Loose key on C128

ddw · May 07, 2010, 03:52 PM

Hello! I just aquired a really good looking C128 (flat model) to replace my C64C (which i will keep as backup). I like the keyboard of the C128 a lot better, and i think the C128 looks awesome as well

The only problem is that one of the keys is loose and wobbly. It's not an important key (the pound sign in the upper right corner), but it annoys me anyway

I tried to pry it off with my fingers, but it won't let go as easily as i hoped. I'am not sure how much pressure i can apply and if i would destroy the key if i do so. I suspect (but i'am not sure at all) that the spring is worn out, but at this moment i'am clueless how to replace it. Does anyone even have spare keys and/or springs in case i need one?

If someone thinks it's not the spring, but something else, please let me know as you probably know more about C128 keyboard then i do

Many thanks in advance!

Dennis

redrumloa · May 07, 2010, 10:18 PM

As a matter of fact, I just repaired my 128D keyboard and used a spare 128 one for parts so I just went through this

To remove the key, you will indeed need to use more pressure. I'd be more inclined to think the plunger is damaged than just the spring. If you can do the most basic of soldering, repairing a Commodore keyboard is much easier than you might expect. If you decide you keed a spare plunger and/or key, I have plenty. You would need to pay postage and I could send one to you.

ddw · May 09, 2010, 02:15 AM

Hi! Thank you for your response. I managed to remove the key, but all i've got now is a broken key, and some loose plastic in the hole where the key came from. I tried to remove the broken pieces of plastic, but they are either stuck behind something, or it's really attached to something. I could stick a screwdriver into the hole and use some pressure, but i don't want to make things worse

I tried to make some pictures of the current situation:

http://members.ziggo.nl/weerd01/Publiek/c128/c128_key.jpg

That's the broken key. It's a fuzzy photo, but you can clearly see the broken key. I'am not sure what a good key looks like, and at the moment i don't have the guts to remove another one. I was always better in destroying things instead of fixing them

http://members.ziggo.nl/weerd01/Publiek/c128/c128_hole.jpg

This is what it looks like now. There is some broken plastic (but still stuck in some way) and i'am not sure what to remove..

I also have troubles finding out what a plunger exactly is

The spring took a jump, but i'll probably find it again soon

Do you have some tips for me after looking at the pictures?

Best regards,

Dennis

redrumloa · May 09, 2010, 04:15 AM

@ddw
The plunger will need to be replaced, which was probably the issue to begin with anyhow. I'd guess the key will also need to be replaced. The process to replace a plunger is easy, but does require some basic soldering. Are you comfortable with basic soldering?

http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/keyboard.txt

There is Ray Carlsen's page on how to repair keyboards. If you want to do it yourself, I can send you a key and plunger. Are you in the USA?

redrumloa · May 09, 2010, 04:22 AM

Here is what a key, plunger and spring is supposed to look like when taken out. Note that you cannot replace a plunger without dissembling the keyboard.

ddw · May 09, 2010, 07:47 PM

Thank you very much for showing me the picture. Now i know what you are talking about

It would be really cool if you could send me a key, plunger and perhaps a spring, if you are can miss it. If i cannot solder it myself, i know someone who can. I haven't done soldering that often

The only thing i'am wondering about is if the keys are exactly the same. The photo of the key i have posted has a little piece of round plastic sticking out of it, while your picture shows a key with a piece of plastic inside which is square shaped (ready to fit the plunger). I could be that i'am looking at a bit plunger still attached to key, but i can't get it off. Do you know if the keyboards from a 128 and 128D are essentially the same thing? I'am a novice at these things.

I live in the Netherlands, but i'll happily pay for the goods incl. the shipping costs!

Many thanks so far!

Dennis

redrumloa · May 10, 2010, 02:08 AM

@ddw

It could be part of the plunger came out, as it could be someone glued the key into the plunger trying to fix it. In my situation, I found my 128D keyboards (I repaired 2 of them), to be the same as my spare flat parts 128. I have heard there is more than one type of keyboard mechanism in 128s though. There is no guarantee the one I send you will be the same as you have. I can mail you it by First Class mail for $5 or Priority Mail flat rate box international for $14. That would cover postage, packaging and PayPal fees. Send me the $$ by Paypal to amigaguy -at- bellsouth -dot- net if you would like me to mail it out, either first class or flat rate box priority.

ddw · May 10, 2010, 05:11 AM

Hello! I've sent you the money along with an e-mail. I hope i can fix my keyboard with your key!

Dennis

ddw · May 19, 2010, 01:24 AM

Hello James. I've received your package today! Many, many thanks for taking the effort to send me the key(s), the plunger and the springs. You are awesome! If you ever visit the Netherlands, make sure to stop by and claim your well deserved beer

redrumloa · May 19, 2010, 04:03 AM

Quote from: ddw on May 19, 2010, 01:24 AM
Hello James. I've received your package today! Many, many thanks for taking the effort to send me the key(s), the plunger and the springs. You are awesome! If you ever visit the Netherlands, make sure to stop by and claim your well deserved beer

No problem at all. I hope the key works out for you and you can fix the keyboard. I would love to visit the Netherlands one day, but financially it isn't in the cards right now...