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Author Topic: IBM Model M Keyboard  (Read 1700 times)

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Offline janoy

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IBM Model M Keyboard
« on: Sat, 16 July 2016, 11:12:27 »
I was able to get a really cheap Model M keyboard a couple days ago and it feels really great and I thought all the keys worked. However when I tried the Aqua key tester I discovered that the two Alt keys, the print screen and scroll lock buttons do not work. Also the Num lock is the only LED that lights up. I have no clue if this is fixable as I have never tried to repair a keyboard before, the most I have ever done is take off the key caps and use compressed air to clean it out. If anyone can give me some guidance here it would be greatly appreciated.
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: IBM Model M Keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 16 July 2016, 11:15:46 »
Do the dead keys feel and sound exactly like the others?

If not, pull off the keys and re-seat them (several tries, if necessary) until they feel and sound like the rest.

After that, you will have to start looking for electrical problems.
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Offline E TwentyNine

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Re: IBM Model M Keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 16 July 2016, 11:26:32 »
You have a bad trace or connection.  You'll have to open it up.  Well, giving it a few whacks might fix it if there's just a connection issue, but you'll likely want to open it up.

it's the older style M with the center controller, pull both ribbons and reseat them.  Do not attempt to clean them with anything or any hard scrubbing.

The trace you're having an issue one is the last one on the larger connector (#16).  Hopefully reseating it will fix but you'll want to check for a break if not.  You may want to keep the top of the case off, plug the keyboard in, and put a little pressure on that ribbon and see if the key registers.

It's the same idea if you had a "newer" M hardwired with the small controller over the numpad, but I don't know the trace routes on those.
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Offline janoy

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Re: IBM Model M Keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 16 July 2016, 11:35:20 »
Yes they do feel and sound the same as the others, however when I popped the key caps off I noticed they were a bit droopier than the pause button next to them. The Alt keys look normal though.
The model number is 1391401 if that helps any. I don't have the right tool to open it up right now so I'll have to get one of those later.
« Last Edit: Sat, 16 July 2016, 11:39:39 by janoy »
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Offline rowdy

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Re: IBM Model M Keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 17 July 2016, 02:36:46 »
Not necessarily a problem.  Mine tend to droop all over the place.  As long as they stand up straight when you lift the front (space bar) side of the keyboard up slightly, so that you can realign the keycaps when reinstalling them.
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