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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Rapsodia on Sun, 22 February 2015, 17:28:13

Title: Model M button problem
Post by: Rapsodia on Sun, 22 February 2015, 17:28:13

Hi there,

I've got a Model M keyboard 139101 and I have a slight problem with my Numpad's "0" Insert Key. Whenever I press it I don't hear the click after one point, as with the other buttons. Have a look at the spring http://goo.gl/QWC2wi (http://goo.gl/QWC2wi)

Do you happen to have any idea about the problem?

Thanks,
George

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: chyros on Sun, 22 February 2015, 17:39:57

Have you opened the keyboard up? Sounds a bit like a few of the plastic rivets might have snapped off around that area.

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: brimborion on Sun, 22 February 2015, 17:43:20

Also, try tilting the keyboard forward while reseating the cap. That can get the spring back in the sweet spot where it clicks again. Your spring looks a little bent but I don't think that's the issue.

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: Rapsodia on Sun, 22 February 2015, 17:44:19

OK I'll do it tomorrow and I'll report back. Thank you!

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: 1391406 on Sun, 22 February 2015, 19:06:01

Based on the pic, the top of the spring looks like it could be damaged.

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 22 February 2015, 19:11:28

Quote from: 1391406 on Sun, 22 February 2015, 19:06:01

Based on the pic, the top of the spring looks like it could be damaged.

Absolutely. That spring is a goner. It will have to be replaced.

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: keyhopper on Sun, 22 February 2015, 21:04:42

Unicomp sells the springs:

       "Pivot Plate & Spring Assembly"
       http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/PVPLASM

Cheers!
.KeyHopper.

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: arakula on Mon, 23 February 2015, 00:48:48

Quote from: fohat.digs on Sun, 22 February 2015, 19:11:28

Quote from: 1391406 on Sun, 22 February 2015, 19:06:01

Based on the pic, the top of the spring looks like it could be damaged.

Absolutely. That spring is a goner. It will have to be replaced.

Replacing it would surely be the best.

As a temporary solution, it might be possible to bend the spring back into shape. Fiddly work, and I've never been 100% successful at it, but at least I've been getting a click again, just not the same click of the other keys around.

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: Rapsodia on Mon, 23 February 2015, 03:44:35

What a fantastic community! Thank you all for the answers!

Now, have a look at the keyboard's backplate: http://goo.gl/boCIIw

Seems that many rivets are already broken, but the insert key rivet (bottom row, 2nd from the left) is OK.

I'll try fixing that spring, even I have tried unsuccessfully in the past. Correct me if I'm wrong, but replacing the spring requires cut down of all rivets and then appliying the screw mod, which seems rather tricky (especially the drilling process).

God, I love my Model M!

Waiting for your feedback.

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 23 February 2015, 07:25:14

There are techniques for replacing springs in situ.

I have never done it, but there is the "Chopstick of Death" as well as a much more elegant procedure involving a modified pop rivet body.

They are both buried in here somewhere.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63278.msg1482918#msg1482918 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63278.msg1482918#msg1482918)

Title: Re: Model M button problem
Post by: Rapsodia on Mon, 23 February 2015, 15:01:04

thanks, I'll check these out.