IBM Screen Reader Keypad
 | |
| Part number | 1393387 |
|---|---|
| FCC ID | AN09SA6450602 |
| Branding | IBM |
| Manufacturer | IBM |
| Layouts | Application specific |
| Keyswitches | IBM buckling spring |
| Interface | SDL cable to PS/2 connector |
The IBM Screen Reader Keypad was an 18-key keypad from the IBM Model M family with membrane-type IBM buckling spring key switches. The keypad was an integral part of a system designed to give blind computer users access to OS/2, DOS and Windows applications back in the 1980s; in fact, it was the first screen reader for a graphical user interface on the PC.[1]. Unlike most Model M keyboards besides the IBM 50 Key Keyboard, the keypad's inner assembly bears some resemblance to one of an IBM Model F's. Whilst erroneously referred to as exclusively the "Screen Reader/2 Keypad", the keypad was in fact announced in January 1988 alongside IBM PS/2 Screen Reader 1.0[2]. This was followed by IBM Screen Reader 1.1 in December 1989[3] and eventually IBM Screen Reader/DOS 1.2 (for DOS 3.3 and later only) and IBM Screen Reader/2 (for OS/2 and later Windows) in June 1992[4][5]. The keypad was withdrawn from marketing on April 28, 1995[6]
Despite using a PS/2 cable, the Screen Reader Keypad is not a typical PS/2 device. It was intended to be connected through either a PS/2 mouse port or a PS/2 port on a drop-in ISA expansion card for PC/XT and PC/AT systems called the IBM Screen Reader Adapter (P/N 57F1588, assembly P/N 57F1587, FRU 33F4842).
Gallery
Pictures of the IBM Screen Reader keypad.
Keypad no rear cable
Keypad back
Keycaps removed
Complete keypad
SDL cable plugged in
Side profile with stand
Membrane exposed through absent keys
Integrated circuits marked late 1987
Back plate identification label
Keypad next to normal Model M keyboard
Odd mix of Model F plates and Model M paddles and membrane
References
- ↑ AccessWorld Magazine — On-the-Job Profile: A History of Accessibility at IBM, by Annemarie Cooke (March 2004) (American Foundation for the Blind)
- ↑ IBM — C88-001: CUSTOMER ANNOUNCEMENT SUMMARY - JANUARY 26, 1988 (Admiral Shark's Keyboards)
- ↑ IBM — 289-578: SCREEN READER VERSION 1.1 (Admiral Shark's Keyboards)
- ↑ IBM — 292-364: IBM SCREEN READER/DOS VERSION 1.2 (Admiral Shark's Keyboards)
- ↑ IBM — 292-363: IBM SCREEN READER/2 (Admiral Shark's Keyboards)
- ↑ IBM — 195-112: Withdrawal: IBM Screen Reader Keypad and Cable -- Replacement Available (Admiral Shark's Keyboards)
External links
- Admiral Shark's Keyboards — Model M Screen Reader Keypad wiki page
- IBM.com — Announcement of version 1.1
- Springer Link — Screen Reader/2 - Programmed Access to the GUI, by Jim Thatcher of IBM Research
- Jp! — IBM 1393387 Keypad for Screen Reader/2 — Flickr gallery with pictures of accompanying documentation, etc.
