128D Restoration Questions...

Started by Merrill Newell, January 22, 2007, 04:22 PM

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Merrill Newell

Hey folks,

I managed to salvage a 128D(CR) from the wrecking ball a little while back and I really would like to restore it back to its original condition and use it.  It appears to work fine; all modes seem to check out so I essentially have a working unit that's in bad shape cosmetically.  No dents or anything major that I can see, the metal casing needs a really good scrub and probably a new paint job.  The real problem lies with the plastic used for the front bezel and the external keyboard.  They have yellowed due to UV and age (not smoke).  I've researched a bit online and come to the conclusion that this yellowing cannot be "cleaned" away with bleaches or abrasives as the root cause seems to be a chemical reaction between the plastic and UV within the plastic itself.  At any rate, I've resolved to repaint the entire unit including the front bezel and external keyboard case but my question is with regards to the actual keys within the external keyboard enclosure; or perhaps the keyboard itself.  If I were to find a 128 (flat, not 128D) keyboard in good condition (as they seem to much easier to find and I don't even need a working unit), can I simply swap the keyboards?  Or would there be some kind of hardware magic I'd have to perform to get it to work (ie. soldering, wiring changes etc.)?  I guess my second question would be, is there anyone in the Toronto (Canada) area willing to part with a 128, working or not that has a keyboard in good working cosmetic condition?  Any other ideas or suggestions would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mervoid

Mangelore

Quote from: MervoidIf I were to find a 128 (flat, not 128D) keyboard in good condition (as they seem to much easier to find and I don't even need a working unit), can I simply swap the keyboards?  Or would there be some kind of hardware magic I'd have to perform to get it to work (ie. soldering, wiring changes etc.)?
Hi,

While I've repaired a few C128 keyboards, I've never actually opened up a C128D keyboard. Assuming that all of the keys work on your C128D, you can simply pull the caps out one by one and replace them with nicer looking ones from another C128. The easiest way to do this is to use an IC extractor. Get both ends of it under a key and pull straight up. Make sure you don't misplace the spring found under each key. No soldering ot wiring required.

However, care must be taken with a few keys like the ENTER key on the numeric keypad and the space bar are also attached with a metal bar that slides out.

Oh, if you find a non working C128 or C128D I'd be happy to buy any of the socketed IC's of you.

Best of luck,
Fotios

OzOne

Hello Mervoid,

I'm pretty sure the keyboard is not a near straight drop-in replacement from memory. You may need to do a bit of soldering with the wire yoke from the keyboard to make it "fit". In the 128 (flat) the keyboard connectors to the motherboard via a pin connector (25 pins ?) whereas the 128D's connects via the keyboard connector on the external of the machine. I'm thinking a bit of soldering may be needed if you go down this path.

Oz

Murple

The 128D keyboard is pretty different. I do see 128D keyboards for sale on eBay prett often though. You might also check oldsoftware.com... sometimes a bit pricey but they do guarantee their sales, and there's no auction hassle.