Re: Keyboard repair?

[jp1@aol.com (JP1)]

supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer) writes:

>>"They are very easy to fix.  Simply undo the screws then take a look at the
connectors.  Where they are soldered to the PCB is obvious.  Just take a
soldering iron and a but of solder and resolder the connectors."<<

Let me add to Supertimer's on-target advice: While you have the keyboard(s)
open and have re-flowed the solder joints at the two ADB jacks (do both of
them, BTW--they're equally prone to failure), take the time to reinforce the
mechanical connection of the jacks to the circuit board.

I recommend a modest bead of 5-minute epoxy glue around the base of each jack,
which can then hold the jack tight to the circuit board when side pressure is
applied...which happens any time the mouse or keyboard cable connector is
inserted, removed, or wiggled.  The original design relies on the solder
connections for that (very poor practice--solder should be used to assure
electrical conductivity, not mechanical strength), and over time, one or more
of the joints will begin to crack.

If you don't have access to epoxy glue, you can still improve the mechanical
strength of the connections by running a modest bead of Elmer's glue (white, or
even the yellow carpenter's glue) around the base.  This type glue isn't made
to hold to slick materials such as metal and circuit board material, but it
does hold some...and some is better than none at all.

John P.