pwl@homxc.UUCP (P.LOZO) (01/09/88)
Thanks to all of those who sent me messages regarding my plea for help to fix a blowen-out key on my Mac Keyboard. It's fixed!! Here's how I did it for those who are interested (this is for an original Mac keyboard (128K), although I believe the more recent Mac keyboards use roughly the same technology): The most important thing is to buy a replacement key plunger module from your favorite Apple service store (most stores that sell Macs will have a small service center). It cost me about $5, but you may be able to find it cheaper. One message I received said you can buy them for $1 or $2. The price wasn't that important to me -- making my keyboard operate effectively was my biggest concern. Don't mess around trying to fix your blown-out key module, the problem will probably persist and the permanent solution is easy. Next step is to take your keyboard apart. You'll need a phillips screwdriver for this. Remove the key pad that attaches to the malfunctioning key plunger. A regular flat screwdriver can be used to pry it off. Next, de-solder that key module from the bottom board. There are two solder locations per key. This is fairly easy to do if you have the proper equipment (a soldering iron, a solder sucker and a little patience). You have to make sure to get all of the solder off of the pins. Now for the tricky part. There are two pinches on the key module which must be squeezed together while pulling on the key plunger. This requires three hands. I used two regular screwdrivers to pinch the tabs together while my wife tugged on the key plunger with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. It required a strong yank since some solder remained on the pins connecting the module to the board. The rest of the operation is straight forward; solder the new module onto the board and replace the rest of the parts. Hope this helps someone else out. My keyboard is working like new once again. Pete. ------------------------------ Peter W. Lozo (201) 949-7105 AT&T Bell Labs homxc!pwl HO IC-402A Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ 07733