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RE: ZX Spectrum keyboard

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:08:18 GMT

Thanks for that Slipstream :):):)

Its keys to the far left and right that don't work, will take it all apart and look for broken tracks.

Tom :)

RE: ZX Spectrum keyboard

Slipstreem — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:13:53 GMT

If it's the old traditional rubber-keyed 16/48K Spectrum then you need to peel the metal keyboard bezel plate off gently to gain access to the membrane below. It's sandwiched between the bezel and the plastic moulded lid and can't be accessed any other way.

On my original Speccy, the bezel was stuck in place with strips of double-sided sticky tape around the edges. Gently heating the bezel with a hairdryer may encourage the glue on the tape to soften enough for you to be able to gently prise the bezel off without bending it.

Before you strip it down though, what kind of problem is it exactly?

If you have an entire row or half-row of keys missing then one of the tracks on either flexible header is almost certainly broken. This can be fixed with car heated window repair paint and won't require removal of the membrane to effect a repair. This kind of fault tends to happen on early Speccies that were tinkered with by a previous owner where frequent disassembly/reassembly has taken place. The lack of screws leads me to believe that this might be the case with your particular Speccy.

If the above scenario applies then the diagram below will help you to identify which track is broken...

[img]http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee209/Slipstreem/SpeccyMatrix.jpg[/img]

In the event that individual keys are failing, don't panic. I did have some success with repairing worn contacts on the membrane by rubbing over them with a soft pencil. A 2B grade pencil will do a much better job than an HB which may actually do more harm than good. Just remember to blow away any excess graphite before putting both halves of the membrane back together again or you may develop a phantom typist.

Good luck. :)

Cheers, Slipstreem. :cool:

RE: ZX Spectrum keyboard

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:55:06 GMT

Yes the rubber keys, I have taken it apart but if I remember the whole thing was glued (lack of screws also points to this) :crying:

Will look on ebay :P

Thanks

Tom :)

RE: ZX Spectrum keyboard

Shaun.Bebbington — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:44:30 GMT

You have to open the case to remove the keyboard on any model. But, unless you've got a 16K model, or a 128+ (with the heat-sink on the side), it'll be better to replace the whole machine as Jason suggested.

Regards,

Shaun.

RE: ZX Spectrum keyboard

Jason — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:22:39 GMT

I'd be inclined just to buy another one. Plenty about, dirct cheap, and ave you a heap of time.

We're talking about the rubber-key model, I take it?

ZX Spectrum keyboard

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:21:20 GMT

Trying to remove the keyboard but no obvious way of getting it out. Is it glued down :w00t:

I have some keys not working.

Thanks

Tom :)