Description
DIY kit includes
- ctrl-M controller with mounted SMD components, USB connector and push button. QMK firmware is already installed.
- 16 + 12 pin ribbon connector
- 6.3 mm blade connector
- 3D printed spacer
Note: A USB cable is not included in the kit. A standard USB A to B cable is required (or a USB C to B cable if you use it with a modern laptop). Typically many A to B cables are lying around anyhow from printers, scanners etc.
Recommended tools for DIY project.
What is it?
This is a replacement controller for the famous IBM Model M keyboard based on the STM32F072 micro-controller.
It runs the well known feature rich QMK open source firmware for keyboards.
Assembly Instructions
Follow this guide to install a ctrl-M kit.
The full replacement process, from opening the keyboard to testing your finished modification is described in the assembly instructions.
Why did you make it?
Why do you want to replace your controller and have a modern Model M:
- Includes modern keycodes like Windows/menu button, multimedia/volume/brightness keys
- Fully customizable keyboard layout with up to 16 layers (Add keys for Mac, SUN, emojis etc.)
- Includes mouse and mouse wheel emulation
- Create, store and run macros directly from your keyboard
- Caps word: Double tap left shift to activate CAPS lock until a non-character key is pressed (like dot, space, a number)
- Fully open source software and hardware
- No fiddling with PS/2 to USB adapters that are harder to get these days
What makes it special?
To my knowledge all IBM Model M’s with 101/102 keys are supported as well as the older Lexmark models. Or speaking in production years all Model M’s from 1986 to 1994 are supported. Not compatible with 42H1292 and similar Unicomp model M keyboards (1997-present)
Software
This controller runs QMK a well known feature rich open source firmware for keyboards used by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and also keyboard manufacturers.
