Frequently Asked Questions > 1985 Model F keyboard
hanks for contacting us.
>
> From the looks of your 122-key model F keyboard, it was intended for use on
> some IBM terminal computer. I have a similar keyboard and found that it
> does not speak standard "pc keyboard" language. I thought it might be an XT
> keyboard.. but also found that when I hooked it up to my XT to AT converter,
> it didn't work.
>
> We also did see that the pin arrangement is slightly more spread out than a
> standard AT or XT keyboard, and the pins are slightly fatter.
>
> As much as we tried to get the keyboard to work on a modern PC, we never
> found a solution
>
> 1) Not all model F keyboards are XT keyboards
> 2) different connector, not pc compatible
> 3) thanks for the pics.. but we currently are not looking for this type of
> keyboard.. but you might want to try ebay as we have seen some interest from
> Japanese buyers
Brandon Ermita
Sounds like my model 6110344 -- in which case, it's a terminal keyboard which uses the AT protocol and scancode set 3. It can be used with Windows if you use a KVM switch to disconnect the keyboard during boot and reconnect it afterwards (Windows tries to reset the keyboard, and gets confused by the result). If you've got the Windows 2000 DDK, it's also possible to patch the keyboard driver, using the technique described on my model 1390876 page.
John Elliott
I just acquired a 122-key 1985 Model F IBM keyboard - and haven't been able to find conclusive answers to a couple questions. 1. Are all Model F's XT-type keyboards? Your site and at least one or two others imply that at least some are, but don't say conclusively whether all of them are. 2. Is that DIN5 connector on this Model F really the same connector as the ones I'm seeing on the Model M's? The pins seem to be spread out a little farther, angularly speaking, compared to another DIN5/mini adaptor I already had, plus it's got that threaded sleeve for really locking it down tight to whatever CPU it's attached to. 3. IF this is just an XT-type, I don't have much of any use for it, other than curiosity, but would love a clicky keyboard that I could use with my current desktops, especially if it would work through a KVM. Could I get a few bucks for this as a trade-in? Pics are here - including one showing the sticker on the bottom, with serial number, etc.: Date 05 AUGUST 85 PT NO 6110344 ID NO M5488 EC NO 528510 PLT NO FL6 barcode *IBM32611034411M5488* It weighs 8.5 pounds, is 21.5 inches long (hey, my son wasn't that big when he was born), and is in excellent condition - appears to have never been in a dirty or dusty environment. All the keys function very smoothly (and loudly), except for either the Enter or 0/Ins on the numeric keypad (I don't remember which right now, though I think it's the Enter), which works fine but feels a tiny bit softer/rougher than the rest. One of the hex-head screws is missing from the underside edge (the label pics show the two that are there - and they're still shiny). Though there aren't any pics of the entire underside, it's all very clean and not worn appreciably at all. The retractable props work A-OK; there are no cork feet, but are hard rubber pads near the front corners.