5 ms·

Same here. :-) It still turns on, however, approx. 90% of the keys don't function anymore.

by alok-g 5y ago

linker3000 5y ago
That's very common. The keyboard membrane material loses its flexibility over time and cracks, breaking continuity of the embedded conductive traces. Replacements are sold on ebay and online retro stores. I've had to replace the membranes on both my acquired Speccys.
- andrewshadura 5y ago
  That's why the ZX Spectrum clone I had used keys with magnets and reed switches. Super smooth, quiet, indestructible.
- alok-g 5y ago
  Great! I did not know that replacements are available for ZX Spectrum. Mine is ZX spectrum+, hopefully would be able to find for that too.
  - UncleSlacky 5y ago
    Looks like they have those here: https://retroradionics.co.uk/#!/Zx-Spectrum-48k-&-128k-toastrack-keyboard-membrane/p/68556689/category=0 https://retroradionics.co.uk/#!/Zx-Spectrum-48k-&-128k-toast...
qiqitori 5y ago
I've only seen the Sinclair ZX81. If the ribbon cable is similar (and it sure looks similar from a cursory image search) you should be able to fix the keyboard with just two electronics-related items, a multimeter with continuity mode and electrically conductive tape. On the ZX81, the metal on the ribbon cable is exposed on one side. Which means you can put one multimeter lead somewhere close to the bottom of each trace, and the other lead you trace along the exposed wire. If your multimeter stops showing continuity, you know you have a break there and if you look really hard you should be able to see it. If you have a lot of breaks close to the connector (quite likely), take a pair of scissors and cut off the part with the break and plug the remainder of the ribbon cable back in. Otherwise, cut the electrically conductive tape into a thin slice and tape that over the affected spot. (Soldering won't work, you'll just melt the ribbon cable).
- jen20 5y ago
  Looks like you can order entire replacement keyboard membranes for a reasonable sum at [1]. [1]: https://www.sintech-shop.de/en/48k-keyboard-membrane/a-3025 https://www.sintech-shop.de/en/48k-keyboard-membrane/a-3025

Same here. :-) It still turns on, however, approx. 90% of the keys don't function anymore.

by alok-g 5y ago

Same here. :-) It still turns on, however, approx. 90% of the keys don't function anymore.

That's very common. The keyboard membrane material loses its flexibility over time and cracks, breaking continuity of the embedded conductive traces. Replacements are sold on ebay and online retro stores. I've had to replace the membranes on both my acquired Speccys.

andrewshadura 5y ago
That's why the ZX Spectrum clone I had used keys with magnets and reed switches. Super smooth, quiet, indestructible.
alok-g 5y ago
Great! I did not know that replacements are available for ZX Spectrum. Mine is ZX spectrum+, hopefully would be able to find for that too.
- UncleSlacky 5y ago
  Looks like they have those here: https://retroradionics.co.uk/#!/Zx-Spectrum-48k-&-128k-toastrack-keyboard-membrane/p/68556689/category=0 https://retroradionics.co.uk/#!/Zx-Spectrum-48k-&-128k-toast...

qiqitori 5y ago

I've only seen the Sinclair ZX81. If the ribbon cable is similar (and it sure looks similar from a cursory image search) you should be able to fix the keyboard with just two electronics-related items, a multimeter with continuity mode and electrically conductive tape. On the ZX81, the metal on the ribbon cable is exposed on one side. Which means you can put one multimeter lead somewhere close to the bottom of each trace, and the other lead you trace along the exposed wire. If your multimeter stops showing continuity, you know you have a break there and if you look really hard you should be able to see it. If you have a lot of breaks close to the connector (quite likely), take a pair of scissors and cut off the part with the break and plug the remainder of the ribbon cable back in. Otherwise, cut the electrically conductive tape into a thin slice and tape that over the affected spot. (Soldering won't work, you'll just melt the ribbon cable).

jen20 5y ago
Looks like you can order entire replacement keyboard membranes for a reasonable sum at [1]. [1]: https://www.sintech-shop.de/en/48k-keyboard-membrane/a-3025 https://www.sintech-shop.de/en/48k-keyboard-membrane/a-3025