DEC VT100
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 | |
| Manufacturer | DEC/Hi-Tek |
|---|---|
| Layouts | DEC VT-100 |
| Keyswitches | Hi-Tek High Profile |
| Interface | VT100 |
| Years of production | 1978–1983 |
The DEC VT100 keyboard was made by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) for the DEC VT-100 terminal, the ancestor of all modern terminals and terminal emulators.[1] It is very closely related to the keyboard from the original Kaypro 100 (although the VT100 came first). When connected to the VT100 terminal, it had four status lights that could be turned on or off by sending the appropriate escape sequences from the attached computer. The caps lock key is a physically locking type.
It connects to the terminal using an unusual audio jack style connector (1/4" TRS plug, also known as a phone plug).
Notable keys
The SET-UP key was was used to enter SET-UP mode, a menu system in which keys were used to modify settings on the terminal itself, not the host it was connected to.
The NO SCROLL key paused screen output until pressed again, thus acting like the Scroll lock key on PC keyboards. [2]
Gallery
Black slider version
The ICs are dated 1979, and the switch frame is dated 8047.[3]
Top
Hover
Side
Bottom
Cover removed
Caps close up
Switches
Some special switches (for ctrl, no scroll, setup etc.), with very long springs and very long stems on the keycaps, and that need a lot of force to actuate
Latching capslock switch
Keycaps; these appear to be Comptec
PCB bottom
White slider version
Unusual white sliders with notches. The dates on the ICs are not readable.
Keyboard
Keyboard bottom
Keyboard mechanism in bottom
Keyboard mechanism front
Keyboard circuit board back
Key switches and key caps
Key switches side
Keyboard molding mark
References
- ↑ Wikipedia — VT100
- ↑ VT100 User Guide. Digital Equipment Corporation. August 1979. Retrieved from [textfiles.com] on 2018-05-07
- ↑ Deskthority — DEC vt100 'cyber' keyboard
