[GRLUG] Old Keyboard?

[Kyle]

On 04/08/2013 01:54 PM, Kyle wrote:
> 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

Ah.  Found it.  ALPS White keyswitch-based.  Same as mine.  If you can
make it this week and you don't mind taking it apart, it's probably
repairable.  Those are pretty simple switches.

- Kyle