SNKB-M1987-ETM-102
Notes
Nicknamed the "SymbolMaster", this keyboard was the first IBM Enhanced layout keyboard that came into my possession. It came in working condition but had a pretty battered case, which after some tactful magic eraser work was recovered into decent condition. I decided to add Unicomp's APL keycap set to it to compliment the overall symbols focus of the keyboard (ie, the ASCII characters on the numpad). Other keycaps added include red Esc, red Ctrls and blue Alts from Unicomp, and some PC keycaps recovered from various sources to replace the originally terminal-centric ones on the nav cluster and surrounding the numpad. The extra key granted from the split numpad plus key arrangement outputs a comma to match the keycap's legends (which I kept from the terminal layout since it matches with the symbols aesthetic).
Full Name | IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station Keyboard |
Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
1392595 |
TypeType A designation from my own type naming scheme used to categorise this keyboard with or from others by their common features and market intent but may/may not be derived from official names. |
Model M Enhanced Terminal Keyboard |
Known Host SystemsKnown Host Systems A list of known host systems this keyboard could be bundled with or at least designed specifically to operate with. This could be terminals, desktop PCs or laptops. |
IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station (IBM 3101 family) |
Key-switchesKey-switches The name of the known switching mechanism that lies under this keyboard's keys. |
IBM membrane buckling springs |
Original KeycapsOriginal Keycaps The keyboard's original keycaps' material and text/symbol printing technique. |
PBT with dye-sublimated legends |
FeetFeet The style of this keyboard's flip-out or extendable feet. If applicable, this may also state how many levels of height adjustment are available and whether the feet could be rubberised. |
Single-setting flip-out feet |
ProtocolProtocol The protocol(s) this keyboard can use to speak to the host computer (eg, scancode sets). |
IBM Mode 2 (scancode set 3) |
ConnectionConnection The keyboard-to-host connection. This is could be a description of a cable (its colour, whether its coiled, whether its detachable, and what connector is at its end) or the name of a wireless technology. |
Grey coiled-style fixed modular-8P5C ("RJ-45") cable |
Form FactorForm Factor The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor. |
Full-size |
Production Date | 1987-11-10 |
Acquisition Date | 2019-09-12 |
About this keyboard type
The 102/103-key Model M terminal keyboards were amongst the first introduction of the standard Model M design, released in June 1985 for the IBM 3161 ASCII Display Station. Used on various IBM terminals such as the 3151, 3192, and various InfoWindow display stations, these keyboards heavily resemble PC-compatible IBM Enhanced Keyboards but commonly lack any lock-lights, featured 240-degree pin arranged DIN or modular 8P5C connectors, and have an extra key (102 vs 101 for ANSI, 103 vs 102 for ISO) by splitting the usual numeric keypad + key into two 1-unit keys. Unicomp is still able to produce keyboards to a similar spec.