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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: zooksman on Tue, 11 April 2017, 19:47:58
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I got a Model F XT in its original box recently on a pretty good deal. But I noticed that the spring under the 8 key on the numpad is bent. It registers as being pressed continuously or sometimes not at all. The switch doesn't click, feels almost linear. My plan was to just switch the spring with a less consequential key, but I can't seem to remove the thing. The chopstick method doesnt seem to work, it won't grip the spring since it wont go in far enough. Any ideas on how to fix it bar disassembling the whole thing? If thats what it takes I'll do it. Also, any idea on where to get a replacement? Thanks.
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Have you whittled down the end of the chopstick/skewer so that it fits better? I've had no problems replacing F XT springs with Ripster's method once the skewer fits properly. Link: http://imgur.com/a/6bnzW.
Also orihalcon has springs and barrels for sale on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-F-XT-Keyboard-Part-1x-Spring-Hammer-and-Barrel-Set-/272068789903?hash=item3f5890468f:g:hxIAAOSwbdpWZMHt
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It is not Ripster's method, it is Sandy's. (Sandy55)
When removing, if you give it a bit of a twist it should come out. I hadn't used a chopstick when removing, just got a grip on the tip of the spring, a slight pull and a twist.
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Any ideas on how to fix it bar disassembling the whole thing? If thats what it takes I'll do it. Also, any idea on where to get a replacement? Thanks.
I believe you can still order buckling springs from Unicomp. Just order the Model M "pivot plate and spring assembly", get some extras too. You never know when you need the springs. (Of course the Model M hammers are useless for a Model F, but the springs are.)
http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/PVPLASM
Hope this helps!
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Well I managed to get them out by just twisting and pulling, but now I can't get the damn things back in. The skewer just hits the peg when I push in and turn and I can't get the spring to lock in. Nothing seems to work. Also I have a spare model m, are those springs compatible with this board?
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Doh. I was turning it the wrong direction, so I managed to get it back in. Still wondering about those model m springs though
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Doh. I was turning it the wrong direction, so I managed to get it back in. Still wondering about those model m springs though
Yes.
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Did anyone ever work out what the differences between M and F springs are?
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I think the consensus is that they feel about the same, with the F being marginally lighter.
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The F spring seems a little longer with more coils (closer together).
The different flipper size might compensate for that - need a tighter spring to flip the F flipper perhaps.
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The Model F pivot plate does not need to actually "do" anything except rock downwards and momentarily change the capacitance between contacts.
The "foot" of the Model M actually presses down on one membrane to cause it to deflect downwards and make electrical contact with the matching dot below it.
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The Model F pivot plate does not need to actually "do" anything except rock downwards and momentarily change the capacitance between contacts.
The "foot" of the Model M actually presses down on one membrane to cause it to deflect downwards and make electrical contact with the matching dot below it.
Interesting.
So really you'd need a heavier spring in the M to better move the flipper.