How to fix the Keyboard ?

[kr0nique]

Hello,
I'm new to all of this, my name is Ant how is everyone doing?
This is my first post here.

My Gran has recently acquired an Amiga I think its an Amiga 500, it came with loads of books and software but the bottom row of keys on the keyboard doesn't work. I know quite a bit about Software but not Hardware.

Could someone please explain firstly if it is possible to fix this problem? and if it is do you have time to tell me how to do it? or could you point me in the direction of some literature explaining how to do it?

Thanks to all that respond, Gran says thanks too!

[Matt_H]

Welcome!

By freak coincidence, I was just reading about a similar problem in an old Amiga Format. Sounds like the keyboard membrane has a crack in it. It's reparable, but difficult. You'll need to open up the case, and take apart the keyboard. Whoever wrote the letter to the magazine said that the break in the circuit can be filled by some electrically conductive paint (auto parts stores tend to have this stuff).

Note that I've never actually disassembled an A500 before, so I don't know much about this repair job.

You'll probably also want a few other opinions on the problem before undertaking this ;-)

Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask for more help. Someone here will lend a hand.

[blobrana]

Hi kr0nique,
welcome to A.org...

The machine may have had coffee (etc) spilt on it in the past and liquid may have squeezed into the inner membranes inside the keyboard pad...this is a fiddly job, but i have managed to disassemble a keyboard set up in the past, so it`s not rocket science...

If the keyboard looks fairly clean, then it maybe  that the  cable/socket  that the keyboard fits into the motherboard has worked loose...just a case of  reseating it.

To open up the amiga case, you need to undo the screws  (under the seal as well) and  flip open (there`s plastic hooks  at the back ) like a laptop...


While you've got the case open , you may notice some of the chips are in sockets,  go and push each one to make sure that they haven't worked loose as well...and note down any MoBo details, serial number ,revision number etc...(for future reference)

[BoingBoss]

Hi kr0nique,

Welcome to Amiga Org.   :-D

I have an extra brand new Amiga 500 keyboard that I would be willing to let you have for only $15.00 plus s/h.  Pmail me if you want it.   :-)

[orange]

I wouldn't buy it for such insane price. Its worth 1,5$
and WHOLE A500 is about 10$. Besides, check out his previous posts, and what others say about him.

@boingboss, you should change that (psycho) avatar to something more appropriate, like mine :-D

It could be coffee, but if its crack in membrane, you'll need liquid silver and thats more expensive than replacement keyboard. I have such problem. But, when I replaced keyboard it didn't fit nicely. It seems that a500 had different models of keyboards (although compatible), keep that in mind. So, I'm gonna try that liquid silver.
Its not for begginers, BTW.

[Wibbly]

Actually Liquid Silver is overkill. Electrically conductive paint would work, although when I had a crack in the membrane, I just used a pure graphite pencil and pushed hard and ran back and forth numerous times. It did indeed do the job.

Another thing you might try (I used this when modding my CPU) is some Quick Grid heated window repair (the stuff that allows your car windows to defrost)

[kr0nique]

Thanks for all your help so far,
I'm hoping its just because a couple of pins have worked loose  on the connection, but I guess thats fairly unlikely. There are no stains or any discoloration on any of the keys or under the keys when I popped them off so the spilt drink idea might be out as well...

You've been really helpful, I might go see Gran tonight. Is there anything in particular I need to know before opening the Amiga up? are there any pictures of what a healthy amiga looks like on the inside and what an unhealthy one looks like

Thanks to all that replied !!

:Ant