Bad controller and a spring replacement

[bettablue]

OK, I finally did it.  I opened up my model M keyboard to find nothing wrong internally with the contact or trace sheets, so the problems I am having have got to be in the controller.     Also, during the assembly, I apparently didn't follow my own good advice and bent one of the springs in the number pad area. 

I seem to recall in the past, before GH was forced to shut down,  there was an article on repairing a bent spring.  However, that being said, I know I can possibly buy a set through E-Bay too.  However, I still need a new controller.  So, does anyone here have a controller for sale?  Possibly even with an extra foot/spring assembly?  If so, please send me a PM, so we can discuss the terms of sale etc. 

Also, because of the storm, Unicomp will apparently be closed for a short period.  So,, your help on this would be greatly appreciated. 

Below are the specs for my already bolt modded model M.

 
Part No:      1391401
ID No:      3169781
Date:      26AUG87
Pit No:   J1   Model M
    --Made in the USA--

[SmallFry]

Unicomp is in Kentucky...I'm not sure why they'd be closed. Either way, I'd buy a spring from Unicomp as well as a controller, you may be able to get a USB controller as well from Unicomp! That would be good for you!

[0100010]

Snow maybe?

[fohat.digs]

I would send you a few springs for a couple of dollars postage, but I don't have a controller.

PM me if you want.

[SmallFry]

I'll have to check... I didn't hear of any snow near Unicomp, but what do I know...I'm in Wisconsin.

BTW: Love the pixel art gif!

[bettablue]

OK, this is getting a bit crazy.    I have been trying to contact Unicomp for several days now.  I see they're 2 hours ahead of me due to the time zones, but does everyone go to lunch at the same time every day?     I mean, I have called at different times, using both the toll and the toll free numbers and not once have I gotten to speak with a live person.     Meanwhile, I just got the Model M I purchased through E-Bay.  This keyboard isn't even a true  Model M!    The label on the bottom doesn't even have anything on it to indicate that it is a Model M.  The bottom label shows part no. 42h1292, S/N  1544014, Date: 24-04-19, EC: D41486.  and was manufactured in Scotland/UK.  It doesn't have the removable coiled cable, and the LED area is too plain.  There is no IBM label or any other marking above or around the LED's other than the label for "Scroll Lock", "Caps Lock", or "Num Lock".   The keyboard does at least have the 2 piece keys.  I guess this is a later International model.  Pulling a couple of them shows a remarkably clean set of springs.  Also, it appears that this keyboard has had very little actual use.  It really is not a bad keyboard by any means, but to me, it's not a true honest to goodness, Made-in-the-USA Model M keyboard.   There are just too many little differences. 

So, now I'm at the point where I just want my M repaired.   

Before I ask my next question though, I want to acknowledge a couple of responses I have gotten through this thread.  Thanks for offering the spring assemblies.  They will of course be a huge help. But they won't be of any use unless I can get the rest of the keyboard fixed.  What I need more than anything right now, is a working controller.   Like I had mentioned previously, I am a polio survivor, so working on a lot of things like this is very difficult.  That is one reason I damaged the spring under the left arrow key in the first place.  So, I want to know if I can send my favorite keyboard to a member of GH to have it repaired?  I'm tired of making things worse because I only have one good arm. 

So, do I have any takers?  Of course I'll pay for the repair and service.  I just want my keyboard back in operation.   

[bettablue]

I guess Unicomp doesn't want to do anything right now.  I just tried calling both of their phone numbers again, but I keep getting the same message.  Sales and support staff are not available.  Please email us at ...  I'm really getting upset with them.  Everyone I have ever heard of who has dealt with Unicomp loves their service, but this is the 4th or 5th time over the last couple of years, that I've either wanted to buy a keyboard through them, or order some replacement parts, or SOMETHING!  I can't get through to anyone there in order to HAVE any kind of experience.  Needless to say, I'm lost, and I want/need my Model M fixed. 

[fohat.digs]

The Greenock Model Ms are not so bad, except for their thinner plates and ABS spacebars. The one I had felt good but had a bad controller. Huh? Doesn't mean that they all are bad, but I am pretty sure that the 42H controllers don't interchange with anything else.

They are real Model Ms, although, if I remember correctly, the IBM mark went away after 1992. Some people like them for their light touch.

Keep trying Unicomp. Most people think that their customer service is good. I don't know a better place to get a new controller other than buying used Model Ms off ebay.

[0100010]

I've had no issues contacting Unicomp - but I never called them // I just open a support ticket on their site.

[0100010]

This page indicates the 42H1292 is a Model M : http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/keyboard.html  But I agree - not a "true" IBM Model M.

[bettablue]

Thanks for telling me about creating a ticket.  Although they don't really quality check their replies all that well, I was able to order the logic board for my 1391401.  I also ordered 5 spring assemblies in case I really screw it up badly.  Still, I would prefer NOT to do the job on my own.  But since the parts are coming here, I can't see sending the keyboard out just to swap the parts. 

I do have some questions about the bolt mod though. 

1.  Since the keyboard has been bolt modded, how critical is the placement of the plastic layers?
2.  Will over-tightening the bolts slightly on one side versus the other cause any other issues with weird character strings while typing?  I./E. if I'm typing a letter for example and I hit the "W" key, what character limitations can I expect to see? 
3.  What precautions do I need to be aware of during the parts replacement?
4.  How do I properly support the keyboard so that when I separate the layers, the rockers stay in place?
5.  Other than alignment, is there anything about the plastic layers between the black barrel layer and the steel plate that I need to be especially aware of?

Thanks again everyone.  Once I have the parts on hand, I'll begin the repair process.  Are there any other last minute hints that you can give me before I completely disassemble the keyboard again to simplify the repair process? 

[bettablue]

The new controller and 5 spring assemblies were ordered today.  But while attempting to reconnect the cable for storage until the parts arrive, I noticed that the cable end doesn't look right.  It appears that part of the controllers connector had come out and is stuck on the end of the cable, but I'm really not sure.  All I do know for sure is that the cable needs to fit through an opening, but doesn't.  Does anyone have close-up views of both the cable ends and of the keyboard side of the controller connector?  If needed, I can provide pictures of the cable to show you what I mean that it doesn't look right. 

The Model M I bought for use with the Gateway Tweener doesn't have a detachable cable to compare it to either.  So, I really need a couple photos to see what I'm supposed to have. 

Thanks much. 

[0100010]

Easier if you post some pics.

[bettablue]

I found the issue.  The side clips on the cable's connector are broken off.  After trimming a bit of the plastic, the connector fits nice and snug.  I'll probably still replace the cable once I replace the controller though. 

[fohat.digs]

These are a little pricey, but work great for USB, the modern connection.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/280862986246?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[bettablue]

Well, the new controller and an entirely new set of springs arrived today.  Grand total was something like only $30.00 for everything, including shipping.  What I find especially sad is that while I bought the replacement parts through Unicomp, there are several people doing a fairly brisk business on E-Bay.  Springs routinely sell for $0.90 each.  Multiply that by 101 keys and the price jumps to an immediate $90.90!  And that doesn't include the controller! 

Why did I bring that up here?  Simply because people are paying the price.  Be careful, and do your research before you pay almost $100.00 on keyboard repairs.  Hope this helps. 

[bettablue]

This thing really turned out to be a real pain.  After rebuilding the keyboard several times, I still couldn't get it to work properly.  The new controller is different enough that it won't work , so I attempted calling Unicomp once more.  To my utter amazement, I actually got someone on the phones.  And like I had stated previously, speaking to a live person gets more done a lot more quickly too.   After a brief discussion, we decided that I would send them my Model M and they would do a complete refurbishment and they would only charge me an additional $10.00.  For that I would get all new membranes, springs, controller and PCB for the 3 Lock indicator LEDs.  I will still retain the original heavier steel back plate, keys, and outer casing, along with the original labels.  They would add their own upgrade labels to the inside of the case to verify that they did in fact refurbish the keyboard, so that if is doesn't work for some reason, they will repair it free.  Of course, I will still have to pay shipping.  But this job, they aren't even charging for that because I had purchased all of the parts I did.  I'm starting to think positively about Unicomp.  The only bad thing I can see is that they will negate the bolt mod by replacing that layer too.  I'll see what the board feels like after I get it back.  Plus, I'll write a review if it after I've had a chance to use it.  Hopefully, it will be much better than this 2004 model M I'm using right now. 

[bettablue]

It's been over a year since I sent my Model M into Unicomp to have it refurbished.  I have to admit, there is absolutely no ping, and the positive feel has not changed a bit.  This keyboard still feels like new.  At this point, I have every reason to like the work Unicomp has done to repair my keyboard to my utmost satisfaction.  That makes the Model M even better than I had rated it previously, and that was to score the "M" at a 9 out of 10.  It still remains my favorite keyboard, and the only keyboard I'll use with my current computer.  I know the day is coming when I'll have to build a new PC, or at least upgrade the one I have with a new Motherboard, Processor and memory, so thinking ahead, I purchased a PCIE PS2 board that will allow me to continue using my Model M well into the future. 

I hope those who read this have had similar experiences, or for those looking to have their own Model M repaired, that this thread has helped in some way. 

That concludes my write-up on Unicomp and the wonderful refurb they have completed on my behalf. 

[rowdy]

Or you can get a PS/2 to USB convertor, or even a SDL to USB cable, this one is highly recommended: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-SDL-6-Pin-6ft-IBM-Lexmark-Unicomp-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-Cable-NEW-/270955553909