IBM Model F XT buildlog [Complete]

[acid2000]

Hi,

First post is my build log for my IBM model F XT keyboard rescue. This keyboard was in a very bad state when I got it off eBay. It looked like it has been left outside and had stuff growing in it. I didn't take any pictures of the before as it was gross. It was so bad I didn't consider this a candidate for restoration, as such I decided to take any steps necessary to return it to working order.

I started by pulling everything apart and soaking the plates, barrels, case and keys twice in a vanish oxi action knock off. That took off the worst of the gunk. I then cleaned the parts with a soft brush. The barrels, flippers and circuit board didn't look in that bad a condition considering.

What was left was heavy corrosion on the top plate.

top plate

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Next up I sanded the whole thing with 120gsm aluminium sandpaper. That took off the worse.

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Next everything metal, including the case was painted with a rust converter and left for 48h. Basically black means rust is getting eaten.

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After taking off the rust converter and spraying with a primer it started to look quite good.

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A coat of black really restores the original finish. I then added a top coat for protection.

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The case was in bad shape, rust in places and missing the feet. Luckily no cracks in the top piece. I cleaned it up as best I could but it was still very discoloured. I decided to cover this and paint it with matt black spray paint. I used main mist coats and preserved the textured look.

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I started with a black dye paint. This did not work and I ended up cleaning it with rubbing alcohol.

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I did a similar job to the bottom plate. I would have loved to keep the coating but the damage was too severe and it was better to get rid of it and start again. 120gsm sandpaper + rust converter + 3 layers of spray paint.

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I used 1.5mm thick neoprene for the foam replacement. I got a 2mm punch and made the other one myself from a tin lid, some scissors and some hammering into shape. After sharpening up I did the whole thing in 45m.

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I used Dylon multi purpose for the keys and i've heard good things about it. It look about 1h keeping the keys at around 90 degrees to get the colour I wanted. This was a messy job.

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Finally assembled. Internally I fitted Soarer's converter, the USB connector just fits out of the existing hole. Some keys are in the wrong places in this picture!

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The keyboard did not work first time but I eventually found out that the screw connecting the circuit board to plate is not optional! It's needed for common earth fixing that caused it to spring into life. Sadly I broke one of the catches from a flipper when I tried to put it together. I'll try to replace that in the future.

Attached is my Soarer's file as I could find one that work for every key just right.

Code: Select all

# basic layer example - cursors on r.h. home position when caps lock is held

# define that FN1 accesses layer 1
layerblock
	FN1 1
endblock

remapblock
layer 0
   PAD_ASTERIX FN1               # And the second one: currently the same
   PAD_PLUS    PAD_ENTER         # Puts an enter at the far right edge
   CAPS_LOCK    RGUI            # And again
   PAD_1       END               # Hijack the numpad for cursor controls
   PAD_2       DOWN
   PAD_3       PAGE_DOWN
   PAD_4       LEFT
   PAD_5       DOWN            # Impure, but practical when I forget
   PAD_6       RIGHT
   PAD_7       HOME
   PAD_8       UP
   PAD_9       PAGE_UP
   PAD_PERIOD  DELETE
   PAD_0       INSERT
   BACKSLASH   EUROPE_2
   BACK_QUOTE  BACKSLASH
endblock

remapblock
layer 1 
   PAD_1      PAD_1
   PAD_2      PAD_2
   PAD_3      PAD_3
   PAD_4      PAD_4
   PAD_5      PAD_5
   PAD_6      PAD_6
   PAD_7      PAD_7
   PAD_8      PAD_8
   PAD_9      PAD_9
   PAD_PERIOD  PAD_PERIOD
   PAD_0       PAD_0
   F1           F11
   F2           F12
endblock

macroblock
   # Soarer's Double Shift Caps Lock
   macro lshift rshift
   press caps_lock
   endmacro
   
   macro rshift lshift
   press caps_lock
   endmacro

endblock

I don't mind the layout and it's now one of my daily drivers.

[y11971alex]

It's very well done!

[terrycherry]

That's an awesome cleaning work! Your metal plate looks so ugly to my model f.
Thanks for the tips about the foam replacement.
Glad to see you take care of it.

[Invisius]

Wow that came out great, very unique look with the black and red. Boy do those rusty plate shots look familiar to my 5251 project. Did you end up spraying the plate and case with a real paint sprayer, or just rattle cans?

[seebart]

Impressive work, very nice.

[Crossfire]

Admirable work there!
Black case is really refreshing and the plate is looking dope too.
And she types like a dream, doesn't she?

[acid2000]

Wow that came out great, very unique look with the black and red. Boy do those rusty plate shots look familiar to my 5251 project. Did you end up spraying the plate and case with a real paint sprayer, or just rattle cans?

Rattle cans, lots of light coats with primer.

And she types like a dream, doesn't she?

I have three, this one types the best.