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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: artlin on Fri, 31 January 2014, 22:43:27

Title: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: artlin on Fri, 31 January 2014, 22:43:27

This morning, I accidentally spilled about half a cup of water into my Model M. I cleaned it off and it didn't show any symptoms at first, but then some of the keys acted like the traces were connected to other keys ("G" would result in "GT" and so forth).

I've set the keyboard to the heater and put a hairdryer to it, but the keys still don't work properly. I can't disassemble the keyboard because I'm an urban boy that don't need no power tools, and the keyboard uses rivets so there's that.

In the event that the conductive stuff doesn't dry out, how can I fix the keyboard without disassembling it?

Title: Re: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Sat, 01 February 2014, 00:51:13

Sorry for your bad luck, artlin.

This may not be what you're after, but in the event that you can't fix the board yourself, there are a number of Geekhackers who might be up to the task (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45886.0). You could also try Unicomp's repair service.

Title: Re: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: EDI on Sat, 01 February 2014, 03:28:43

Probably trace problem as you said.
You should order new membrane from Unicomp. They sell them for $10 http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/MEM. Just remember to specify what kinda membrane you want since those new Unicomp membranes are different than original IBM ones.

This of course means that you must do bolt-mod to get it back together.

Title: Re: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: mich on Sat, 01 February 2014, 05:04:57

Life without tools is miserable :)

Check the keyboard after few days. Water stuck between membranes will take a while to dry up, but it finally will.

There is not much you can do without bolt mod.

Title: Re: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 01 February 2014, 09:05:11

Quote from: mich on Sat, 01 February 2014, 05:04:57

Check the keyboard after few days. Water stuck between membranes will take a while to dry up, but it finally will.

Give it several days and avoid heat, except for putting it outside in direct sunlight.

Title: Re: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sat, 01 February 2014, 09:52:24

Quote from: EDI on Sat, 01 February 2014, 03:28:43

Probably trace problem as you said.
You should order new membrane from Unicomp. They sell them for $10 http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/MEM. Just remember to specify what kinda membrane you want since those new Unicomp membranes are different than original IBM ones.

This of course means that you must do bolt-mod to get it back together.

He doesn't need a new membrane or a bolt mod.  Letting the keyboard sit for a few days will do wonders.  It may take slightly longer.  Keeping the keyboard standing upright on its short end (sideways) may be useful.

Title: Re: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: terrpn on Sat, 01 February 2014, 09:58:41

Quote from: E TwentyNine on Sat, 01 February 2014, 09:52:24

Quote from: EDI on Sat, 01 February 2014, 03:28:43

Probably trace problem as you said.
You should order new membrane from Unicomp. They sell them for $10 http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/MEM. Just remember to specify what kinda membrane you want since those new Unicomp membranes are different than original IBM ones.

This of course means that you must do bolt-mod to get it back together.

He doesn't need a new membrane or a bolt mod.  Letting the keyboard sit for a few days will do wonders.  It may take slightly longer.  Keeping the keyboard standing upright on its short end (sideways) may be useful.

true...............unless he loaded up with sweetner and cream?

Title: Re: Spilled water on Model M
Post by: tbc on Sat, 01 February 2014, 23:26:55

unless he mistyped, he only spilled a cup of water.