Sunday, August 31, 2025

The FIRST Entrex Keystation Keyboard: 1970 Clare-Pendar co. Keyboard 700409-E12 700124-K4 Entrex Inc. Key 1

For the first time EVER, we get a look at what the keyboard looked like in the FIRST version of the Entrex Data/Scope Keystations in 1970, BEFORE Nixdorf got involved with manufacturing them in Germany.  
Original eBay Auction                                    eBay Auction Archive

These are WAY different than I had expected.  I really did think that the KeyTronic keyboards that we see with the Nixdorf-branded Keystations that I have were the same model that Entrex used when they released the first version, but apparently not!!! 

Also, from the looks of this bracket on the right of the keyboard, it appears that this keyboard mounts to the top cover/shell of the Keystation, instead of to the lower chassis platform, as is the case with the Nixdorf-branded German-key later models that I acquired from Europe.
Well, I'm both happy and ashamed to say that I was the highest bidder on this auction, which was WAY higher than I thought it would go.  As a result, I'm hoping to someday find the other individual whom I had to outbid to get this, and hopefully understand why it was also so important to them to acquire.

Was it just the Clare-Pendar keyswitches?  Was it the colorful keycaps?  OR, is there someone ELSE who shares my obsession with the early-model Entrex Data/Scopes and the Entrex 480 Key-To-Disk system?
The auction description certainly doesn't help much, and looks like it was written by AI:
The Vintage 1970 Clare-Pendar co. Keyboard 700409-E12 700124-K4 is a rare and collectible piece of vintage computing history. Made in the United States, this keyboard is a unique find for enthusiasts of vintage computing and collectors of unique parts and accessories. With its brand name of Clare-Pendar, this keyboard offers a glimpse into the past and provides a piece of nostalgia for those who appreciate the retro charm of older computing technology.

Untested unknown working condition sold as found.

In response to my inquiry to the seller to share any details of where they found this keyboard, and any history surrounding where it was found...or from whom, they replied with this:


It came from this tag sale company about 2 or 3 sales back

They had some other electronic parts but nothing that seemed to me to go with this. Hopefully it helps.
regards, Nathan

There were some circuit boards out in the garage but I didn't put 2 and 2 together until now. 

[it was] The Shawnee drive one in michigan city

2903 Shawnee Dr, Michigan City, In - Aug 21-23

Actually, deeper research shows it to be 2709 N Shawnee Trail, La Porte, IN 46350

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