26-12-2020, 04:26 PM
Nice! I've got a 'Bee with some missing keys that I'd pretty much written-off. This will give it a shot at a new life. Hopefully there's some left come next pay-day
Brett
Brett
26-12-2020, 04:26 PM
Nice! I've got a 'Bee with some missing keys that I'd pretty much written-off. This will give it a shot at a new life. Hopefully there's some left come next pay-day
Brett
06-01-2021, 04:04 PM
Any chance you'll be re-stocking Ewan? I've almost finished stripping one ROM-based 'Bee that had a broken space bar and missing key cap to re-use the key switches in another 'Bee.
For key caps, is there a 3D printable version available? I've 3D printed a couple that were missing on my Amstrad CPC - the Microbee ones look very similar except not as tall and the attachment to the keystalk/plunger is different (the CPC one won't fit the original Microbee key mechanisms). Brett.
07-01-2021, 08:43 AM
I'm not aware of any 3D printable keycaps. But what caps are you missing, I have a few spare.
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ChickenMan
07-01-2021, 08:59 AM
(07-01-2021, 08:43 AM)ChickenMan Wrote: I'm not aware of any 3D printable keycaps. But what caps are you missing, I have a few spare. Someone could kludge some up but generally they are of inferior quality to commercially double shot moulded ones. Even many expensive commercial keyboards don't use double shot keycaps and use painted single shot with laser etched legends. These single shot keycaps are crap as the paint wears off with use. After forking $250 for a keyboard, the keyboard companies want an extra $85 for their double shot keycap upgrade kit.
07-01-2021, 11:10 AM
(06-01-2021, 04:04 PM)g67wjjk Wrote: Any chance you'll be re-stocking Ewan? I've almost finished stripping one ROM-based 'Bee that had a broken space bar and missing key cap to re-use the key switches in another 'Bee. Hi Brett. We've just run out of the key switches that are used in the kits and having checked with the supplier, lead time on these is approx 6 weeks from order. I need to place an order for 8k pcs minimum which is going to have to wait for a couple of weeks as well. I also have a few spare key caps, so let us know which ones you need. Between 'Someone' and Microbee Technology, I'm sure we'll be able to get you sorted.
Thanks everyone. I've just finished removing the keyboard and double-checked what I'm actually missing - for sure the space bar (it was broken in half) and it seems a SHIFT key.
You can definitely sign me up for at least one non-Premium keyboard whenever they arrive ... I'm hoping I can get at least three working switches out of this one to fix the original one I asked about in the other thread ... the key works but you have to bash it rather than just press it. Looks like I need to replace these 10nF capacitors too. These are the Amstrad key caps I printed. For my own use they're good enough - I could probably do some light sanding to smooth it out a little. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4596135
07-01-2021, 12:10 PM
Hi Brett, I also have some unused original key switches your welcome to, how many do you need ? And check out the microbee_key_switch_repair_guide.pdf in our Repository in the Documentation/Articles folder.
EDIT: Okay I have a spare Space Bar and a right Shift key for you. Do you need any actual key switches also. PM me an address and they will be in the mail tomorrow
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ChickenMan
07-01-2021, 12:16 PM
Thanks - I should be right, I've got almost a whole keyboard full from this machine (which I'll ultimately replace with the brand new kit) so I should be able to repair any failures on my other two 'Bees.
I did have a look at the guide but it said it only referred to the white shaft switches, whereas all of mine have black shafts. Brett.
07-01-2021, 12:23 PM
The same guide refers to both really, just they are very different to open up (from the bottom if I remember) but everything else is much the same.
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ChickenMan
07-01-2021, 01:11 PM
I have tried to open one up, not having much luck.
Okay, just tried again - trick seems to be to gently lever the middle part of the base plate. Did one side, then did the other and ... the spring is now somewhere in my garage! But I can now open them up. |
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