Here’s something abit more radical to start you off with your week. Everytime we stumble over Instructables we find something great, this time we’ve found this geeky DIY which turned an old IBM electric typewriter into a fully working computer keyboard.
I certainly remember having one of these around the house when I was growing up but I never thought it would be of any more use since PCs came along. Maybe now is the time to get it out, instead of taking it down to the museum!
I have to agree with the creator of this genius project though, is it a typewriter that’s a computer keyboard? Or is it a computer keyboard that’s a typewriter? If you’re prepared to sacrifice your old antique then hit the jump and find out what you’ll need to setup this cool, geeky project.
In addition to plenty of time, here are the things you will need:
Parts:
1 – Model A IBM Electric Typewriter (EBAY!)
1 – Cheap USB keyboard
50 – Mini momentary push buttons (www.goldmine-elec.com Part #G12851A)
8 – Multi-strand spacer bars (metalliferous.com – Part #QB7853Y)
4 – 12″ round brass rods (metalliferous.com – Probably, if memory holds true, Part #BR6075)
2 – Prototype circuit board (PCB)
1 – Tube syringe-type epoxy
1 – Spool of 22AWG black wire
1 – Role black gaffer’s tape
1 – Role white gaffer’s tape
50 – Small plastic pull-tiesTools:
- Soldering iron
- Metal clipper
- Small metal handsaw
- Needle-nose pliers
- Screwdriver set
Check out the full instructions over at Instructables…









The old “golfball” typewriters….I remember them well! It is actually crazy how the advent of the PC has killed off the traditional typing pool that every company had! This retro-hack sure brings old memories flooding back!
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