That's awesome! About 15 years ago I learned a trick from a electronics engineer buddy of mine I want to share with you. Instead of using sandpaper on the carbon pads, just use a new pencil eraser!!! I know that sounds bizarre, but it really does work. I would use it on my game controllers which wear down very quickly because of the continuous pounding that game controllers go through. The first one I tried it on was a Nintendo game pad, and it worked perfectly for a few years afterwards, and then I did it again. Just swirl, and or twist the eraser on the carbon until it is no longer shiney and has a uniform dull appearance. That's it! The added benefit of this method is that it is less agressive and removes only enough to make it functional. It will also allow you to rejuvenate them multiple times... Anyway, you got a new subscriber for your great content...
Seeing what you started off with makes me wonder if those keyboards are just super fragile or not. The Model IV keyboard looks like it's original keycaps would fit CherryMX key switches perfectly. I'm actually on a crusade to get as many 70s and 80s keyboards and make modern replacement PCBs for all of those that I get my hands on. New sub from me, btw!
Believe it or not, just a cheapy. It's a Yihua 939D+. But I've Used it a ton over the year and it heats quick, holds a temp well and hasn't failed me yet. Got it on Amazon and I just looked it up, it's cheaper than when I bought it at $53 right now. I'm only using a manual solder sucker, but I really need to get a powered one, I'm repairing a lot of keyboards.
Hi !!!!, u are great !!!!, I´m from Argentina, I have my TRS 80 MODEL II but unfortunally I have no keyboard, it´s a great work !!!, do u know haw to replace the original keyboard or a damaged one on a mistic MODEL II?, GO AHEAD !!!
Don't worry about being exciting. I found this video immensely helpful. I'm about to start restoring a TRS-80 model 4 in really rough shape.
That's awesome! About 15 years ago I learned a trick from a electronics engineer buddy of mine I want to share with you. Instead of using sandpaper on the carbon pads, just use a new pencil eraser!!! I know that sounds bizarre, but it really does work. I would use it on my game controllers which wear down very quickly because of the continuous pounding that game controllers go through. The first one I tried it on was a Nintendo game pad, and it worked perfectly for a few years afterwards, and then I did it again.
Just swirl, and or twist the eraser on the carbon until it is no longer shiney and has a uniform dull appearance. That's it! The added benefit of this method is that it is less agressive and removes only enough to make it functional. It will also allow you to rejuvenate them multiple times...
Anyway, you got a new subscriber for your great content...
I do use an eraser on metal contacts, but haven't on carbon buttons. Will keep it in mind!
This is super helpful to know!
Congratulations on the two for one deal. Good educational video. Thumbs up.
Thanks so much!
Seeing what you started off with makes me wonder if those keyboards are just super fragile or not. The Model IV keyboard looks like it's original keycaps would fit CherryMX key switches perfectly. I'm actually on a crusade to get as many 70s and 80s keyboards and make modern replacement PCBs for all of those that I get my hands on.
New sub from me, btw!
Thanks!
Nice score. What kind of soldering station and solder sucker do you use?
Believe it or not, just a cheapy. It's a Yihua 939D+. But I've Used it a ton over the year and it heats quick, holds a temp well and hasn't failed me yet. Got it on Amazon and I just looked it up, it's cheaper than when I bought it at $53 right now. I'm only using a manual solder sucker, but I really need to get a powered one, I'm repairing a lot of keyboards.
Hi !!!!, u are great !!!!, I´m from Argentina, I have my TRS 80 MODEL II but unfortunally I have no keyboard, it´s a great work !!!, do u know haw to replace the original keyboard or a damaged one on a mistic MODEL II?, GO AHEAD !!!
Keep looking for one on EBay. Just understand that a 40+ year old keyboard WILL need new foam pads. Thanks for watching!