Editing Datadesk Switchboard

{{TODO photo|more=true|reason=need photos of the original Datadesk version and of the Somers EK1}}

{{infobox dkeyboard
| image name   = Datadesk Switchboard -- infobox.jpg
| pn           = 
| fcc          = E98-1100 (1990)
| branding     = [[Datadesk]]
| manufacturer = 
| switch       = [[Alps SKCM White]]
| layouts      = [[ANSI]]
| features     =
| interface    = [[XT keyboard interface|XT]], [[AT keyboard interface|AT]], [[PS/2 interface|PS/2]], [[Apple M0110A]], [[Apple Desktop Bus|ADB]]
| weight       = 
| years        = 
| price        = $239 (1992)<ref name="PCMag-19920225" />
}}

'''Datadesk Switchboard''' is a [[modular keyboard|modular]] keyboard from Datadesk, targeted at both PCs and Macintoshes. The keyboard shares the same stylistic design as the fixed-layout [[Datadesk Mac-101E]].

==Description==
The Switchboard supports both modular rearrangement and DIP switch configuration. A cover behind the function keys can be lifted to reveal two banks of [[DIP switch]]es, with sixteen switches in total.<ref name="LumberJocks" /> In addition, the three main keyboard areas (alphanumeric, navigation, and numeric keypad) are provided as interchangeable modules that slot into edge connectors; these can be rearranged to suit the user, for example to create a left-handed arrangement with the numeric keypad on the left.<ref name="SPARC" /> The function key row (including [[print screen key|print screen]], [[scroll lock]] and [[pause key|pause]]) is not part of any modules, and remains unchanged.

The DIP switch configuration legend indicates that the following changes can be made:

*Layout and protocol selection: Macintosh SE/II, Macintosh Plus, IBM AT and PS/2, and IBM PC XT
*Reversal of [[caps lock]] and [[control key|control]]
*"Shifted period" (likely indicating that pressing shift+. still gives .)

Because the Switchboard is a Macintosh keyboard, it features a dedicated [[power key]].

The keyboard has standard exterior ADB ports on the left and right sides, similar to standard Apple Macintosh ADB keyboards, which allowed you to daisy-chain the keyboard to a mouse, as was the custom when ADB was standard. The PC AT cable attaches to an internal port, beneath the DIP switch cover and it uses a non-standard 8-pin Mini-DIN connector. The pinouts for this connector are in a diagram below.

The keycaps are double-shot [[UKF DS03]].

==Other versions==
The Switchboard was also marketed by DSI as the '''DSI Modular Pro''', model DSK105 (not to be confused with the [[DSI Modular Mac]]); the Modular Pro uses the Datadesk-registered FCC ID. The Modular Pro has been shown to have the same Datadesk-branded PCB.<ref name="SPARC" />

The '''Somers EK1''' Engineering Keyboard from [[Somers Engineering]] uses a [[matrix layout]] for the alphanumeric area.<ref name="TIFAQ" />

==Switches==
A DSI Modular Mac keyboard (pictured below) has been found with incorrectly-moulded [[Alps SKCM White]] switches: most of the [[mould numbering]] is missing, along with the Alps logo. The resulting upper shell mould appears to be an exact match for the [[Simplified Alps Type III]] switch, strengthening the suggestion that Type III clones were adapted from the rejected moulds of real Alps switches.

==Gallery==
===DSI Modular Pro===
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
File:DSI Modular Pro -- top.jpg                           | Top view
File:DSI Modular Pro -- top, angled.jpg                   | Standard keyboard layout
File:DSI Modular Pro -- custom arrangement.jpg            | Custom module arrangement
File:DSI Modular Pro -- DSI logo.jpg                      | DSI logo
File:DSI Modular Pro -- left side.jpg                     | Left side
File:DSI Modular Pro -- right side.jpg                    | Right side
File:DSI Modular Pro -- rear.jpg                          | Underside
File:DSI Modular Pro -- rear label.jpg                    | Rear label
File:DSI Modular Pro -- two-position foot.jpg             | Two-position foot, in mid position
File:DSI Modular Pro -- modules removed.jpg               | Modules and cable removed
File:DSI Modular Pro -- keyboard backplane.jpg            | Keyboard backplane card
File:DSI Modular Pro -- electromagnetic shields.jpg       | Electromagnetic shields in each module
File:DSI Modular Pro -- navigation cluster module.jpg     | Navigation cluster module
File:DSI Modular Pro -- numeric keypad module.jpg         | Numeric keypad module
File:DSI Modular Pro -- backplane connectors.jpg          | Backplane connector detail
File:DSI Modular Pro -- DIP switch legend.jpg             | DIP switch legend
File:DSI Modular Pro -- PCB manufacture dates.jpg         | PCB manufacture dates
File:DSI Modular Pro -- cable connector.jpg               | Internal cable connector, under the DIP switch cover
File:DSI Modular Pro -- AT cable.jpg                      | AT cable
File:DSI Modular Pro -- double-shot keycaps.jpg           | Double-shot keycaps
File:DSI Modular Pro -- DIP switches and PCB branding.jpg | DIP switches and PCB branding
File:DSI Modular Pro -- Alps SKCM White switch.jpg        | White Alps switch
File:DSI Modular Pro -- Alps switch opened.jpg            | Switch opened, confirming genuine Alps switchplate
File:DSI Modular Mac -- switch shell.jpg                  | Strange switch shell, with missing mould numbering
</gallery>
===PC AT Connector Pinouts===
<gallery>
switchboard8pinminidin.png|Pinouts for PC AT connector
</gallery>

==References==
<references>
<ref name="LumberJocks">LumberJocks — [http://lumberjocks.com/Sigung/blog/39656 Works in Progress #6: Humidor Test Build - Finished]</ref>
<ref name="SPARC">Atelier Silencium — [http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~silencium/keyboard/html/alps.html alps keyswitch]</ref>
<ref name="TIFAQ">TIFAQ — [http://www.tifaq.org/keyboards/other-keyboards.html Other Keyboards - Alternative Keyboard FAQ]</ref>
<ref name="PCMag-19920225">Google Books — [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=iYmIeqES1fYC&pg=PT280 PC Magazine, February 25, 1992] (The Write Stuff, pp. 303–329)</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Datadesk keyboards]]
[[Category:Office keyboards]]
[[Category:Modular keyboards]]
[[Category:Macintosh keyboards]]
[[Category:Left-handed keyboards]]
[[Category:Keyboards with Alps SKCL/SKCM switches]]
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]