Zbrojovka Brno
Zbrojovka Brno (“Brno Armory”, the Brno arms factory) was a Czechoslovakian company whose diverse output included farm tractors and computer equipment. They are known for the Consul series of computers which used Hall effect keyboards. Many of the ICs for these keyboards were sourced from fellow Czechoslovakian manufacturer TESLA.
Keyboards
Known models include:
| Model | Hall ICs | Encoder/controller | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consul 259.13 | Unknown | Dual TESLA MH1KK1 binary encoders plus Fujitsu MB7052 1kB PROM | eBay (ca. 1982) |
| Consul 262.3 | MH3SS2 | TESLA MH113 2-of-N encoder | eBay (1987), eBay (1989) |
| Consul 262.12 | MH3SS2 | Intel D8748 µC | Deskthority |
Both 262 models use double-shot moulded keycaps, and the keycaps on those are distinctive, tall with a small step around the top. The Consul 262.12 example is of unclear date, the documentation is stamped “30 VIII. 1990” under “Datum vyskladnění” (“Date of removal from storage”) while the Intel 8748 (MCS-48 series) microcontroller is marked L4287050S, suggesting a manufacture date of 1984 (year 4 week 28).