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+--- Thread: New Keyboard replacement kits (/thread-211.html)
New Keyboard replacement kits - MbeeTech - 16-10-2020
Hi All.
Microbee Technology is about to release some keyboard replacement kits for Premium series Microbees, and for Bees without the arrow keys.
There will be 2 separate kits (Premium / Non-Premium) which include the following items:
Keyboard frame adapter plate : Sits on top of the original keyboard frame to adapt it to the smaller form factor key switches.
Keyboard PCB : a complete PCB that sits under the original keyboard frame that the new key switches solder in to.
Key switches : The same ones used in the Premium Plus model.
Mounting screws etc : to attach the keyboard frame adapter plate to the original keyboard frame.
Pin strip : 0.1" pin strip to cut up into individual pins that help support the Keyboard PCB and connect it to the baseboard.
Switching Regulators : These are small TO-220 shaped 7805 regulator replacements that will solder directly to the baseboard and run cooler.
Premium Kit : includes a 20 way pin header that connects the required signals between the baseboard and the new keyboard PCB.
Non-Premium kit : 2 flying lead connectors to wire in the signals from the new keyboard PCB to the baseboard.
Sockets for these are provided on the new keyboard PCB.
To simplify the keyboard matrix connections between the baseboard and the new keyboard PCB, the keyboard scanning circuit has been
duplicated on the new keyboard PCB. In the case of the Premium keyboard kit, the new keyboard pcb plugs straight on to the baseboard, whereas
the non-premium version has 2 connectors with the flying leads - a 4 pin and a 6 pin lead give all the signals, power & ground required.
The scanning circuitry is all low profile surface mount assembly on the underside of the new keyboard PCB, and has been done for you.
I'll post some photos below.
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - MbeeTech - 16-10-2020
![[Image: StndKBRep.JPG]](http://microbeetechnology.com.au/pictures/KBRep/StndKBRep.JPG)
![[Image: PremKBRep.JPG]](http://microbeetechnology.com.au/pictures/KBRep/PremKBRep.JPG)
![[Image: KBPlate.JPG]](http://microbeetechnology.com.au/pictures/KBRep/KBPlate.JPG)
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - ChickenMan - 16-10-2020
Fantastic, just what was needed
Expect some orders from me
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - johnboxall - 20-10-2020
Outstanding, can't wait.
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - CheshireNoir - 20-10-2020
Nice! Good to know that we can keep these systems ticking over.
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - ChickenMan - 20-10-2020
Orders are open, be quick to grab one. I've just ordered 2
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - MbeeTech - 20-10-2020
Links to the Web Store items
Standard (non-premium series):
http://www.microbeetechnology.com.au/store/keyboard-replacement-kit-standard-non-premium.html
Premium Series :
http://www.microbeetechnology.com.au/store/keyboard-replacement-kit-premium-series.html
The price for either kit is $95.00
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - CheshireNoir - 20-10-2020
So are we going to need one of these for the new run of kit 'bees?
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - ChickenMan - 20-10-2020
No, these are for existing Microbees only that have keyboard problems. They basically replace the existing problem keyswitchs (which is no longer available) with a modern mechanical keyswitch thats also compatible with the existing key caps.
RE: New Keyboard replacement kits - RedskullDC - 27-10-2020
Only a few left.... Already got mine.