[GRLUG] Old Keyboard?

[Kyle]

On 04/08/2013 11:24 AM, Dave Chiodo wrote:
> Ok, I'm in a bind.
>
> For the last ten years (or more, I've lost count) I've been typing on
> a Northgate Omnikey/102.
>
> I cannot STAND modern keyboard layouts. Nor can I stand "mushy" I've
> got to have a solid click.
>
> On a REAL COMPUTER KEYBOARD:
> Function keys keys belong on the left.
> Control belongs to the left of the "A" key.
> The enter key should be a big L shape taking up two rows, and the
> backspace should be two keys wide.
> Caps lock and so-called "windows" keys belong in Hell (but I can
> ignore both if the rest is good)
>
> Unfortunately, its dying. he a key has been problematic for a while,
> and the o key followed shortly after and now yet more keys are
> starting to either NOT register, or to sometimes register double. As I
> type this I am backing up and fixing very frequently.
>
> For a while there was a company that had bought the company that
> bought the company that had bought the patents/designs from northgate
> long ago, and was making what they called the "Avant Stellar" line
> which was an updated version of a northgate keyboard, but they seem to
> no longer exist. (cvtinc.com) They were around $150, and when I first
> came across them it seemed to high. Then they went up to $200. Right
> now I'd almost be about willing to spend that much - my fingers and
> hands are screaming at me from having to pound on keys when they don't
> register the first time.
>
> I REALLY would love to find either a northgate 102 in good working
> condition, or even better an avant.
>
> If anyone has any solid leads I'd appreciate it.
>
> I apologize if this comes across kinda ranty, but I hope everyone on
> the list understands :) Somehow I've got to hold out until they come
> up with brain/bluetooth interface technology to eliminate keyboards
> entirely.
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I just recently fixed the Ctrl key of a 1991 Focus FK-2001 (which I'm
now typing this with) and nursed it back to health.  Planning on
bringing it to this week's GRLUG meeting since it works just as well
with my laptop as my desktop.  Your keyboard may be more repairable than
you'd think.  I'm unfamiliar with that model of keyboard, though - is it
buckling spring or a keyswitch-based?

- Kyle