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IBM 5160  -  Keyboards


What was supplied

The keyboard that IBM supplied with the early models of IBM 5160 (IBM XT) is pictured at here.   In IBM's technical documentation, it is referred to as the '83-key keyboard'.

The same later documentation refers to two types of this 83-key keyboard; type 1 and type 2.  At power-on time, the type 1 keyboard is reset by the motherboard (diagram here), whereas the type 2 keyboard resets itself.  Both types will work with an IBM 5160.

If you suspect that you have a faulty cable in your 83-key keyboard, the diagram at here will assist you in 'metering out' the cable.  In some 83-key keyboards of type 2, the reset wire in the cable is connected up, even though not needed by keyboards of type 2.

A word of warning about the 83-key keyboard.  After complete disassembly, reassembly is 'painful' (specifically, mating the curved circuit board with the curved metal plate).  Keep a large swear jar handy.

Later (1986) models of IBM 5160 were supplied with the '101-key enhanced keyboard' for the US market, and the '102-key enhanced keyboard' for non-US markets.


'Model F'

Some people incorrectly refer to the 83-key keyboard as the 'model F' keyboard.  Refer to here.  'IBM model F' refers to a series of keyboards, which includes keyboards that will not work with an IBM 5160.  The 83-key keyboard is simply an example of a 'model F' type.


AT-class only keyboards are not useable

When IBM introduced the IBM 5170 (IBM AT), they also introduced a new keyboard protocol, put into both the new 84-key keyboard and the 5170 motherboard.
The 5170's 84-key keyboard (only supports the AT protocol) is not useable with the IBM 5160.


Alternatives

An option for the IBM 5160 is a third-party keyboard that can be switched between the different keyboard protocols.  Example at here.

Another option is to use an AT-class keyboard together with an adapter that converts the AT keyboard protocol to a protocol that the 5160's motherboard recognises.  Example at here.

It is known that some IBM 101-key keyboards (such as this 52G9658) will work with the IBM 5160.  To note though is that any LEDs will not work.  And some of the new keys may not work unless one of the 1986 dated BIOS revisions is fitted to the motherboard.