Finally found that numeric trackball for 128k/plus

[werdna]

Finally found it, on eBay, and not as part of some other auction. Made an offer of $128.84 over the offer of $189 and the seller accepted. I'm not sure if sellers always notice the especially relevant numbers in my offers but I'd like to think it makes a difference. Arrived decidedly sooner than I expected. Just tested the thing and it works; numpad keys work fine, vertical movement on the trackball isn't working the way it should but should be fine once I open this thing up and clean it out. (Boy, does it need to be cleaned...)

The only thing which isn't quite working is the regular keyboard when it's connected through the numpad. After a bit of keymashing I managed to get in a keypress or two for several keys including A and ], but they repeated nine or ten times, or continiously until I pressed another key on the numpad. I'm not exactly sure what the problem might be; it could be the contacts on the keyboard cable port need to be cleaned, or maybe there's something burned out on the circuit board. I'll post another picture of the inside a little later when I have time.

 

[ktkm]

What brand is that? And what type of switches does it use?

 

[werdna]

Assimilation, which was then bought out by Kensington. I have no idea what kind of switches it uses.

 

[maceffects]

Anything special about those?  Last one I saw sold for $1. I have one I would sell if it’s really worth $100 plus. 

 

[werdna]

I was under the impression they are generally worth more than that; they aren't exactly very common. But hell, I would have paid a dollar if I had the chance. :/  Either that or I overpaid, but it wouldn't be the first time I've overpaid for something. Probably not the last either.

:/   :/   :/  

 

[Crutch]

That thing is cool. I had no idea such a creature ever existed. Nice find. 

 

[maceffects]

Maybe it was just a badly worded auction listing as it didn't use keywords for 128k, 512k, etc.  I'm going to post mine on eBay for $150, if it sells I will let you know that you didn't over pay

 

[ktkm]

Assimilation, which was then bought out by Kensington. I have no idea what kind of switches it uses.

Assimilation, now that is a good name!

 

[werdna]

Assimilation, now that is a good name!

Ironically, they were assimilated themselves. :lol:  

 

[werdna]

I took a few pictures of the insides while I was cleaning it:



I don't see anything that immediately strikes me as broken or burnt out. The same problems persisted before and after I cleaned it. I'm not sure if anyone here with a better eye than mine might know how to fix it. If not I'll probably return this.  It's a shame because it matches the M0110 so nicely...

 

[tappdarden]

Still pretty neat tho.

i love that L shaped enter key!

 

[keneg]

If the keyboard works properly when hooked directly to the computer, i would look at the cable sockets and connections between them.  Could be a cold/cracked solder joint.

 

[ArmorAlley]

There's one of these on sale in Switzerland with a starting bid of about $52.

I can get it if anyone really wants one. Having just bought a 512K, it does look interesting.

The link is here: https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/assimilation-numeric-keypad-fuer-mac-1088568636/

 

[olePigeon]

I think whoever got it for $1 was just really lucky.  I wouldn't worry about having overpaid.  If you're happy with it, it's worth it.