Broken X key on A1200

[danbeaver]

The key should have a hollow post, the bottom of which pushes on a carbon coated membrane to close the connection.  The return action is likely by a rubber funnel or in some cases a spring.  Using a peg such as a wooden Q-tip dowel glued into the two broken ends has always worked for me, but you may have to remove the keyboard for good pressure.

[danbeaver]

The "clamp" is a thin ring of plastic at the very top of the insert site, it should easily lift with two fingers of one hand about 1 - 2 mm and with the other hand push the ribbon cable back in, then push the "clamp" back in to help wedge the ribbon into its connector.  If done carefully you can bypass lifting the clamp, if done poorly you make break the clamp and need a drop of hot glue to hold it in place.

If you haven't figured this out, a better place to work on small, electronic parts is on a flat, clean work desk in a room with hard floor.  The best place to loose parts is in any -- preferably shag -- carpet or a grassy knoll in Texas, sitting on anything with cushions with a dog, cat, or small child under foot.  A strong magnetic pad for the parts and a strong magnetic wand with a led head lamp will allow less misadventures.

[danbeaver]

OK, great! I think I get the idea. I wonder if the Guinness Book of Records has a category for the longest time taken to repair a computer keyboard. I'll contact them. After this, I could try to run my Amiga A1200 off some kind of battery, set it up outside BBC Broadcasting House and do some artwork there while wearing some glasses like a pair worn by Andy Warhol!

I wouldn't start with a sense of humor now, it will just confuse you further