Datacomp DFK119G
 | |
| FCC ID | FBX5E9DFK119 - 1991 |
|---|---|
| Branding | Datacomp |
| Manufacturer | Datacomp |
| Layouts | Modified Asian 102 |
| Keyswitches | Alps SKCM White |
| Interface | XTAT |
| Years of production | 1992-Undetermined |
Description
The Datacomp DFK119G is a Battle Cruiser keyboard built by and branded as Datacomp in 1992. The final FCC action date is 1991. Known examples of this keyboard list 1992 as the manufacture date on the PCB. The keyboard uses genuine White Alps switches and doubleshot keycaps.
Features
The DFK119G utilizes two sets of 12 F keys. One set on the top row and another set in the older IBM Datamaster position on the left-hand side. One set generates F1 through F12 commands. The other generates SHIFT+F1-F12 depending on the key pressed. The SHIFT+ setting may be swapped from the left-hand F keys to the top F keys via a selector switch on the side of the keyboard. The keyboard also features an XT/AT selector switch.
There are three rows of F key descriptor strips available via the flip up assembly above the F keys. One strip is viewable from the top of the flip up assembly. The other two are only visible with the assembly open.
The speed button located in the center of the 8 directional arrow keys includes an integrated lock light which may be turned on and off by pressing SHIFT+SPEED. This key is used to increase or decrease the repeat rate of the keyboard when a key is held down. The speed key may also be used to swap positions of the Caps Lock and CTRL keys, but no alternative keycaps are supplied with the keyboard. The included instruction pamphlet mentions its use in enabling or disabling a beeper sound. Upon disassembly, no beeper is present.
A three-position cable gutter allows for routing the cable to the center, left, or right.
Curiosities
The inside bottom of the case has pits drilled into it in the pattern of the PCB's solder nodes. This allows for a close fit of the PCB to the bottom case. The bottom cases also exhibits moldings for hookups or some form of alternative flip out feet; located on both the left and right of the case.
The ATC 124 KB shares case style and many features of the DFK119G. While their layout is extremely similar, the ATC features a star nav cluster and an extra row of keys above the standard F1-F12 keys. Many of the keys present on the 119G are filled in with spacers in the ATC.
Build Quality
The case is held together with 4 screws in the back and 5 clips in the front. While many keyboards' clips are tight and tend to break upon disassembly, the DFK119G's are easily separated without breakage. A single piece steel mounting plate is used. When assembled, the keyboard does flex a fair bit, but some of this can be attributed to the length of the keyboard, and not its outright build quality. The doubleshot keycaps use similar molding styles to many Focus keyboards.
Gallery
Keyboard and Packaging
Top down view
Back of keyboard
Flip out F key descriptor
5 pin din plug
Rear of keyboard, flip out feet extended
Rear Labell
Function key selector switch
XT-AT selector switch
Keycap removed
Half visible date stamp on the front of the PCB
Fully visible date stamp on the rear of the PCB
Bottom inner case
Inlays into the plastic for solder joints
Possible molding for an alternative foot arrangement
Outside view of alternative foot molding
First page of the included user pamphlet
Second page of the included user pamphlet
