Author Topic: Random letters and random backspaces  (Read 2274 times)

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Offline tricheboars

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Random letters and random backspaces
« on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 13:48:01 »
GeekHackers,

    I am having some issues with a Poker. When i type with it it randomly adds the letters CVN or XCVN or just backspaces a word or two instantly.  This only happens when I hit the spacebar.  I am starting to wonder if the PCB could be bad? Or if it is some glitch with the Fn layer.  This is a custom made Poker I purchased from a very reputable user on this site so I am inclined to believe I am doing something wrong. It has an aluminum case, and a dark (steel?) plate withe MX Blue and MX Green Switches (spacebar).  The board is gorgeous.

  Also it seems that sometimes Fn layer locks and their LEDS stay on no matter what I do (besides from disconnecting mini usb connection).  I thought this could be related to the dip switches so I flipped all of them to the off position but this still happens.  I do not have a manual or any documentation as the board is a custom. I would appreciate any advice on these glitches.

Keep it Wu-Tang!

 
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Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 14:11:48 »
You just got "vortexed"... in the face....

Sux, I know, we've all been burned...

Offline oneproduct

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 14:22:25 »
I'm almost certain it has to do with the PCB touching the aluminum case, as I've had that problem before. Try fiddling with how the PCB is screwed into the case and maybe consider adding a little bit of insulating material near contact points.
Layout: Colemak
Fastest typing speed: 131 WPM on typeracer, 136 WPM on 10fastfingers.
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Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 14:25:46 »
I'm almost certain it has to do with the PCB touching the aluminum case, as I've had that problem before. Try fiddling with how the PCB is screwed into the case and maybe consider adding a little bit of insulating material near contact points.

put in 2 sheets of paper between the board and the pcb then..

Offline tricheboars

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 14:55:10 »
will any type of paper do?

it doesnt happen everytime you hit the spacebar. but it happens at least once a minute.
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Offline oneproduct

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 16:01:34 »
Yea, anything should do, but some things are better than others. A tiny bit of electrical tape would do very nicely. Try to take a peek though to see if you can figure out exactly where it might be touching, you might be able to fix it just by loosening the screws, shifting the PCB a bit, then tightening them again. If not, it's still useful to know so you can just put something at the place where it's coming into contact instead of everywhere, though it doesn't hurt if you do.
Layout: Colemak
Fastest typing speed: 131 WPM on typeracer, 136 WPM on 10fastfingers.
Daily driver: Filco Tenkeyless MX Brown with ergonomically weighted, lubed springs.
Ergo keyboards: Truly Ergonomic, Kinesis Advantage, Ergodox

Offline tricheboars

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 17:07:27 »
how might someone be able to tell where the short or contact was?  i doubt there would be any scarring... is there any trick to this or is it just guesswork?  If it is guesswork i will probably tape the back of the case completely.
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Offline IvanIvanovich

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 18 March 2013, 17:16:33 »
Does it happen outside of the metal casebody? If no, then it is shorting and adding insulating layer should resolve it. If yes, then there is some problem with the assembly like a bad solder or something.

Offline tricheboars

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 19 March 2013, 02:29:14 »
i am going to take it out and test it.  i dont think it would make sense to mod a board that had assembly issues.
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Offline YoungMichael88

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Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #9 on: Tue, 19 March 2013, 04:04:52 »
I used one of those rubberized mats that you use under things you don't want to slide on shelves, counters etc. they look like they're all full of holes. Maybe you know what I'm talking about?
« Last Edit: Tue, 19 March 2013, 04:07:58 by YoungMichael88 »
Too Soon™          LZ-GH       Full Metal Poker

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 20 March 2013, 19:46:46 »
how might someone be able to tell where the short or contact was?  i doubt there would be any scarring... is there any trick to this or is it just guesswork?  If it is guesswork i will probably tape the back of the case completely.

You should be able to just cover it with liquid electrical tape or PlastiDip if you want something that will come off easier and not leave residue.

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 20 March 2013, 20:38:36 »
yea ok, let's throw more money than necessary at this, cuz printer paper insulates, but ain't gangsta' nuff''

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 20 March 2013, 20:47:22 »
Some people also have stuff like that lying around their home.  I know I'd rather use liquid plumbers tape on a PCB than slipping a sheet of paper between case and the PCB.  YoungMichael's solution would also be preferable to me.

Offline esoomenona

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 20 March 2013, 21:10:33 »
yea ok, let's throw more money than necessary at this, cuz printer paper insulates, but ain't gangsta' nuff''
Foo, get back wit yo printer papah. Only papah roun' here is the green ones we stackin'.

Offline tricheboars

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 23 March 2013, 18:35:48 »
ok. great news. i took the case off and tested the spacebar. no random lettering or random backspacing. so you guys were right. thanks. it must be shorting out. i am going to get some of that rubber rug **** from target and cut it into place. 

f yes. good news. pcb is fine.

ok since yo mofos are spot on so far i have another question. can i switch cherry corp stabs out for costar stabs on my spacebar. i have costar stab parts for everything but the clips. i can get the clips on wasd real quick, but i am not sure if the switch can be done. the bars are different. the costar stab bar is bent and ****.

thanks.  :p :p :p :p :p

keep it wutang
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Offline tricheboars

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Re: Random letters and random backspaces
« Reply #15 on: Sat, 23 March 2013, 18:38:16 »
yea ok, let's throw more money than necessary at this, cuz printer paper insulates, but ain't gangsta' nuff''

K.R.E.A.M *****es. ODB of keyboards son. Unique A SON! Big Baby Jesus this board. mad ho's be on this.
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