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Author Topic: IBM Model M spacebar double taps  (Read 2772 times)

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Offline mynameisnotrobert

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IBM Model M spacebar double taps
« on: Tue, 20 January 2015, 10:45:29 »
Hey guys, 

Recently trash picked a 1993 Model M, tore it apart, cleaned everything, even bought a new membrane from Unicomp (old one was sooo dried out and literally falling apart).  Needless to say, it was not well maintained.

However, after bolt modding this thing, the spacebar (of all keys) likes to automatically double space after a single key press.  It happens in nearly every program, so I am convinced that it is the keyboard itself.  I have tried various levels of tightness on the bolts, I have even cleaned the new membrane with electronics grade alcohol.  Any ideas from the pros?

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Offline Snowdog993

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Re: IBM Model M spacebar double taps
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 20 January 2015, 10:55:45 »
Did you have a stabilizer bar on that space bar?  Is it lubricated between the backplate and bar?  Does the spacebar spring right back up when you press it, or is it dead-feeling? It might not be seated properly, or you have it interfering with the chassis.  I have the feeling it's sticking.  I actually had a problem with a spacebar and had to get a new one to replace it, even though it looked fine.

Edit: I just hope it's not the hammer/spring not being seated properly.  That is a pain in the you-know to fix.
« Last Edit: Tue, 20 January 2015, 11:03:10 by Snowdog993 »
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Offline mynameisnotrobert

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Re: IBM Model M spacebar double taps
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 20 January 2015, 13:30:11 »
I do have a stabilizer bar installed, but it is not lubricated.  The spacebar feels completely normal, and clicks right back up like any other key.  I have a few replacement spring assemblies at my disposal. Maybe worth a shot?
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Offline Touch_It

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Re: IBM Model M spacebar double taps
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 20 January 2015, 14:36:20 »
Definitely worth a shot.  I think snowdog was on the right track of there being an issue with the spring assembly/spacebar but I don't consider myself an expert so I'm always leary about giving out advice unless I'm 100% sure.
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Offline Snowdog993

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Re: IBM Model M spacebar double taps
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 20 January 2015, 14:53:17 »
This is hard for me to answer.  My nephew has a 1391401 that intermittently disconnected all the time.  He drove me crazy telling me that his keyboard was broken.  After cleaning everything inside and out, I forgot one minor detail.  The membrane that connects to the controller had to be cleaned and reseated again.  Once that was done, it has been working fine ever since.  So sometimes, even though you may have checked "everything" you might have overlooked something painfully obvious!  That's my experience.
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Offline mynameisnotrobert

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Re: IBM Model M spacebar double taps
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 31 January 2015, 11:00:14 »
Well, I ended up taking the thing apart.  Replaced the spring with an extra one, and it seems to work!  Haven't (knock on wood) had a double tap yet, so I am going to tentatively call this one a success.  I also made sure to leave the bolts around the spacebar contact a little looser, to give the membrane a chance to release.  But all seems good, thanks for your input guys!
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