Date: Mon, 18 Mar 96 13:39:39 EST From: junger@mtn.er.usgs.gov (John Unger) To: neader@centuryinter.net Subject: small keyboards Here is the summary of the replies I received to my query concerning the availability of short (~11" - 13") IBM-PC type keyboards for my cramped operating table. Lexmark was a brand name also recommended, but Tyler,N4TY, who works for Lexmark International, said that they are no longer making keyboards. My own local (metro DC area) search drew a blank at both COMPUSA and Computer Warehouse. My thanks to all those who replied and contributed to this source of information. tnx es 73 - John, W3GOI /******************* start summary ******************/ John, Cherry make a range of keyboards, all shapes and sizes. HQ in Waukegan, Illinois. Tel # 708-662-9200. Regards, George GM0IIO/N4QDN/EI6HC /**********************************************************************/ Hi john, I bought a much smaller keyboard than std from JDR microdevices, it wasnt real cheap but it takes up MUCH less of a footprint than a std one.... I dunno if it is still available, but i could go home 2nite and look to see the model number... it does NOT have a numeric keypad on it.... I like you, was lookin fer a bit more room on the desktop, this KB was the only one i found that was smaller, i had been looking a while at hamfests etc to no avail..... if you can still purchase it, you will like it.... would you like me to get the measurements and email it back 2 u? 73, bob, W9ZV /**********************************************************************/ IBM used to make a keyboard part #1391472 that looked like an AT-style keyboard but didn't have the numeric keypad. They came with the Model 25. I suspect the keyboard was an offshoot of the PCjr version. We have a couple at the office. Nice and small (16" I think) an very rugged. You might want to check Lexmark. They OEM to IBM and made a keyboard w/o the keypad but with that eraser-thingie mouse replacement that you either love or hate! GL! Eric -- Eric Rosenberg WD3Q, EI4VPS, YJ0AER, J20BY, etc. Washington, DC ericr@access.digex.net wd3q@amsat.org /**********************************************************************/ I was in a local computer equipment retailer last week (Fry's) and saw many, many different keyboards like this for sale. What you lose is the numeric keypad on the far right edge of a 101 keyboard. Just find yourself a large retailer and take a look. I haven't looked, but I would be willing to bet CompUSA has a good selection. Bruce, AA6KX /**********************************************************************/ Hello John, saw your post on the Contest Reflector. I have purchased several of the small keyboards made by BTC just for contesting, due to the compact size. The keyboards are nearly the size of a large notebook computer, however have larger keys. They use the Fn key for some of the normal functions however they do not hamper me in any way during contesting, at least so far that is. I purchased these at Dayton from a dealer. I may have the address at home, I'll check and get back to you. They were about $40. each, a little pricy but worth the convenience. Best regards, Dan, N4DVW, Atlanta {adnixon@akorn.net} /**********************************************************************/ John, call JAMECO at 1-800-831-4242, they have just what your looking for. I have two of their Part No 114868 keyboards and they are excellent. They are 12.81" x 6.62" and 1" high. They have an excellent feel and normal layout rather than a special keyboard like so many of the smaller boards which are a real pain in the neck. They cost $59.95, not cheap but they have the quality I was looking for. I currently use two of them and have been through roughly a dozen other models, which always proved disappointing. They will be glad to send you a catalog. ...Tony K2SG /**********************************************************************/ How about 12 1/4"? I have a couple of SIIG Suntouch Jr. model KB-MINI-81K keyboards that seem to be reliable, decent touch etc. Seems that I paid somewhere in the $50 - $70 range for each. The manufacturer (importer?) SIIG is located in Fremont CA, I think. Good luck! 73 de Bill, K6KM /**********************************************************************/ Several years ago I picked up a "BTC", Series BTC-5100-100 key board at Computer City in Houston. I have not seen one since..Probably didn't sell well due to it special application. I use it for only DXC use..I want it nearby, but not..in the way. It measures 6' X 11.5". FYI. 73 Mike AA5NK /**********************************************************************/ John, Ken KP4XS found a source for small footprint keyboards. Perhaps he can help His Email address: ramirezk@emi.com 73! Frank W3LPL donovanf@sgate.com <---reply address /**********************************************************************/ HI JOHN....I use BTC-5100 series keyboards.....the New Version is not quite as handy as the OLDer ones....as they have moved to Insert Key and the + key.....but the things are 6" x 12" only thing missing is F-11 & F-12 but haven't needed them....I do have a Gateway 2000 full sized enhanced 101 keyboard if I need it for a couple of programs I just get it out and hook up....otherwise both positions in this 2 xmitter contest setup use the little ones......just go to your local computer shop and tell them you want a BTC-5100 keyboard.....or ask whatelse they have in small keyboards??? Yes the KEYS are normal regular size and regular spacing.....just a few missing and they don't have the calculator type keys on the right side...good luck in your search! 73 de JOHN K9UWA/P40WA /**********************************************************************/ Hi John. There is an electronics mailorder place located in Texas that has a retail store near me. They have a "small footprint" keyboard that measures 15 3/4 L x 7 7/8 W x 1 13/16 H. It is about 25% smaller than standard keyboards. It is 101/102 key style. The part Number is K-258 and is priced at $43. It's a bit wider than you criteria but I thought I'd pass it on. The company is called Altex Electronics and has a toll free number of 1-800-531-5369. They've been around for about 15 years down here. They also advertise in Computer Shopper, etc. 73, Russ-- AA5RB russ@inetport.com -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- /**********************************************************************/ My interest in small keyboards prompted me to look around for some last year. I have obtained two and neither are perfect but seem to be adequate. Both measure approximately 6 x 12 inches and are much more compatible with being placed in front of a radio without blocking the knobs than the typical MEGA-keyboard. The SIIG MiniTouch Model 1903 is "Computer Offwhite" in color and has one thing I don't like. When rebooted it comes up in the NUMLOCK ON mode. But mini-keyboards share their numbers with the letters and before you can type any DOS commands you have to remember to hit the NUMLOCK off button. Minor annoyance--but gets larger when you have just had a computer crash during a JA run and are trying to get back into rhythm and your DOS or CT commands have nums in place of alphas. The keyboard performed flawlessly through a few CW contests running CT but when trying it on phone with the DVP I was getting some anomalous errors that went away when I swapped keyboards (after swapping everything else in the system including DVPs, CT revs, etc.) I believe this was happening with no RF present--while I was setting up the system and it is unclear to me how this might happen and I need to check it out in more detail before I can say there is a problem with the DVP and this keyboard (either individual keyboard or the particular model). The keyboard has a pretty nice "clicky" feel, a nice L-shapped "enter" key but small "alt" keys and small "Fn" keys (to shift to alternate functions on the shared keys). I bought this one at Incredible Universe, but I have also seem them at Elek-Tek, and they may be at other computer stores. Seems like the price was in the $50 category--maybe $59. The second option is the BTC-5100 series that I found in the back of Computer Shopper. It is available in both white and black versions. Bought the black version and will add black PCs and monitors to my shack that is dominated by the dark gray of two 781s and two 87As. Hope to give the feeling of Darth Vader and inspire the operator to villainous excesses! But the keyboard is a little mushy. It does come up with NUMLOCK OFF so that is not a problem and I like the larger "Fn", "Ctrl", and "Alt" keys, but the "Enter" is just a regular double-key size. It is also available in the $50 price range. I have used it for CW contests (well George, W0UA, has, using my station/call) but I have not tried it with the DVP. I can't understand how the SIIG and the DVP could conflict so I feel compelled to check it out in more detail before the WPX. The small keyboards are probably more important for CW contests where extra room is needed for a paddle. Although the programmable "any-key" style keyboard allows some neat multi-keystrokes to be programmed, they are quite large and are susceptible to being placed in the programming mode by accident and getting very strange results as a consequence--ask W0UA, so I don't use them anymore. If anyone has any additonal experiences with either these or other mini keyboards I would like to hear about them. 73 John W0UN John Brosnahan La Salle Research Corp 24115 WCR 40 La Salle, CO 80645 USA voice 970-284-6602 fax 970-284-0979 email broz@csn.net /**********************************************************************/