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Alps AKB

Contents

Overview

AKB is a designation for keyboards from Alps Electric.

Models

Model or subseries Layout Encoding Output Switches
AKB-3000 Series Basic Discrete logic US ASCII, EBCDIC, JIS, ISO “coil spring contact mechanism”, presumably AKC
AKB-3320 Basic, with 10 user-defined keys Single-chip encoder, later microprocessor encoder JIS KCC
AKB-3420 ASCII
AKB-3430 With function key row and numeric keypad ASCII

Examples

Of the three examples documented in sufficient detail, each one has a different encoder. The oldest, from 1979, uses a General Instrument single-chip keyboard encoder, model AY-5-2376. The next one uses a General Instrument chip of unknown function. The final one uses an Intel MCS-48 microcontroller encoder.

Model Switch Assembly model PCB code Encoder Date Notes Reference
AKB-3420 KCC cream KCCAA902 CH54141C GI AY-3-2376 ca. 1979 The documentation gives the model as “AKB3420 (SCH5AO31) KCCAA902” Imgur
AKB-3320 KCC cream ? ? GI NKBD-514 4M010034 ca. 1983 Not completely documented Deskthority
AKB-3420 KCC cream KCCAB902/KF8CC00024 12KC177C NEC D8048HC ca. 1988 The documentation gives the model as “KFCCAB902A (KCCAB902)” VintageComputer.ca
AKB-3430 KCC cream KCCAA906 ? ? ? Not completely documented Deskthority

Documentation