Tulip SMK series
 | |
| Model no. |
ATK 03.01.44 ATK 02.01.01 |
|---|---|
| FCC ID | None |
| Branding | Tulip |
| Manufacturer | SMK |
| Product family | SMK second generation platform |
| Layouts | ANSI, ISO |
| Keyswitches | SMK inverse cross mount |
| Keycaps | Double-shot |
| Interface | XT/AT switchable |
"Tulip SMK series" refers to a range of vintage Tulip keyboards with vintage SMK inverse cross mount mechanical switches and double-shot keycaps. The series is based on the SMK second generation platform.
Description[edit | edit source]
The keyboard is XT/AT switchable, by way of four DIP switches on the base. These select from the following six configurations:
- Auto-E
- E-AT
- E-XT
- Auto
- AT
- XT
"Auto" works correctly with a Blue Cube PS/2 to USB converter.
Date markings on the case suggest that production started in 1987, and continued at least as far as 1990; however, as the mouldings were shared with other SMK customers, the date range for this specific keyboard is not known. Photos of the Tulip PC Compact 2, introduced in 1987, show this keyboard.<ref name="C2" /><ref name="C22" />
Unusually for a plate-mounted keyboard, the steel plate is not painted. This is common to this family of SMK keyboards.
Variants[edit | edit source]
The final two digits of the part number appear to be the layout in terms of international telephone dialling codes. ATK 03.01.44 and Tulip ATK 030244 are both United Kingdom layout boards and have "44" (as in +44) where the ANSI ATK 02.01.01 has "01". The remaining numbers are not yet identified.
ATK 03.01.44[edit | edit source]
Tactile switches with white sliders; standard United Kingdom ISO layout.
ATK 02.01.01[edit | edit source]
Clicky switches with dull brown sliders; United States ANSI layout with big-ass enter and single-unit backspace.<ref name="DTname" />
Gallery[edit | edit source]
ATK 03.01.44[edit | edit source]
-
Front -
Rear -
Label -
White SMK switches -
DIN connector -
DIP switches -
Start of cable routing channels -
Data cable socket on the PCB -
Data cable, both ends -
Case date markings, upper shell -
Case date markings, lower shell -
DIP switch PCB assembly -
DIP switch PCB -
-
Additional ICs, dated to 1990 -
SMK stabiliser components -
Stabiliser post -
Backspace assembly -
SMK stabiliser wire in position -
Space bar assembly -
Additional spring under the space bar -
Close-up of one of the SMK stabilisers for the space bar -
Electromagnetic radiation shield -
EM shield is secured with the grounding/earthing screw, and with electrical tape -
PCB legend; unlike the Sony keyboards, this keyboard bears the SMK logo on the PCB
ATK 02.01.01[edit | edit source]
-
Brown SMK switches -
Closer view on mounting plate -
Rear
External links[edit | edit source]
- YouTube — Tulip clicky keyboard (appears identical to ATK 02.01.01) Dated 2010-06-24. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
References[edit | edit source]
<references> <ref name="C2">Tulip Gebruikers Vereniging — Tulip PC Compact 2 (Dutch) Retrieved 2015-07-07.</ref> <ref name="C22">Flickr — It's alive! De Tulip PC Compact 2 (22 jaar oud) is gereanimeerd :-D Dated 2010-10-21. Retrieved 2015-07-07.</ref> <ref name="DTname">Deskthority — New name for SMK "clicky" switches</ref> </references>
