Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- keyboard:epson_ap1003a [16 Apr 2026 21:00] – frutiger
+++ keyboard:epson_ap1003a [10 May 2026 02:05] (current) – New photos/corrected pcb code frutiger
@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 |  **Epson AP1003A**  ||
 | \\ {{keyboard:epson:img_1079.jpg?400|epson ap1003a keyboard}} ||
-| **Switch** | [[switch:alps_skcl_brown|Alps SKCL Brown]]\\ [[switch:alps_skcl_green|Alps SKCL Green]]  |
+| **Switch** | [[switch:alps_skcl_brown|Alps SKCL Brown]]\\ [[switch:alps_skcl_green|Alps SKCL Green]]\\ [[switch:alps_skcl_amber| Alps SKCL Amber]]\\ [[switch:alps_skcl_cream|Alps SKCL Cream]] |
 | **Sense method** | [[Metal Contact|Metal Contact]]  |
 | **Protocol** | [[XT|XT]]  |
 | **Keycaps** | [[Doubleshot ABS|Doubleshot ABS]]  |
+</WRAP>
+<WRAP center round important 40%>
+Currently missing visuals for variants with Alps SKCL Green.
 </WRAP>
@@ Line 14: / Line 20: @@
 ===== Description =====
-The Epson AP1003A is an AT-layout keyboard and was presumably manufactured by Gold Star Alps for the 1987 Epson Apex 100 XT-class budget computer.((
+The **Epson AP1003A** is an AT-layout PC keyboard with linear Alps switches. It was manufactured for use with the 1987 Epson Apex 100 XT-class budget computer, presumably by Gold Star Alps.((
 [[http://web.archive.org/web/20260416005141/https://www.ebay.com/itm/306862402648]]
 ))
+It is one of a limited number of vintage keyboards documented with [[switch:alps_skcl_brown|Alps SKCL Brown]].
 ===== Construction =====
@@ Line 22: / Line 30: @@
 === Case ===
-The case bears a visually strong resemblance to other Alps AT-layout keyboards of the time, such as the Packard Bell KCLEA907L and KCLEA916A. The top half features the Epson logo at the top left. Oddly, the lock light sticker lacks a Scroll Lock indicator despite the presence of a Scroll Lock key.
+The case bears a visually strong resemblance to other Alps AT-layout keyboards of the time, such as the Packard Bell KCLEA907L and [[keyboard:packard_bell_kclea916a|KCLEA916A]]. The top half features the Epson logo at the top left. Oddly, the lock light sticker lacks a Scroll Lock indicator despite the presence of a Scroll Lock key.
-The bottom case features standard-sized adjustable flip out feet and two non-slip square feet, along with six screw sockets and four visible snaps. Four additional round holes are present, however, they do not appear to serve any structural purpose as no screw sockets are visible inside of them. The coiled, non-removable 5P DIN cable runs out from the right side of the bottom case. The grey label features a S/N, model number, and explicitly states that the board was made in Korea. No FCC ID is disclosed on this label.
+The bottom case features standard-sized adjustable flip out feet and two non-slip square feet, along with six screw sockets and four visible clips. Four additional round holes are present as part of the tray mount. The coiled, non-removable 5P DIN cable runs out from the right side of the bottom case. The grey label features a S/N, model number, and "MADE IN KOREA".
+=== PCB ===
+The board shares its PCB code (12KC618A) with that of the PCBs in the Packard Bell KCLEA907L and KCLEA916A. It is capable of N-Key rollover.
 === Switches ===
-As of writing, this keyboard has been documented with SKCL Green and SKCL Brown switches. At least one example possesses a switch with a "lipstick" characteristic on its slider.
+Two variations exist, the first being a model with [[switch:alps_skcl_brown|Alps SKCL Brown]] as the primary switch and [[switch:alps_skcl_amber|Alps SKCL Amber]] as the heavier spacebar switch. The second uses [[switch:alps_skcl_green|Alps SKCL Green]] and [[switch:alps_skcl_cream|Alps SKCL Cream]] for the spacebar.((
+[[https://vintkeys.ca/products/epson-ap1003a]]
+))
 === Keycaps ===
-The keycaps are standard Alps Electric Doubleshot ABS. All legends appear to possess a grey-ish "charcoal" color, as opposed to the pure black legends on other Alps keycaps. Homing bumps are absent from both the alphanumeric cluster and the keypad. The blank key on the numpad is doubleshot even though it has no legend on it.
+The keycaps are standard Alps Electric Doubleshot ABS. All legends appear to possess a grey-ish "charcoal" color that is also present on the [[keyboard:epson_q103a|Epson Q103A]], as opposed to the pure black legends on other Alps keycaps. Homing bumps are absent from both the alphanumeric cluster and the keypad. The blank key on the numpad is doubleshot even though it has no legend on it.
+<gallery showcaption>
+keyboard:epson:img_1583.jpg
+keyboard:epson:img_1584.jpg
+</gallery>
+//Legend color compared to that of the equivalent keycap on the Leading Edge DC-2014//
 ===== Gallery =====
@@ Line 38: / Line 61: @@
 === Alps SKCL Brown Variant ===
-  * Pulled out of warehouse storage
+The example depicted has been slightly yellowed. The "E" switch demonstrates the "lipstick" highlight on the slider, note the slightly different color.
-  * S/N 017709
+| PCB Code | Assembly No. | Manufacturing No. | Serial No. |
+| 12KC618AK | N/A | N/A | 017709 |
 <gallery showcaption>
-keyboard:epson:img_5950.jpg
+keyboard:epson:dsc00057.jpg
-keyboard:epson:img_1081.jpg
 keyboard:epson:img_1080.jpg
+keyboard:epson:img_1081.jpg
 keyboard:epson:img_1082.jpg
-keyboard:epson:dsc00057.jpg
+keyboard:epson:img_1190.jpg
+keyboard:epson:img_1606.jpg
+keyboard:epson:img_1607.jpg
+keyboard:epson:img_5950.jpg
 </gallery>