietary |
| Keyswitches |
Datanetics DC-50 series Alps SKCC series ITT snap-action array |
| Interface | Proprietary |
| Introduced | 1977–1982 |
| Precedes | Apple IIe |
Contents
Keyboards
The known keyboard types are listed below.
Datanetics
The original keyboard followed on from Datanetics keyboards made for the Apple 1, using Datanetics DC-50 series switches.[1] Datanetics keyboards were used in the II and II Plus. The keyboard part number is 606-0117.
These use DC-51-31 for most keys, and a single DC-51-35 switch somewhere, most likely for space bar. The reset switch is has a 9 oz spring and appears to be a custom part with no Datanetics part number. The reset indicator is an immovable switch of part DC-51-90, and bears an incandescent lamp under first a standard Datanetics spherical illuminated keycap, and later a flat keycap.
Alps
Apple's Level II Service Reference Manual refers to these keyboards as "Apple II Switchable Keyboard", and they use KBB-series switches. Pictures of these computes show Alps SKCC Series, so the reason for "KBB" is not known; "SKCC" has been repeatedly demonstrated in known part numbers. The keyboard is illustrated in the service manual but the switches are too poorly reproduced to make out. The keystem height adapters are 0° or 12° degrees depending on whether sculptured or "low profile" keycaps were used; the model with "low profile" keycaps is part 606-0118, and the model with sculptured keycaps is part 606-0650 (one higher than that of the RFI-compliant keyboard below).
The keycaps were sourced from B&M.
ITT
ITT snap-action array was selected to provide an RFI-compliant keyboard. These keyboards were sourced from the The Keyboard Company. The Level II Service Reference Manual refers to this module as the "Contact Array Keyboard". The version with sculptured keycaps is part 606-0649.
Blue PCB example
This keyboard is damaged. Most noticeably, one of the mounting bars has been snapped off. There is also a missing key position as well as dislodged leaf springs.
Keyboard module, top view
Keyboard module, bottom view without PCB
Keyboard module, side, angled view
Slider detail, front
Slider detail, side
Components: strengthening bar, matrix and controller PCBs, insulating layer, array layer, top layer, and keycaps and other ancillary parts
Top layer; purpose unknown, but it may be an RFI shield
Insulating layer between the snap-action array and the PCB
Controller daughterboard, top; the ICs are dated 1981
Controller daughterboard, bottom
Actuator leaf
Single key components
Single key components
Single key components
Bottom (without PCB)
Bottom (without PCB), from rear
Bottom (without PCB), from left side
Bottom (without PCB), from right side
PCB, top
PCB, top, left side
PCB, top, right side
PCB, bottom
Production label on PCB
Cream PCB example
This keyboard is stamped "TKC", indicating that it was manufactured by The Keyboard Company. The Keyboard Company became the Apple Accessory Products Division (APD), and this model of keyboard has also been found with "APD" production labels on it.[2]
In place, bottom view
External links
- ftp.apple.asimov.net — Apple II and Apple II-Plus Level II Service Reference Manual (Pre-Release Version) (1981)
References
- ↑ Mike's Hobby Home Page — Apple II
- ↑ Applefritter — Help disassembling and reassembling late model II plus keyboard
