+OLD CS1 Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 https://www.ebay.com/itm/162838995561 NOS grey keyboard replacement - actually it says for "TI/99-4" so, caveat emptor Watch out. That is likely a Mistumi or a-like membrane keyboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+arcadeshopper Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Watch out. That is likely a Mistumi or a-like membrane keyboard. We will see Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+helocast Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Watch out. That is likely a Mistumi or a-like membrane keyboard. I'm not the seller here, but I can certainly say it is not membrane - it's a Stackpole and actually my preferred keyboard since I mostly have beige consoles. Here's a photo of my two spares with the same RS part#. I've removed the CAPS LOCK and CTRL on the top one showing the spring w/ metal contacts/wipers. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I would love to see more of the beige keyboards with the spring-leaf switching. Too many I get my hands on are the membrane type. Now, I have several of the post-types and none of them work properly. I do have this black one I have given some thought to taking apart and seeing if it can be fixed. I like the sound of them and each key is its own independent unit. Mind you, the square action types have their short-comings, as well. When any part of it breaks the keys will stick. It seems to me the ones which have been kept in non-extreme environments tend to do better. Non-environmentally controlled storage tends to allow that plastic to become brittle. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+helocast Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I would love to see more of the beige keyboards with the spring-leaf switching. Too many I get my hands on are the membrane type. Now, I have several of the post-types and none of them work properly. I do have this black one I have given some thought to taking apart and seeing if it can be fixed. I like the sound of them and each key is its own independent unit. Mind you, the square action types have their short-comings, as well. When any part of it breaks the keys will stick. It seems to me the ones which have been kept in non-extreme environments tend to do better. Non-environmentally controlled storage tends to allow that plastic to become brittle. 100% agree! I've even been trying to create replacements based on Cherry-MX (PCB, not flange mount) ... piddling around between a 1) drop-in "dumb" version w/ single color led lighting and 2) one that moves the 9901, LM2901/03, and SN74156 off the motherboard to go along with a new motherboard design to extend the life of this console. It's frustrating because there's a balance of purists that want any mod removable and those who don't care as long as new designs all fit in the original console without extra gaping holes. In the end, my tinkering never gets to production because there is JediMatt's USB Keyboard interface and others that are more cost effective. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I think a replica "dumb" replacement of the original keyboards is a great idea. I have thought about this, as well, but I completely lack every resource necessary. I like the idea of a back-light -- I was elbow deep in a console last night thinking about how to light it up from behind with a faint cool-white glow (those cheap LED strips could probably do the job) but I also considered that in the case of original keyboards the key caps do not allow light to pass through so they would likely still not be visible. Now, a full replacement with back-lit and original-looking key caps would get my money. Others probably would not care if it looked like the original or not. Sure, the USB interface is less expensive but that does not represent the entire market, small though it may seem. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+helocast Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Texas-Instruments-TI-99-4A-Vintage-Computer-Model-PHCOO4A-CARRY-CASE-NO-CORD/132430221163 but it has 12 watchers already so most of you have probably looked/looking already! It is a QI motherboard, but since it's post August 1983 rather than early 1984 I'm guessing not a V2.2 GROM. No accessories or power cords and not tested, but he's dropped the price and offers a 5-day DOA. Seems reasonable, but I need another spare console like I need another hold in my head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 eBay Auction -- Item Number: 132430221163 I am one of the ones watching it. I am interested, for sure, but the shipping cost is too high for my tastes and that is not the seller's fault. The seller had it listed around $80 and on-sale for $40, but even with the carry case that is beyond my valuation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepper Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 i noticed this one- PEB + computer & accessories. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Texas-Instruments-TI-99-4A-Computer-Expansion-System-Extras/263411867394?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3D3bc4746c5bae4ede8dfa4563bf12c730%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D302585331809&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 I won this one .... I have my fingers crossed the PEB works! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 I won this one .... I have my fingers crossed the PEB works! You got a helluva deal. Out-bid me 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepper Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 You got a helluva deal. Out-bid me Sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 Sorry No reason to be sorry. Might have saved my relationship and I really did not NEED it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 QUICK!! NanoPEB!! eBay Auction -- Item Number: 202178559173 Four up and four down. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Schmitzi Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 uih this was fast 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega-TI Posted January 8, 2018 Author Share Posted January 8, 2018 Huh!? Did someone say "backlit TI keyboard replacement"? Damn, what a concept! A new working keyboard that could pull power off the TI's intermal commector and have a decent ribbon cable too?I wonder how many TI's could be put back into service?Price seems like the biggest hurdle. I'd be comfortable around $50.00 but I have my doubts it could be done under $90.00 due to size, components and labor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinphaltimus Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 100% agree! I've even been trying to create replacements based on Cherry-MX (PCB, not flange mount) ... piddling around between a 1) drop-in "dumb" version w/ single color led lighting and 2) one that moves the 9901, LM2901/03, and SN74156 off the motherboard to go along with a new motherboard design to extend the life of this console. It's frustrating because there's a balance of purists that want any mod removable and those who don't care as long as new designs all fit in the original console without extra gaping holes. In the end, my tinkering never gets to production because there is JediMatt's USB Keyboard interface and others that are more cost effective. For me personally, *ANY* *NEW* working keyboard replacement that can be dropped into a console is definitely something I would be interested in. I'd pick up 2 myself if the price was reasonable - just to have as spare parts for when my membrane KBs fail and I am not in the mood to fix with conductive paint ever again. - Just Sayin'. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discgolfer72 Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 I won this one .... I have my fingers crossed the PEB works! lol your sniper was better than mine lol I had a higher bid price set but guess my 6 second snipe was not enough (bumped mine to 3 and 1 now lol ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 lol your sniper was better than mine lol I had a higher bid price set but guess my 6 second snipe was not enough (bumped mine to 3 and 1 now lol ) MyiBidder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tursi Posted January 9, 2018 Share Posted January 9, 2018 Huh!? Did someone say "backlit TI keyboard replacement"? Damn, what a concept! A new working keyboard that could pull power off the TI's intermal commector and have a decent ribbon cable too? I wonder how many TI's could be put back into service? Price seems like the biggest hurdle. I'd be comfortable around $50.00 but I have my doubts it could be done under $90.00 due to size, components and labor. Unfortunately there's no power on the TI's keyboard connector (TI sure didn't like giving people any power. ). Not sure if we could steal leakage current like was suggested for the other ports...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+arcadeshopper Posted January 9, 2018 Share Posted January 9, 2018 Unfortunately there's no power on the TI's keyboard connector (TI sure didn't like giving people any power. ). Not sure if we could steal leakage current like was suggested for the other ports...? Easy to get 5 or 12 of the internal ps Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega-TI Posted January 9, 2018 Author Share Posted January 9, 2018 Easy to get 5 or 12 of the internal ps Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk Yeah, that's what I meant. It's super easy to make two solder connections off the power supply that is fairly close to the keyboard. I'm betting nearly anyone is capable of doing that. For the solder-phobic a Y-cable molex adapter would work, except there are two different types of connectors depending on the age of the TI, so that could be problematic, which makes the two point solder method the best way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted January 9, 2018 Share Posted January 9, 2018 Yeah, that's what I meant. It's super easy to make two solder connections off the power supply that is fairly close to the keyboard. I'm betting nearly anyone is capable of doing that. For the solder-phobic a Y-cable molex adapter would work, except there are two different types of connectors depending on the age of the TI, so that could be problematic, which makes the two point solder method the best way to go. Or something like these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega-TI Posted January 9, 2018 Author Share Posted January 9, 2018 Have you successfully used those? I'm wondering if there enough room around the power supply to house those. It might be possible under the keyboard, but I'm skeptical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+acadiel Posted January 9, 2018 Share Posted January 9, 2018 Or something like these. extech_tl7411.jpg I saw those used in Amiga's - most recently, in an A2000 for the 2MB Agnus aftermarket add on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+acadiel Posted January 9, 2018 Share Posted January 9, 2018 I'm not the seller here, but I can certainly say it is not membrane - it's a Stackpole and actually my preferred keyboard since I mostly have beige consoles. Here's a photo of my two spares with the same RS part#. I've removed the CAPS LOCK and CTRL on the top one showing the spring w/ metal contacts/wipers. And it's interesting, that Stackpole and Hi-Tek had a lawsuit spat back in the 80s: https://deskthority.net/wiki/Hi-Tek_and_Stackpole_recognition "Particularly in the earlier years, Hi-Tek Corporation frequently supplied bare Hi-Tek High Profile switch grids to computer and equipment manufacturers and left the customer to provide the keyboard controller and circuitry. The supplied switch grids were typically left unbranded. Stackpole copied Hi-Tek's switch design, resulting in a failed lawsuit for patent infringement." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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