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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Betelgeuse on September 07, 2006, 09:22:42 PM

Title: Replacing/fixing broken ALT key on A4000 keyboard
Post by: Betelgeuse on September 07, 2006, 09:22:42 PM

My keyboard's ALT key has broken off, it broke off at the place where the "plunger thing" connects to the key proper. Is there a way to replace the key? Would the same key from A1200 fit in an A4000 keyboard? I'm not even sure if the A4000 keys are removable, are they? Can I pop them off for cleaning etc?

Title: Re: Replacing/fixing broken ALT key on A4000 keyboard
Post by: Flashlab on September 09, 2006, 07:32:10 PM

You can pull off the keys and use a replacement from another Amiga keyboard.

Title: Re: Replacing/fixing broken ALT key on A4000 keyboard
Post by: recidivist on September 10, 2006, 12:53:59 PM

 IF you have all the original broken  parts you may even be able to repair it.
Back in the 1980s  I fixed a Tandy 1000EX key by using a drop of model(NOT superglue) glue on the broken  mating surfaces AND  repeatedly working the key  so the glue would only set up on the non moving surfaces. Afterwards you couldn't tell the difference  between that key and others.

 Unless someone can convince a Chinese factory to make a run of Amiga keyboards  and mice we will all be using adapters and PC input devices.Since generic PC keyboards sell for only a few dollars maybe there is a way to open one up and rewire? it for Amiga.

Title: Re: Replacing/fixing broken ALT key on A4000 keyboard
Post by: countzero on September 10, 2006, 01:20:05 PM

actually you don't have to rewire it, but you need a hardware to translate the key codes. recently I was interested in this subject and soon I'll be building my mmkeyboard interface (already did the pic programmer)

http://www.aminet.net/package.php?package=hard/drivr/mmkeyboard.lha
http://www.geit.de/eng_mmkeyboard.html
(amiga 4000 keyboard pinout) http://wonkity.com/~wblock/a4000hard/keypins.html
(pc ps/2 keyboard pinout) http://www.bbdsoft.com/keyboard.html

Title: Re: Replacing/fixing broken ALT key on A4000 keyboard
Post by: recidivist on September 10, 2006, 01:25:39 PM

 My reservation is the interface is yet another accessory to buy/keep track of/fail ; if a little wire swapping would enable function of just a keyboard that would be my choice.

"I've got a soldering iron and I'm not afraid to use it!"

Title: Re: Replacing/fixing broken ALT key on A4000 keyboard
Post by: Nitro on September 10, 2006, 01:30:54 PM

It may have been blasphemy, but I used a Win key from an AT PC keyboard for a broken key on one A4000 keyboard.  It was alittle shorter but it works.

Title: Re: Replacing/fixing broken ALT key on A4000 keyboard
Post by: countzero on September 10, 2006, 03:02:49 PM

Quote

Nitro wrote:
I used a Win key from an AT PC on one A4000 keyboard.

NIHOOOAAARGRGHHHH BUURRNN  :flame:  :destroy:  
:pancake:  :lotsacoffee: