Phantom key stroke with broken IBM MOdel M...

[rootthumper]

Preface: Yes I searched before I posted. This problem seems to be either unique or I was using the wrong terms.

I found a 1986 Model M at work and resued it from certain destruction. Ordered the necessary adapters from clickykeyboards. Plugged it in and this is what I got, "\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"

The "\" is apparently not working. The button was soft to the touch. pulled the key, removed the spring, and still got the same result. Opened the case and found only 2 broken rivets.

Any Ideas?

[alaricljs]

Conductive 'dirt' on the pad/traces?  Try some compress air.

[rknize]

For future reference, you shouldn't try to remove the spring.  It's not the end of the world, though.  Use a bent paper clip or something similar and try to rock the hammer back and forth.  It might be wedged down by some debris.  See this page for lots of pictures and an animation so that you get an idea of how the hammer moves:

http://park16.wakwak.com/~ex4/kb/tech_bucklingspring_e.htm

You may end up having to do a bolt mod to really get in there and figure out what is going on.  Sounds like you have some broken rivets anyway.