=====================================================================
IBM 5291 Terminal Keyboard Conversion

Known as the Bigfoot by keyboard collectors, this cpacative terminal 
keyboard is mammoth. iths a fine example of IBM engineering. this is
process I used to convert it to USB. (This is a reprint from 
http://www.magicmargin.net)

Typewriters are wonderful, distraction-free writing tools. Actually, 
I don't really believe that. Typewriters are a feast for the senses; 
the smell, sound, and tactile feel are all part of the magic that is 
part of non-digital writing. Some very sick people even love the 
gentle hum of a Selectric's motor. Instead of being distraction-free 
they are right-distraction devices. The things that draw our 
attention are all in service to the visceral feel of pure 
communication.

Even so, we are called on to engage with digital devices. It's a 
cruel reality of a "modern" world. I don't like typing on a computer,
but when I do, I always use mechanical keyboards. You know the kind;
clicky, tactile, loud, and ancient. My daily typer is a 1987 IBM 
Model M. It's a nice keyboard. If you'e never had the chance to use 
one of these keyboards, you are missing out. On a tuned specimen, 
nothing compares. If you've used an IBM Wheelwriter before, you have 
used this type of keyboard.

The Model M's cult following is well documented. There are people who 
will wax philosophical on the feeling and sound of the buckling 
spring keyboard. There are actually YouTube videos on the subject, 
but that is hardly a sigil of eccentricity.

Connoisseurs will tell you that the predecessor to the Model M, the 
Model F, is even more refined. It's as close to the urkeyboard as you 
can get (barring beamsprings). This is what I wanted to share with 
you today.

Bigfoot is what some collectors call this. It is big and heavy. It 
types beautifully.

I recently completed a USB conversion for this IMB 5291 Terminal 
keyboard. Most people would think that Soarer's Converter would be 
the way to go. However, Soarer's is closed-source. It's not being 
actively maintained. There is also the sudden and strange 
disappearance of Soarer from the keyboard enthusiast's bulletin 
boards. These three things prompted me to look elsewhere for 
firmware. I decided on QMK Firmware. It ticked all the boxes; Atmel 
support, open-source, current updates, large user-base.

Wiring up the converter was fairly easy. I used a Teensy 2.0 to 
upload the firmware from the QMK online builder. You can customize, 
compile, and download all from within a web browser.

Just a little debugging and I was able to start using it on my 
home computer. I just completed grades using this keyboard and 
it was so nice to finally use it. As I use it more, I might just 
make it a permanent daily typer. The sound and feel of this keyboard 
are a perfect right-distraction.