Well, I've had a busy month but my collection is nearing completion. A couple of weeks ago I started Googling for every beam spring part number I could find (updating Cindy's spreadsheet in the process). For some I would find some random reseller or warehouse that claimed to have one in stock. I was often disappointed. Some would even claim to have one in stock, then be unable to find it and eventually issue me a refund. Lame.
So, understand that when I found an IBM 2683239, and saw that it was and stock and ready to order, I was skeptical. I continued to be skeptical as my card was charged, as the package took several days to even ship out, and as the package stayed stuck in a warehouse for an entire weekend. (UPS said: "We have not yet unloaded the package from the trailer. / Your delivery has been rescheduled for the next business day." On a Friday at 1:46PM. Super lame.)
But, sure enough, a fourteen pound (6 kg?) box was at my door this afternoon.
...and, sure enough...
The box was barely big enough for the giant keyboard.
Out of the box.
Back side:
Cable:
Finally unpacked:
Some keys, like the 1, are bent either rotationally or side to side. The B, N and Spacebar do not click or actuate correctly. I may steal some switches from the upper right side of the keyboard to fix them.
The keys are, of course, amazing. Light and clicky. They really are so much like the Selectric II.
Dimensions: 21"/53.5cm wide, 8.5"/21.5cm deep, 4"/10cm tall.
The keyboard definitely needs a bath and much love but it will fly again! I will need to build the xwhatsit Beam Spring board unless one of the converters will work with this.
Now off to find some Hall Effect switches...
