Dead ASCll Keyboard.

[PaulB]

OK,
I got the R1 out of storage to find the ASCll is not working anymore. After a quick disassemble, i have found that the foam pads and Mylar film on the keys have finally rotted.

I think i have found some foam pads on EBAY http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/121266887970?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 but i am a little confused about the way these old keyboards work, I believe it has capacitance keys and the plastic backing, foam and mylar film make up the capacitance needed for correct operation.

My question is, can i use copper film in place of the old mylar or does it have to be mylar?. Does anyone have any tips on restoring these keyboards?

I have a ps2 as well but really hope to be able to get the ASCll going as well, just to keep an authentic keyboard on my R1TE.

My Keyboard is a KeyTronics

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[williad]

Hi PaulB,

Herb Johnson has a web page here http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/sol_keys.html which records his work on a similar repair to yours. The page also has links to other peoples repair pages too.
May be of some help to you.

[PaulB]

Thanks for that Willad,

I have obtained some replacement pads from EBAY, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/121266887970?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 and repairs went well.
Changed a few pads and tried using copper foil but copper wont work at all, so used some mylar silver gift wrap i found at from my local store. It was a very fiddly and took quite a while but seems to be working like new again now so very happy with my work.


Showing new key pads with some original ones on the left under numeric section on left.

[vbriel]

Nice post. Not everybody has ASCII keyboards but those that do and have the foam pads have probably experienced this. The foam breaks down from age and moisture causing the pads to just turn to gum, thus no return effect. The gift foil was a nice touch. I hear aluminum foil works great too.

Vince