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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Moopmoop on Wed, 20 April 2016, 17:59:04

Title: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: Moopmoop on Wed, 20 April 2016, 17:59:04
I ve encountered a problem with my IBM model M keyboard, it registers multiple keys at once "t" does "5t" for an example and "capslock" does "Capslock F1" and "backspace" does "backspace f9" and "y" does "6y" any help or pointers much appreciated.
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: Bucake on Thu, 21 April 2016, 04:42:12
when did it start happening?
how long have you had it?
did you spill something on it?
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: E TwentyNine on Thu, 21 April 2016, 07:40:25
You have two traces that are bridging.

First thing I'd do is give the keyboard a couple of solid thumps to dislodge anything that might be causing it.  If not...

If this is an older one with the larger center controller, open up the keyboard and reseat the smaller ribbon cable in the controller.  Check it for debris. Might as well reseat both while you're in there.

If it's a later model with the small controller above the numpad, you'll want to do essentially the same thing, not sure what's what there though.

If there is still an issue, if you spilled something in it as the previous comment suggests you could have the bridge occurring somewhere in the matrix, there are ways to handle that too without doing a bolt mod.
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: Olumin on Thu, 21 April 2016, 08:13:07
"If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until gone. If doesn't solve problem, put in microwave. "  (I'm just joking, don't really do that)

But seriously, that sounds like spilling damage (creating bridges like mentioned above). Put it in the oven (slightly above 100 degrees) to let the water evaporate. that way you don't have to open your model M up and do a bolt mod (which is a pain in the ass if you are doing if for the first time). What could possibly go wrong!
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: 3K on Thu, 21 April 2016, 08:40:04
"If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until gone. If doesn't solve problem, put in microwave. "  (I'm just joking, don't really do that)

At first I misread this line as

Quote
If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until wall is gone.
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: Olumin on Thu, 21 April 2016, 08:43:14
"If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until gone. If doesn't solve problem, put in microwave. "  (I'm just joking, don't really do that)

At first I misread this line as

Quote
If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until wall is gone.

That's even better.
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: user 18 on Thu, 21 April 2016, 09:11:54
"If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until gone. If doesn't solve problem, put in microwave. "  (I'm just joking, don't really do that)

At first I misread this line as

Quote
If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until wall is gone.

That would be a model F, not an M
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: Moopmoop on Thu, 21 April 2016, 10:54:35
when did it start happening?
how long have you had it?
did you spill something on it?

I got it yesterday, and before i plugged it in i cleaned the keys and was quite careful cleaning up the water on the keys themselfs and used a Q-tip inside the keys because water seem to get stuck in there i very well might have missed a spot.


You have two traces that are bridging.

First thing I'd do is give the keyboard a couple of solid thumps to dislodge anything that might be causing it.  If not...

If this is an older one with the larger center controller, open up the keyboard and reseat the smaller ribbon cable in the controller.  Check it for debris. Might as well reseat both while you're in there.

If it's a later model with the small controller above the numpad, you'll want to do essentially the same thing, not sure what's what there though.

If there is still an issue, if you spilled something in it as the previous comment suggests you could have the bridge occurring somewhere in the matrix, there are ways to handle that too without doing a bolt mod.


I ve tried to shake it a bit i did manage to get the case open and all using the "bic" method and it was not many or even any rivets missing,
I did disconnect the connectors and repluged them into the control box? But that didn't work  i ve also tried to heat it up a bit using a hair dryer but that didnt work either
i think there might be gunk or something on the membrane.

Hopefully i wont need to do a bolt mod because i really dont have the tools for it or not yet atleast.

It's a IBM model M 1391411 (Swedish layout) from 1991.

edit: If i buy a Membrane assembly from unicomp by the "Enter the membrane assembly part number you wish to purchase" is it enough if i write "IBM model M 1391411"?
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: klennkellon on Thu, 21 April 2016, 14:33:28
"If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until gone. If doesn't solve problem, put in microwave. "  (I'm just joking, don't really do that)

At first I misread this line as

Quote
If problems occur, throw against the wall. If problem is still present, repeat until wall is gone.
A model M could destroy a wall!
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: 0100010 on Thu, 21 April 2016, 15:43:30
If i buy a Membrane assembly from unicomp by the "Enter the membrane assembly part number you wish to purchase" is it enough if i write "IBM model M 1391411"?

Yup.
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: E TwentyNine on Thu, 21 April 2016, 16:27:40
when did it start happening?
how long have you had it?
did you spill something on it?

I got it yesterday, and before i plugged it in i cleaned the keys and was quite careful cleaning up the water on the keys themselfs and used a Q-tip inside the keys because water seem to get stuck in there i very well might have missed a spot.

Wellll.....a little late now, but this can be a teaching moment.  Always, always test a keyboard before cleaning it.  You want to know its state and if what you did was the cause of the problem.

Did you use any water on the q-tip when inside the keys?  Any water at all on the barrel plate assembly?

The simple thing you might want to do is to put the keyboard somewhere vertically, short side on the ground (so it's tall) and just let it sit for a few days.  It may dry out on its own.
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: Moopmoop on Fri, 22 April 2016, 02:52:05

Wellll.....a little late now, but this can be a teaching moment.  Always, always test a keyboard before cleaning it.  You want to know its state and if what you did was the cause of the problem.

Did you use any water on the q-tip when inside the keys?  Any water at all on the barrel plate assembly?

The simple thing you might want to do is to put the keyboard somewhere vertically, short side on the ground (so it's tall) and just let it sit for a few days.  It may dry out on its own.
[/quote]

Hah yeah quite stupid at my part i was quite excited so i kinda wanted it to be "perfect"
The q-tips was dry when i tried to get the water out inside the keys it looked fine but perhaps i missed a spot.
When i opened it up it was  dry inside didnt see any water or any sign of it either iŽll try to leave it alone for a few days and hope it works by then.

edit: i messed up the quote thing
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: y11971alex on Fri, 22 April 2016, 15:01:04
Does Unicomp sell SSK membranes?
Title: Re: Problems with IBM Model M
Post by: klennkellon on Fri, 22 April 2016, 15:17:32
Does Unicomp sell SSK membranes?
Nope.