Broken X key on A1200

[Brian]

I don't want to hijack this thread so if someone thinks I should post a separate one, please say so.

I have a similar issue with an A3000 keyboard except that I can still use the post as the post itself broke slightly and the key fell off.  I don't have the key either - I got this keyboard as part of a package deal.

So if anyone knows where I could find a replacement key setup for the #1 (see pic) on an A3000, I'm all ears.

Thanks.

I had the same issue with one of my keyboards resulting in a lose keycap that was wobbly when pressed. However I was out of spares so I simply cut the stud clean of at the base, turned it on it's head and glued it back on so the top again have a firm grip on the keycap. Works like a charm but to be on the safe side I changed it's position to a lesser used key on the keyboard.

[Brian]

Congratulations! Was this an external plug in keyboard, such as on an A2000, A3000, A4000, or as more likely, was it a keyboard with an internal ribbon cable, such as an A500, A500 Plus, A600, or as in my case an A1200? If it was the latter, then how did you manage to plug the ribbon cable back in and get it to stay put!?

It was an external keyboard.

On A500/500+/600/1200 the membrane is held in a socket with a clip that needs to be lifted a few milimeters to lose tension on the membrane connection, if not you will scrach the membranes connector and it won't get a good connection and eventually fail (if scratched you can usually cut of the outer 3mm of the damaged part). The clip will usually stay hooked to the socket (designed that way but can get damaged) and when reseat the cable the clip has to be lifted so the membrane connector can get plugged back in propperly and then you press the clip back down onto the socket to create a firm connection.

[Brian]

OMG! Unfortunately, I still don't understand how to lift this clip. I think I need a diagram.

I'm no artist but hope this helps... and no more just janking it out as it's just a mattre of time before you scratch it to the point where column of keys stop responding and you're left to either cut it down a bit or paint over the scratches with conductive paint. And here's a better picture of the actual clip when it's been released.