RetroTechCollection

Apple Numeric Keypad IIe: Difference between revisions

← Older edit

Josh (talk | contribs)

8 user groups
20,001 edits
undo
VisualWikitext
Fix image syntax to File:...
 
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox computer peripheral
{{Infobox computer peripheral
| image = [[File:Apple Numeric Keypad IIe.jpg]]
| image = [[File:Apple Numeric Keypad IIe.jpg|260px|frameless]]
| caption = Apple Numeric Keypad IIe (Model A2M2003)
| caption = Apple Numeric Keypad IIe
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type = Numeric keypad
| type = Numeric keypad
| released = 1983
| price = US$99 (February 1984 price list)
| discontinued = 1987
| interface = DB-15 cable to the keypad connector inside the Apple IIe
| price = US$75
| compatible = [[Apple IIe]]
| interface = DB-15
| compatible = Apple IIe
| dimensions = ~165 mm × 105 mm × 40 mm
| weight = ~250 g
| predecessor = [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]]
| predecessor = [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]]
| successor = Built-in keypad (Platinum IIe)
| model = A2M2003
| model = A2M2003
| part_number = 658-4040 (service assembly)
}}
}}
 
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
The '''Apple Numeric Keypad IIe''' (model A2M2003) was Apple's first standalone external keyboard accessory, released in 1983 for the [[Apple IIe]]. It provided numeric entry, cursor control, and mathematical functions in a compact unit. The keypad used Alps mechanical switches in early production and Alps integrated dome switches in later units.
The '''Apple Numeric Keypad IIe''' (model A2M2003) is an external 24-key numeric keypad for the [[Apple IIe]]; its FCC identifier, BCG9GRNUMERCPAD2E, dates from 1982.<ref name="dtiie">"Apple Numeric Keypad IIe", [https://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Numeric_Keypad_IIe Deskthority wiki] (community wiki, a secondary source): model A2M2003, FCC ID BCG9GRNUMERCPAD2E (1982), introduced 1983, Alps SKCC Tall Black and Alps integrated dome switches.</ref> Apple's February 1984 dealer price list gives its suggested retail price as US$99.<ref name="price84">Apple Computer, dealer price list dated 15 February 1984, "Apple // Miscellaneous Accessories", page 3 of 8 (PDF p. 5): A2M2003 Numeric Keypad //e, US$99.00; A2M0056 Numeric Keypad II+, US$139.95. Hosted as [[:File:Apple Dealer Price Lists February 1984.pdf]].</ref> It replaced the [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]], which needed an interface board between the keyboard and the logic board of an Apple II or II Plus; the IIe keypad's DB-15 cable connects to the IIe through an interconnect cable, Apple part 590-0129.<ref name="tp">Apple Computer, ''Numeric Keypad Technical Procedures'' (Apple II/IIe), rev. Sep 85, from ''Apple Service Technical Procedures: Archived Products Volume Two'' (072-0231). Troubleshooting guide p. 1.3 (rev. Oct 84); Assembly/Disassembly pp. 1.6-1.7; Illustrated Parts List pp. 2.2-2.3; Appendix A, keyswitch identification, p. A.1. Hosted as [[:File:Apple Numeric Keypad II and IIe Technical Procedures.pdf]].</ref>


== Design ==
== Design ==
The keypad has 24 keys in a 6 × 4 grid in a rounded ABS case set at a fixed seven-degree angle. The left column has Escape, the left and right arrows and Space; the centre is a numeric pad with a 1.5-unit zero key, a comma and a decimal point; the right two columns have open and close brackets, minus, divide, plus, multiply, Return and Print. The Print key is legended with a question mark, the Applesoft BASIC shorthand for PRINT. The switches are plate-mounted on a simple printed circuit board wired to an 11-pin header and ground, and a single fixed cable ends in a DB-15 connector.<ref name="neatnik">Adam Newbold, "The Numeric Keypad //e", [https://neatnik.net/adam/bucket/numeric-keypad-iie/ neatnik.net]: teardown and QMK conversion of one unit (enthusiast documentation). Two versions under A2M2003; case, angle and layout; 11-pin header and DB-15; four bottom screws, two under the front feet; box contents; QMK converter profile.</ref>


=== Physical Construction ===
=== Two versions ===
The keypad uses a rounded ABS plastic clamshell case:
Two versions were sold under the same model number. The earlier (1982) has Alps SKCC tall black switches and double-shot PBT keycaps with larger white capital legends; the later (1983 onwards) has Alps black cross-mount integrated dome switches and dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with smaller dark legends.<ref name="neatnik" /> The legends tell them apart without opening the case.
* Fixed 7-degree typing angle
* Four screws on bottom (two exposed, two under rubber feet)
* Apple logo in lower-left corner
* DB-15 connector cable (fixed, not detachable)
 
Case dimensions: approximately 165 mm × 105 mm × 40 mm.
 
=== Layout ===
The keypad features 24 keys arranged in a 6 × 4 grid:
 
'''Left column (navigation):'''
* Escape
* Left arrow
* Right arrow
* Space (1u)
 
'''Center cluster (numeric):'''
* Standard 0-9 layout
* 1.5u zero key at bottom left
* Comma
* Decimal point
 
'''Right columns (functions):'''
* Open parenthesis, Close parenthesis
* Minus, Divided by
* Plus, Multiply
* Return, Print (displayed as "?")
 
The Print key (?) was shorthand for the AppleSoft BASIC PRINT statement.
 
=== Switches ===
Two switch variants exist:
 
'''Early production (1982):'''
* Alps SKCC Tall Black mechanical switches
* Double-shot PBT keycaps
* Larger capitalized white legends
 
'''Later production (1983+):'''
* Alps black cross mount integrated dome switches
* Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps
* Smaller dark legends
 
Per Apple switch part numbers, the official specification called for SMK short stem switches (presumably SMK J-M0404 series), but actual units examined contain Alps switches.
 
== Connection ==
 
The Numeric Keypad IIe connects via a DB-15 connector to an internal header on the Apple IIe motherboard. A custom cable routes from the DB-15 to an 11-pin female header inside the computer.
 
=== Pinout ===
The keyboard uses an X/Y matrix configuration:
* 11 pins for matrix scanning
* Ground connections
* No active electronics in the keypad
 
Detailed pinout information is documented in the Apple II wiki and QMK firmware repository.


== Specifications ==
Apple's own keyswitch identification chart lists two switches for the IIe keypad: the SMK short-stem switch 705-0075 and the Alps long-stem ("extended") switch 705-0070, which Apple notes is also used in the Macintosh numeric keypad.<ref name="tp" /> Examined IIe keypads have so far contained Alps switches.<ref name="dtiie" />


{| class="wikitable"
== Apple parts ==
|-
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%;"
! Parameter !! Value
|+'''Apple service parts for the Numeric Keypad IIe'''<ref name="tp" />
! Part number !! Description
|-
|-
| Model number || A2M2003
| 658-4040 || Numeric keypad assembly, IIe
|-
|-
| Keys || 24
| 590-0130 || Cable, numeric keypad IIe
|-
|-
| Layout || 6 × 4 grid
| 590-0129 || Interconnect cable, numeric keypad IIe
|-
|-
| Switches || Alps SKCC (early) / Alps integrated dome (later)
| 658-7044 || Keycap set, numeric keypad IIe (replaced by 658-4040)
|-
|-
| Keycaps || PBT (double-shot or dye-sublimated)
| 705-0070 || Alps long-stem keyswitch
|-
|-
| Interface || DB-15 to 11-pin header
| 705-0075 || SMK short-stem keyswitch
|-
| Case material || ABS plastic
|-
| Case color || Beige (Apple IIe matching)
|-
| Typing angle || 7 degrees (fixed)
|}
|}


== Packaging ==
== The revision C character generator ROM ==
Apple's troubleshooting guide warns that the keypad's special function keys (arrows, Return and so on) do not work properly on an Apple IIe that has the revision C character generator ROM, part number 342-0132-C, which Apple first shipped in the IIe after 25 August 1984. Check the ROM at location E12 on the IIe logic board. If it is revision C, Apple's fix is to replace the character generator ROM with another version, such as 342-0132-A or 342-0132-B, and not to replace the logic board.<ref name="tp" /> Apple's Tech Info Library article 883, "Apple IIe and the Numeric Keypad: Some problems", covers the same fault.<ref name="dtiie" />


The keypad shipped in a white box with gray graphics containing:
This fault looks like a failed keypad. Check the ROM before opening the keypad.
* Numeric Keypad IIe unit
* Operations Manual
* Service wrench
* VisiCalc compatibility notice


== USB Conversion ==
== Troubleshooting and repair ==
Apple's troubleshooting guide starts by confirming the fault with the keyboard test on the Dealer Diagnostic diskette. Its module-swap steps were written for the Keypad II and its interface board (see [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]]).<ref name="tp" />


The Numeric Keypad IIe can be converted for use with modern computers using QMK firmware:
To open the keypad, remove the four screws on the bottom: two exposed at the rear and two under the rubber feet at the front.<ref name="neatnik" /> The switch matrix is wired straight through to the DB-15,<ref name="neatnik" /> so a meter is enough: check continuity from a key's switch to the DB-15 pins with the key held down.


'''Required hardware:'''
== Modern use ==
* ATmega32U4 microcontroller (Arduino Micro, Pro Micro, Elite-C, Teensy 2.0)
Because the X/Y matrix is brought out on the DB-15, the keypad can be converted to USB without modifying it, using a DB-15 breakout and an ATmega32U4 board. QMK has a converter profile for it, <code>converter/numeric_keypad_IIe</code>.<ref name="neatnik" />
* DB-15 breakout board
* Jumper wires


'''Firmware:'''
== Documentation ==
QMK includes a converter profile at `/keyboards/converter/numeric_keypad_IIe` with complete pinout documentation and default keymap.
* [[Apple Numeric Keypad II and IIe Technical Procedures|Apple Numeric Keypad Technical Procedures (Apple II/IIe)]]: troubleshooting, disassembly, parts list and keyswitch identification.


The conversion preserves the original keyboard while adding USB HID capability.
== See also ==
 
== Maintenance ==
 
=== Disassembly ===
# Remove two exposed screws from rear bottom
# Peel back rubber feet to access front screws
# Remove front screws
# Separate case halves carefully
 
=== Switch Cleaning ===
'''Mechanical (SKCC) version:'''
* Open switch housing (4 tabs)
* Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol
* Check spring condition
* Reassemble
 
'''Dome version:'''
* Clean around domes with compressed air
* Do not remove dome sheet
* Clean keycap stems
 
=== Keycap Removal ===
Use a wire keycap puller. The Alps mount is compatible with standard Alps pullers. Avoid twisting during removal.
 
== Collecting ==
 
=== Switch Variants ===
The mechanical SKCC version is more sought after by keyboard enthusiasts:
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Version !! Switches !! Keycaps !! Rarity
|-
| Early (1982) || Alps SKCC Tall Black || Double-shot PBT || Less common
|-
| Later (1983+) || Alps integrated dome || Dye-sub PBT || More common
|}
 
=== Condition Assessment ===
* '''Mint:''' Complete with box and documentation
* '''Excellent:''' Clean, functional, original keycaps
* '''Good:''' Functional, minor yellowing or wear
* '''Fair:''' Functional but significant wear
* '''Poor:''' Non-functional, missing keycaps, or broken case
 
=== Identification ===
* Check keycap legend style (larger = mechanical version)
* Remove a keycap to verify switch type
* Early production has SKCC switches with visible spring
 
== Legacy ==
 
The Numeric Keypad IIe was Apple's first standalone external keyboard product. When the Platinum Apple IIe launched in 1987, it incorporated a built-in numeric keypad, eliminating the need for the external accessory.
 
The keypad's layout influenced the later Macintosh Numeric Keypad (M0120), though that product used different switches and a telephone-cord connector.
 
== See Also ==
* [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]]
* [[Apple Numeric Keypad II]]
* [[Macintosh Numeric Keypad]]
* [[Apple IIe]]
* [[Apple IIe]]


== References ==
== References ==
* Neatnik.net — Numeric Keypad IIe documentation
<references />
* Deskthority wiki — Apple Numeric Keypad IIe
 
* QMK Firmware repository — converter documentation
{{Navbox-AppleVintageAccessories|state=collapsed}}
* Geekhack forums — user photos and analysis


[[Category:Apple Vintage Accessories]]
[[Category:Apple Vintage Accessories]]
{{Navbox-AppleVintageAccessories}}
Retrieved from "https://wiki.retrotechcollection.com/Apple_Numeric_Keypad_IIe"