IBM Model F 3178-USB Converter

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• Apply for: ONLY work on IBM Model F 3178 “Blue Switch” keyboard with original control board, original cable/harness/connector, and original solenoid.

• Function: Convert proprietary DB15 interface of IBM Model F 3178 keyboard to standard USB HID keyboard. Perfectly drive internal solenoid with one external power supply, and use “Blue Switch” to mechanically control CapsLock (‘A’ position to enable CapsLock, and ‘Aa’ position to disable CapsLock). The solenoid on/off setting will be saved in Non-volatile memory, and the last status of solenoid on/off will be restored automatically from Non-volatile memory next power-up.

• Description:

  1. Only few keys can generate break code in IBM 3178 keyboard, so the functionality of Ctrl/Alt/Shift with letter combination keys are restricted.
  2. The keymap of converter is fixed, see keymap diagram for details.
  3. The IBM 3178-USB converter use one external Power Adapter for fully solenoid drive. Notes that the modifiers can’t trigger soldnoid action.
  4. If you don’t use external Power Adapter, the IBM 3178-USB converter also works well except for solenoid clicking.

• NOTES: The converter just only offers one plug-and-play solution on modern PC for original vintage IBM Model F 3178 keyboards. But because the original IBM Model F 3178 keyboard is designed for speific IBM terminal system, the keyboard original control board only generate break code for few key, this converter solution is NOT perfect solution of original IBM Model F 3178 keyboards converting for usage on modern PC. Please NOTE that the keymap of the converter is fixed and the converter doesn’t support keymap remapping function. If you need perfect keyboard function and keymap remapping for IBM Model F 3178 keyboards, I recommend the-art-of-state Xwhatsit controller solution.

• Includes:

  • IBM 3178-USB Converter (1 pc)
  • Micro USB Cable (1 pc)
  • Power Adapter (1 pc)

• Price: $59.99 (without shipping cost)

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