Here is our forum thread where we sort of kick things off for the "M-Star" replacement controller forum.level1techs.com/t/level1-model-m-improving-the-greatest-keyboard-of-all-time-2021-unicomp-mini-m-edition/175331 It'll be a while before we're in a spot to confidently say this is ready for general consumption. If you haven't done these kinds of things before you can irreparably damage your model M membrane, for example. The Mini M is still being made so if you mess up it isn't as bad as damaging a "classic" model M. Are you interested in buying a replacement controller ? Let us know as we make preparations. :D
I got my friend into the idea of having a model m, but he wants the mini and if this issue still is happening with the mini, I would be more than willing to buy the controller and do the swap for him.
playing zork on a pi0 inside of the illustriously magical model m keyboard with full-on 1980's text to speech is the most amazingly awesome nerdy thing i've heard about in a good month... keep up the fantastic work! Trust your technolust :D
I had thought an interesting mod would be to put the board from a rPi 400 inside a Model-M keyboard, directly interfaced to it. Far beyond MY engineering skills though.
When you thought Wendell couldn't be any more awesome, he brings us (Model M nuts) this! Thank you sir!!! Jumping on the "M-Star" bandwagon immediately!
Keyboard as a terminal output device is fantastic. Good research, correct info. Q key issue after sleep is officially resolved as of firmware 7.57, free upgrades, just open a ticket with Unicomp if you're below 7.57. The mechanical strain relief by recessing the Type B connector is inspired. I've been trying to implement something like that for some time, the mostly standard size of the Type B connector solves a lot of the fitting issues.
I have already had my fair share of open source probes. All I have to do is walk into a random gay bar on a Friday night. However, an open source Moon may be taking things too far. What happens when someone uploads some buggy beta version and crashes the Moon into the Earth?
I'd love to see you go into detail on the whole Pi Zero setup; I can think of lots of cool uses for it. Be really cool to add a small oled or eink screen for output.
this intrigues me so much! Speaking as a IBM Model M owner. I have 4 working IBM Model Ms. All cleaned up well. 2 I bolt modded and feel great. Typing this on one now!
Fantastic I've been waiting for this for a while now I remember years ago maybe like 2014/2015 you mentioned that you made an IBM Model M have N Key Rollover and now it's finally here haha yes!
I love that Unicomp did this. Unfortunately there's been a huge backlog on these boards, but it's really great to see them try to respond to market demands here. I'm not sure if I could go back to a Model M as a daily after being spoiled by a Model F, but I would consider buying this to rotate in, or to add to a more compact setup.
Love this stuff!! I am currently using a Northgate Keyboard manufactured in 1985. It still works great and I have it in my PS/2 port on my mobo. Yes I had to adapt the wiring to fit.
not personally going to be getting these, BUT i still want to thankyou for doing this kind of project!!!! This kind of thing is why I follow and love what you do
This might come in incredibly handy, the universal controller that is. My Unicomp New Model M (full-size standard matrix version) board arrived with a faulty controller. It has the opposite issue of what you described, when starting up the keyboard freaks out at times, spamming random keys. I know it is not the matrix as the board spams the same keys if detached from the matrix, when near metal, like the backplate. Some keys randomly trigger other keys too, an example being the spacebar occasionally triggering the keypad return. Am currently waiting for their support to respond, hoping I can get an official replacement as it was shipped faulty. But as I have fallen in love with the board after finding out that clamping the keypad minus key works around the issue, I will DIY a new controller if they won't replace mine.
The keyboard should be like the IBM golfball typewriter. It should have a long, narrow touch screen along the top, with normal short-cuts, and templates for programs. The keyboard screen would auto-sense where your mouse has highlighted a program title bar. Something like the Blackmagic Design editor's keyboard/jog wheel but with added touch screen.
This was awesome. I was so excited for my new M from Unicomp, but the springs are heavy and it makes my hands tired after a few minutes. Love this project though! Thanks for sharing.
you know "F" style springs are a few, not many, grams lighter. might be just what the doctor ordered as F style switches are also automatically nkey rollover.
The integration with PiZero is the most interesting for me. QMK and KMK are pretty easy once you allow soldering. The integration with an OLED and SSH Agent or something like that would be amazing.
ssh agent is going to be tricky. I think I've mostly figured it out. micros like the STM32 support multiple USB endpoints where ones like the atmega do not.. so really powerful micros are the key because ssh agent over 'teletype' is probably not really going to be a thing.
@@Level1Techs That is true, I am currently running full Rpi 4 and just emulating both network and HID device. The benefit is that I dont have to solder. and have full access to work on the installation/image. My goal is to have agent, macros and some sort of password management (I still work with a lot of password based systems.) Either way custom keyboard firmwares are amazing and I am using the Hasu USB2USB from Japan at the moment.
glad that you are still making videos about the best keyboard ever made in 2021. no N-key roll over really is the only weak point of the model m vs modern enthusiast keyboards
Thank you Wendell ! I pass one of these keyboards everyday ready to be dumped . I will take up the challenge as soon as it’s thrown away . Repair , scrap or Rebuild , just lovely ! 👍🏽👍🏽🔥
Holy moly...I've been spending hours and hours trying to fix why my new model m either doesn't work after a resume or the q key doesnt work...My 1988 model m works just fine every time though. Can't wait for the boards to be available!
QMK/VIA is awesome. Have built a few customs keyboards/numpads and the flexibility is great. Having custom function layers is awesome, I have a tofu build (60%) and with layers I have full functionality. Also made a custom numpad and made a stream deck type thing but with a solid aluminum case, lubed switches 💪🏼 Zealio V2’s, black Ink V2, JWK/Durock POM linears and Glorious Pandas are my go to switches. Zealio V2’s, Glorious Pandas for tactile Black Ink’s V2’s, JWK/Durock POM for linear
Found this video as I'm in the process of doing the same thing (with a standard model-m), but with a focus on gaming and low latency performance. I may make a video explaining the polling rate (both matrix and usb, which are distinct!) and using QMK to go beyond its usual limits as well for 1000hz (and better with some hacks) performance on both. I really just wanted to buy a new keyboard, but none lived up to what i needed. The new model F is great, but omission of the modern layout was a hard limit for me. It also lacks modern polling rates. Hot take: 125hz is well within human perception for input. Nobody buying keyboards today grew up with the limitations of mechanical typewriters. Keeping this artificial limit is stupid and outdated with current (or even 2000's era) technology and its cost. 1000hz should be the standard for all keyboards, with gaming keyboards going higher.
First thing to fix: remove the Windows logo to put a penguin or a leaf (for Haiku) :-D Cool idea indeed. I find the gingle a bit too loud wrt the voice btw. Music after it seems fine though. Nice video! Typed on a full Model M + PS/2-USB adapter :-)
I bought the Unicomp Classic 101 March 2021 and now September 2023. Used a few times and was put into storage. Recently rediscovered and noticed "P" key was acting erratic requiring two or three taps to make contact. Contacted Unicomp and was given RMA but would cost $48.00 plus $16 shipping. After doing my own disassembly I found all but 6 plastic rivet heads were broken off. Unicomp claims this issue was resolved before I purchased in 2021. I would not advise purchasing from Unicomp based on my experience.
Have to apricate the level of interest in a keyboard that's 30-40+ years old depending on the model. I'm one of the crazies who have the AT&T licensed version. You get what you can get when you go to estate sales.
I love the SSK layout. My issue the standard 104 key layout is that having both the nav cluster and the numeric keypad forces the alpha-keys to be too far to the left of where I want them to be. Alternately, if I move the alpha-keys to where I want them to be - my mouse is pushed way too far to the right - and I lose a large part of my desk space.
Not surprised there are controller issues. The controller has numerous flaws, from the lol placement of the bypass caps to the broken ground plane. I really applaud your idea on the "universal" m controller idea (Especially with a microcontroller that is both cheap and available), since it would be a good upgrade path and would also enable new layouts. Don't forget the plate mounting holes for the terminal ms which have a cable channel in the place where the controller goes in other models. The built in terminal for the kb has always been cool (I think it showed up in korean customs first for configuring their keyboard) but i hear it takes up a lot of space on the microcontroller.
How about and another install guild for dummy's on install linux and how to set up for gaming. Would be keen on an updated video on this since I'm thinking of moving over.
I have heard all the issues with the new Unicomp Modem M 10KL. Im typing this response on it, but so far i have not had any issues on my system under windows 10 or Xubuntu 21.04, running an Asus X99 Pro mother board. That said a replacement controller still sounds like a neat project to add to this.
That keyboard has more brains than the computers that the original computers they were designed for. And that's just in the microcontroller, before you installed the Pi!
160wpm.... I'm half of that. Holy smokes... Love the video tho! Still too chicken to make it into L1 forums, but keep bringing the nerdy goodness that you all are making to the masses! Thank you in advance
This is inane and I love it. Also I really wish Unicomp hadn't messed with the bottom row mods. I see why they did it, it makes manufacturing different models much easier, but it's so weird.
I have a Unicomp M with pc105 hardware layout and the Canadian French layout/translation. The PC105 means that I have an extra key between the Z and the left shift key. My keyboard has 2 key rollover and that is a serious problem for me. It has no buffering, so if I accidentally type two characters before Linux reads from the keyboard, the keyboard locks up. It will usually take a power-off reset to reinitialize the controller. To type an accented letterI have to hit the accent, followed by the letter. If I want that accent then I have to enter it twice. My keyboard has a wired cable, no USB jack in the rear. I could have purchased it for USB or for PCI input. So yes, I am interested in a) preventing lockouts and b) having more than 2 key rollover. How about 8 key rollover or some number greater than 2. When and have you considered other languages where a character is really two keystrokes. (The Linux driver may be doing the logical matching of accent symbol to character.
While a custom pcb sounds like a neat thing here's hoping that once unicomp finally starts selling outside US most of the problems have been fixed. Looking at their homepage they have updated it with info that seems to suggest that could happen, but also the bad news that it will take 2-3 months. "While preparing for testing of the Mini M required for the CE mark, we found a controller card assembly error which likely would have caused us to fail the test. A solution to the error is now being implemented on all controllers that leave the factory. We continue to have another prominent error reported by some US customers which could cause us to fail the CISPR test and we have yet to find a solution to this problem."
Now I'm wondering: instead of the irritating sound of clacking keys from mechanical keyboards (annoying to the people not typing, as anyone in a Voice Call will agree), You have a silent switch mechanism, but a speaker output for the sound that can be toggled for the user. Or, you know, drag-and-drop any wav file to make ANY sound play instead. While it could be incredibly obnoxious, using it to output what key is pressed, that doesn't rely on OS support could be really good for blind users that don't have another person to help or individuals learning to touch-type. ...But you know people will just use it to have different, stupid noises for each key to annoy their friends on VC.
2-key rollover was dead to me the moment I died to it in World of Warcraft. But to its credit, that didn't happen until 2009 when I switched to ESDF from WASD It wouldn't be cheap but if anyone could manage a flex PCB solution for N-key rollover on a Model M with diodes that would be an absolute banger. Of course replacing a membrane in a Model M means a PITA bolt mod, but many have failed membranes anyway.
To be fair the M is an excellent keyboard but not a patch on the model F it replaced, those things seemed to have been built to survive a nuclear war. I used to repair PCs as a part time job back in the 80s while I was at college and the have particularly fond memories of the model F which was the Rolls Royce keyboard of it's day. Ended up owning one after the company I worked for went under and the owner just let us help ourselves to the spares bin. That keyboard, an F122 battleship, still works as well today as it did back then.
All new mechanical keyboards support USB C in the rear. I would love to get this keyboard but having an odd USB B kills the deal because I can't easily swap it out.
Why is it so hard today to build keyboards that are as good or better than these classics? I have a model M that's brand new NIB that I don't use for obvious reasons. Instead I use Razer keyboards as my daily drivers. I never installed the Razer crapware which makes it impossible to setup some of the features of the keyboard but the story of gaining root access to Windows 10 machines by plugging in a Razer mouse is not lost on me. Why can't we have nice things anymore ?
Why to use USB ? All IBM model M are XT AT compatible and can detect this standard automatically. And there are many modern PC's with PS/2 conectors , bur if they don't , you can use PS/2 to USB converter.
I was all "this is cool but I'm not to much of a keyboard snob so not for me" But then you put the pi in it,and I'm definitely going to buy this now!! Lol I put a nextthinco chip $5 computer inside a black and white 5" tv years ago lol.
Everyone's praising the Model M and I'm just sitting here with my Logitech K120. Actually, you'd think it'd be total shit but I absolutely swear by this keyboard for gaming, typing, and just general reliability. The only issue is that it doesn't have any media control keys and, of course, it's not wireless. But then again, if you wanted to use a Model M, you're probably not going to care that it's not wireless anyway.
How is your controller going to be set up to assign the full USB HID keyboard keystrokes? How about enabling the blue pill to read a few quadrature encoders for built-in mouse(read: trackball) functionality and generate USB HID mouse events? Could there be a USB Storage device at the same time that could have the configuations updated on the fly? How about a Unicode keyboard that outputs UTF-32 character points?
My problem is not so much the keyboard controller, and also not what's printed on the keys. I can type without looking at them. But that I can't get a "Mini M" with ISO keyboard layout. And not I can't simply remap the keys in software. The keys look physically different. For example the ENTER key.
Just seeing this, very nice! Do you have any interest in porting this QMK configuration to Vial or VIA as well? And do you plan on merging this with QMK's main branch?
I wish there was a level of madness that was a controller that would just replace the old controller and allow me to still connect to my old IBM PC/XT/AT computer, Just like the original controller....lol. Am I asking too much? A dozen USB solutions but nothing that does this!
Great video! Would any of you mind guiding me on how to order this? I can't seem to find it on the webpage and ordering a PCB is a bit confusing to me.
I had to sell my SSK recently due to 'The Thing' destroying my income. Been wanting to check out Unicomp's version. I had one of their 'classic' models for a while. Didn't care for it, but I loved that it existed. Same with this project. :) Great Job, Wendel! I'm curious, are its tolerances loose? My IBM (circa 92?) was nice and responsive, very tight, even without a bolt mod.
![[Watch Party] RoV Pro League 2024 Winter | ( Bacon Time Vs PSG )](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zM25REvnJW4/mqdefault.jpg)
Here is our forum thread where we sort of kick things off for the "M-Star" replacement controller
forum.level1techs.com/t/level1-model-m-improving-the-greatest-keyboard-of-all-time-2021-unicomp-mini-m-edition/175331
It'll be a while before we're in a spot to confidently say this is ready for general consumption. If you haven't done these kinds of things before you can irreparably damage your model M membrane, for example. The Mini M is still being made so if you mess up it isn't as bad as damaging a "classic" model M.
Are you interested in buying a replacement controller ? Let us know as we make preparations. :D
I got my friend into the idea of having a model m, but he wants the mini and if this issue still is happening with the mini, I would be more than willing to buy the controller and do the swap for him.
Is there any update regarding the replacement controller? I'm still interested in purchasing one.
this is simultaneously the dorkiest and coolest thing you've ever done. Please do more.
Most of my TH-cam time these days is spent on videos like this. It is a refreshing change from all the stupid crap.
playing zork on a pi0 inside of the illustriously magical model m keyboard with full-on 1980's text to speech is the most amazingly awesome nerdy thing i've heard about in a good month... keep up the fantastic work! Trust your technolust :D
Remember Dr. Sbaitso? He helped me through some rough times...
I had thought an interesting mod would be to put the board from a rPi 400 inside a Model-M keyboard, directly interfaced to it. Far beyond MY engineering skills though.
When you thought Wendell couldn't be any more awesome, he brings us (Model M nuts) this! Thank you sir!!! Jumping on the "M-Star" bandwagon immediately!
Wendell, you are a treasure. Thanks for all the stuff you help contribute to!
Ah, that Wendell energy we all love and crave :-D cool project, dude !
Keyboard as a terminal output device is fantastic. Good research, correct info. Q key issue after sleep is officially resolved as of firmware 7.57, free upgrades, just open a ticket with Unicomp if you're below 7.57. The mechanical strain relief by recessing the Type B connector is inspired. I've been trying to implement something like that for some time, the mostly standard size of the Type B connector solves a lot of the fitting issues.
The world desperately needs more beautiful souls like this dude
I have already had my fair share of open source probes. All I have to do is walk into a random gay bar on a Friday night. However, an open source Moon may be taking things too far. What happens when someone uploads some buggy beta version and crashes the Moon into the Earth?
I'd love to see you go into detail on the whole Pi Zero setup; I can think of lots of cool uses for it. Be really cool to add a small oled or eink screen for output.
to make it truly 80s, add a composite port wired directly to the pi zero and grab an old crt tv. now you have a microcomputer setup
the console output is just Genius, what an awesome solution and fun!!
this intrigues me so much! Speaking as a IBM Model M owner. I have 4 working IBM Model Ms. All cleaned up well. 2 I bolt modded and feel great. Typing this on one now!
Fantastic I've been waiting for this for a while now I remember years ago maybe like 2014/2015 you mentioned that you made an IBM Model M have N Key Rollover and now it's finally here haha yes!
I love that Unicomp did this. Unfortunately there's been a huge backlog on these boards, but it's really great to see them try to respond to market demands here.
I'm not sure if I could go back to a Model M as a daily after being spoiled by a Model F, but I would consider buying this to rotate in, or to add to a more compact setup.
Brilliant. I have a bunch of late 1980s and early 1990s Model Ms and would like to improve their connectivity.
thank you wendell, I'm going to try this with a fujitsu leaf spring
oooooooooooh yeah baby model M!
Love this stuff!! I am currently using a Northgate Keyboard manufactured in 1985. It still works great and I have it in my PS/2 port on my mobo. Yes I had to adapt the wiring to fit.
not personally going to be getting these, BUT i still want to thankyou for doing this kind of project!!!! This kind of thing is why I follow and love what you do
Dear Video Editor;
Thank-you for translating the initialisms and popping the info up on the bottom of the player.
Respectfully,
An Average Joe Viewer
This might come in incredibly handy, the universal controller that is.
My Unicomp New Model M (full-size standard matrix version) board arrived with a faulty controller.
It has the opposite issue of what you described, when starting up the keyboard freaks out at times, spamming random keys.
I know it is not the matrix as the board spams the same keys if detached from the matrix, when near metal, like the backplate.
Some keys randomly trigger other keys too, an example being the spacebar occasionally triggering the keypad return.
Am currently waiting for their support to respond, hoping I can get an official replacement as it was shipped faulty.
But as I have fallen in love with the board after finding out that clamping the keypad minus key works around the issue, I will DIY a new controller if they won't replace mine.
The keyboard should be like the IBM golfball typewriter. It should have a long, narrow touch screen along the top, with normal short-cuts, and templates for programs. The keyboard screen would auto-sense where your mouse has highlighted a program title bar. Something like the Blackmagic Design editor's keyboard/jog wheel but with added touch screen.
This was awesome. I was so excited for my new M from Unicomp, but the springs are heavy and it makes my hands tired after a few minutes. Love this project though! Thanks for sharing.
you know "F" style springs are a few, not many, grams lighter. might be just what the doctor ordered as F style switches are also automatically nkey rollover.
The integration with PiZero is the most interesting for me. QMK and KMK are pretty easy once you allow soldering. The integration with an OLED and SSH Agent or something like that would be amazing.
ssh agent is going to be tricky. I think I've mostly figured it out. micros like the STM32 support multiple USB endpoints where ones like the atmega do not.. so really powerful micros are the key because ssh agent over 'teletype' is probably not really going to be a thing.
@@Level1Techs That is true, I am currently running full Rpi 4 and just emulating both network and HID device. The benefit is that I dont have to solder. and have full access to work on the installation/image. My goal is to have agent, macros and some sort of password management (I still work with a lot of password based systems.) Either way custom keyboard firmwares are amazing and I am using the Hasu USB2USB from Japan at the moment.
glad that you are still making videos about the best keyboard ever made in 2021. no N-key roll over really is the only weak point of the model m vs modern enthusiast keyboards
Thank you Wendell !
I pass one of these keyboards everyday ready to be dumped .
I will take up the challenge as soon as it’s thrown away .
Repair , scrap or Rebuild , just lovely ! 👍🏽👍🏽🔥
Holy moly...I've been spending hours and hours trying to fix why my new model m either doesn't work after a resume or the q key doesnt work...My 1988 model m works just fine every time though. Can't wait for the boards to be available!
QMK/VIA is awesome. Have built a few customs keyboards/numpads and the flexibility is great.
Having custom function layers is awesome, I have a tofu build (60%) and with layers I have full functionality. Also made a custom numpad and made a stream deck type thing but with a solid aluminum case, lubed switches 💪🏼
Zealio V2’s, black Ink V2, JWK/Durock POM linears and Glorious Pandas are my go to switches.
Zealio V2’s, Glorious Pandas for tactile
Black Ink’s V2’s, JWK/Durock POM for linear
I didn't see the last thing coming. Getting the output typed via the keyboard...genius! Well done :>
I love this project soo much, Thank you for your contributions to reviving and improving vintage tech.
Found this video as I'm in the process of doing the same thing (with a standard model-m), but with a focus on gaming and low latency performance. I may make a video explaining the polling rate (both matrix and usb, which are distinct!) and using QMK to go beyond its usual limits as well for 1000hz (and better with some hacks) performance on both. I really just wanted to buy a new keyboard, but none lived up to what i needed. The new model F is great, but omission of the modern layout was a hard limit for me. It also lacks modern polling rates.
Hot take: 125hz is well within human perception for input. Nobody buying keyboards today grew up with the limitations of mechanical typewriters. Keeping this artificial limit is stupid and outdated with current (or even 2000's era) technology and its cost. 1000hz should be the standard for all keyboards, with gaming keyboards going higher.
First thing to fix: remove the Windows logo to put a penguin or a leaf (for Haiku) :-D
Cool idea indeed.
I find the gingle a bit too loud wrt the voice btw. Music after it seems fine though. Nice video!
Typed on a full Model M + PS/2-USB adapter :-)
I bought the Unicomp Classic 101 March 2021 and now September 2023. Used a few times and was put into storage. Recently rediscovered and noticed "P" key was acting erratic requiring two or three taps to make contact. Contacted Unicomp and was given RMA but would cost $48.00 plus $16 shipping. After doing my own disassembly I found all but 6 plastic rivet heads were broken off. Unicomp claims this issue was resolved before I purchased in 2021. I would not advise purchasing from Unicomp based on my experience.
You are a very smart guy. Totally impressed. 👍
0:00 (pause directly when video starts): "ALIENS!"
Have to apricate the level of interest in a keyboard that's 30-40+ years old depending on the model. I'm one of the crazies who have the AT&T licensed version. You get what you can get when you go to estate sales.
I love the SSK layout. My issue the standard 104 key layout is that having both the nav cluster and the numeric keypad forces the alpha-keys to be too far to the left of where I want them to be. Alternately, if I move the alpha-keys to where I want them to be - my mouse is pushed way too far to the right - and I lose a large part of my desk space.
Putting the M in QMK = genius!
Now we just need Model F springs.
man I love this channel
nice seeing a the verge pc build "screwdriver" on the desk. very subtle.
My Unicomp New Model M (108 key) has exactly the same problems. Will definitely upgrade the controller if it is supported.
Not surprised there are controller issues. The controller has numerous flaws, from the lol placement of the bypass caps to the broken ground plane.
I really applaud your idea on the "universal" m controller idea (Especially with a microcontroller that is both cheap and available), since it would be a good upgrade path and would also enable new layouts. Don't forget the plate mounting holes for the terminal ms which have a cable channel in the place where the controller goes in other models.
The built in terminal for the kb has always been cool (I think it showed up in korean customs first for configuring their keyboard) but i hear it takes up a lot of space on the microcontroller.
How about and another install guild for dummy's on install linux and how to set up for gaming.
Would be keen on an updated video on this since I'm thinking of moving over.
I mean... It's pretty damn simple nowadays. Install Linux. Install Steam. There you go, all done.
@@arnox4554 If you're running a laptop with discrete GPU, you also need optimus manager
This sounds like a request that should be made on Level One Linux
I have been using hasu converters for years and just got another USB-USB controller for the mini m. I love tmk and QMK
Wendel earned my thumbs up with the reference to the Software Automatic Mouth.
The world needs more Wendells
This is good content.
I have heard all the issues with the new Unicomp Modem M 10KL. Im typing this response on it, but so far i have not had any issues on my system under windows 10 or Xubuntu 21.04, running an Asus X99 Pro mother board.
That said a replacement controller still sounds like a neat project to add to this.
A new reason to dig out my old model M
Yay! This was awesome! All my favorite things rolled into one :)
That keyboard has more brains than the computers that the original computers they were designed for. And that's just in the microcontroller, before you installed the Pi!
Holy crap good job on the weight loss Wendell! Been casually watching since the drama with you old "friend" and I must say. Good job!
I love when I see a keyboard that is more than a keyboard. :)
160wpm.... I'm half of that. Holy smokes... Love the video tho! Still too chicken to make it into L1 forums, but keep bringing the nerdy goodness that you all are making to the masses! Thank you in advance
This is inane and I love it. Also I really wish Unicomp hadn't messed with the bottom row mods. I see why they did it, it makes manufacturing different models much easier, but it's so weird.
I need one of these, I picked up a Unicomp Spacesaver that didn't work as a project I never got around to.
Yes.
I have a Unicomp M with pc105 hardware layout and the Canadian French layout/translation. The PC105 means that I have an extra key between the Z and the left shift key.
My keyboard has 2 key rollover and that is a serious problem for me. It has no buffering, so if I accidentally type two characters before Linux reads from the keyboard, the keyboard locks up. It will usually take a power-off reset to reinitialize the controller. To type an accented letterI have to hit the accent, followed by the letter. If I want that accent then I have to enter it twice.
My keyboard has a wired cable, no USB jack in the rear. I could have purchased it for USB or for PCI input.
So yes, I am interested in a) preventing lockouts and b) having more than 2 key rollover. How about 8 key rollover or some number greater than 2. When and have you considered other languages where a character is really two keystrokes. (The Linux driver may be doing the logical matching of accent symbol to character.
Great stuff, we need more qmk in the world
Just needs Bluetooth and a battery ;-) So RPZeroW then you can have a VNC output X-)
Zork has always been my baseline level of madness
Brings a new meaning to gaming on a keyboard :D
Just amazing video more like this please
While a custom pcb sounds like a neat thing here's hoping that once unicomp finally starts selling outside US most of the problems have been fixed.
Looking at their homepage they have updated it with info that seems to suggest that could happen, but also the bad news that it will take 2-3 months.
"While preparing for testing of the Mini M required for the CE mark, we found a controller card assembly error which likely would have caused us to fail the test. A solution to the error is now being implemented on all controllers that leave the factory. We continue to have another prominent error reported by some US customers which could cause us to fail the CISPR test and we have yet to find a solution to this problem."
You Zorked a Model M?!! THATS THE MOST NERDY AND FANTASTIC THING IVE SEEN IN A WHILE.
I have several old metal keyboards saved. I knew it was a good idea.
Now I'm wondering: instead of the irritating sound of clacking keys from mechanical keyboards (annoying to the people not typing, as anyone in a Voice Call will agree), You have a silent switch mechanism, but a speaker output for the sound that can be toggled for the user. Or, you know, drag-and-drop any wav file to make ANY sound play instead.
While it could be incredibly obnoxious, using it to output what key is pressed, that doesn't rely on OS support could be really good for blind users that don't have another person to help or individuals learning to touch-type. ...But you know people will just use it to have different, stupid noises for each key to annoy their friends on VC.
May goal is to build my own keyboard similar to the affirmative 1227T,
but a bit different :P
This is sick
I want a controller that makes modern keyboards with QMK or the like usable on old PS/2 AT and XT comptuers ^^
2-key rollover was dead to me the moment I died to it in World of Warcraft.
But to its credit, that didn't happen until 2009 when I switched to ESDF from WASD
It wouldn't be cheap but if anyone could manage a flex PCB solution for N-key rollover on a Model M with diodes that would be an absolute banger.
Of course replacing a membrane in a Model M means a PITA bolt mod, but many have failed membranes anyway.
Check out the.broll in the video more closely for a glimpse of the future :S
@@Level1Techs Oh snap
That PCB is easily large enough to make it work with both old model M keyboards as well as the new TKL ones.
Wendell please FORCE unicomp to make an ISO layout Mini. Please I really would need this in my life
This is FREAKING AWESOME sir!
great video, still dont think you can beat a genuine model m.......... keep these coming anyway. many thanks
Ooooohhh, look at this shiny, new, piece of electronics!!!
*Power drill noises*
*Maniacal laughter*
To be fair the M is an excellent keyboard but not a patch on the model F it replaced, those things seemed to have been built to survive a nuclear war. I used to repair PCs as a part time job back in the 80s while I was at college and the have particularly fond memories of the model F which was the Rolls Royce keyboard of it's day. Ended up owning one after the company I worked for went under and the owner just let us help ourselves to the spares bin. That keyboard, an F122 battleship, still works as well today as it did back then.
At 5:30, do I spy a PCB for a capacitive B/S conversion? ;)
Yep, nkey rollover too
Nice BGM
All new mechanical keyboards support USB C in the rear. I would love to get this keyboard but having an odd USB B kills the deal because I can't easily swap it out.
TYhat was awesome.
coolest thing
Why is it so hard today to build keyboards that are as good or better than these classics? I have a model M that's brand new NIB that I don't use for obvious reasons. Instead I use Razer keyboards as my daily drivers. I never installed the Razer crapware which makes it impossible to setup some of the features of the keyboard but the story of gaining root access to Windows 10 machines by plugging in a Razer mouse is not lost on me. Why can't we have nice things anymore ?
QMK would like a chat
@@Level1Techs Checking.
Why to use USB ? All IBM model M are XT AT compatible and can detect this standard automatically. And there are many modern PC's with PS/2 conectors , bur if they don't , you can use PS/2 to USB converter.
Perfect!
I was all "this is cool but I'm not to much of a keyboard snob so not for me"
But then you put the pi in it,and I'm definitely going to buy this now!! Lol
I put a nextthinco chip $5 computer inside a black and white 5" tv years ago lol.
Everyone's praising the Model M and I'm just sitting here with my Logitech K120.
Actually, you'd think it'd be total shit but I absolutely swear by this keyboard for gaming, typing, and just general reliability. The only issue is that it doesn't have any media control keys and, of course, it's not wireless. But then again, if you wanted to use a Model M, you're probably not going to care that it's not wireless anyway.
How is your controller going to be set up to assign the full USB HID keyboard keystrokes? How about enabling the blue pill to read a few quadrature encoders for built-in mouse(read: trackball) functionality and generate USB HID mouse events? Could there be a USB Storage device at the same time that could have the configuations updated on the fly? How about a Unicode keyboard that outputs UTF-32 character points?
This video is awesome!!! 😮
Oh! If you could make controllers for Northgate Omnikey Keyboards…
USB-B should be the standard on all detachable cable mech keyboards
My problem is not so much the keyboard controller, and also not what's printed on the keys. I can type without looking at them.
But that I can't get a "Mini M" with ISO keyboard layout.
And not I can't simply remap the keys in software. The keys look physically different. For example the ENTER key.
I think that the Model F flippers are not there by accident :^)
Wendell's abusive cat needs an appearance on L1Cats
Just seeing this, very nice! Do you have any interest in porting this QMK configuration to Vial or VIA as well? And do you plan on merging this with QMK's main branch?
Inspiring!!
A Text to speech Keyboard sounds like a nice Training Tool for typists
I wish there was a level of madness that was a controller that would just replace the old controller and allow me to still connect to my old IBM PC/XT/AT computer, Just like the original controller....lol. Am I asking too much? A dozen USB solutions but nothing that does this!
Cool but isn't the older Model F better (capacitative switches, true mechanical keyboard vs. Model M's membrane system)?
God bless.
Nice
Great video! Would any of you mind guiding me on how to order this? I can't seem to find it on the webpage and ordering a PCB is a bit confusing to me.
I had to sell my SSK recently due to 'The Thing' destroying my income. Been wanting to check out Unicomp's version. I had one of their 'classic' models for a while. Didn't care for it, but I loved that it existed. Same with this project. :) Great Job, Wendel!
I'm curious, are its tolerances loose? My IBM (circa 92?) was nice and responsive, very tight, even without a bolt mod.
No bolt mod needed on any of the SSKs I havd