So im currently doing the bolt mod for the model M since I disassembled it and thought why not at that stage. Ive done all the holes and when im putting a M2x8mm bolt inside the hole its just to short, no way it can hold onto something. Why are all instructions mentioning M2x8mm? 9mm would hold much better
So i was finishing another project where I needed to melt the rivets into the 3d printed part and a thought crossed my mind: why is there no such mod for the model m? It would be so much easier, faster and it hold pretty well. I will try this on another one and report the results back.
I just found this on AliExpress: https://a.aliexpress.com/\_EGNS2Ww
Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my experience with a 1991 IBM Model M that I recently bought on eBay, and get some opinions from people who are more knowledgeable about these keyboards.
It was purchased in very good overall condition, with the original double keycaps, although just under a dozen rivets had come loose (see photo further down), and it needed a little cleaning.
Here are a few photos of the internal markings and reference numbers :
I had read somewhere that only UNICOMP Model Ms had a crossed-out number and a new “part” number on the black plate. Also, I find the label on the metal plate suspicious, as if it had been glued on with spots of adhesive. The dates also don’t match between the inside and outside parts (although they are both from 1991).
Can anyone confirm (or challenge) the idea that this might be a Model M assembled from parts of several different keyboards?
For the electronics :
Welded new cables 1 /// EC-528693 9119 PN-1393298 BACK-01
As for the electronics, everything is clean and in good condition, apart from the LED connection ribbon cable, which had a broken trace for the Num Lock LED (I read online that this can happen).
Rather than replacing the connector (I couldn't find a replacement ribbon cable), I decided to solder some thin wires onto it so I could keep the original connectors (pease be gentl, this must have been about the fourth time I've ever soldered anything, the last time being back in middle-school technology class, around 20 years ago! ^^) and taped the ribbon cable inside the case so it wouldn't get lost.
Once reassembled, the keyboard is 100% functional, with its unique sound and feel. However, I still have some doubts about the origin of some of the parts, as explained above.
Also, it does seem that the part numbers are consistent with an IBM-built keyboard rather than a Lexmark one (Lexmark took over keyboard manufacturing starting in March 1991, before transferring it to UNICOMP in 1996).
If you have any comments, insights, or questions, I'd be happy to read them!
