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Atari 400 keyboard problems


5 replies to this topic

#1 saibotsu OFFLINE  

saibotsu

    Combat Commando

  • 3 posts

Posted Wed Apr 6, 2005 2:49 PM

I recently bought an Atari 400 through ebay. The first time I booted it the keys 5, U, N and M didn't work. After I had used it a few times the keys 1-7, ctrl and E stopped working. Becaus of that I couldn't use the computer for anything so I stopped using it for a while. Then I tried again and all keys except 5, U, N and M (the ones that didn't work from the beginning) was working again so I started using it again, but the earlier mentioned keys stopped working again :(

Is there any chance that it may be an easy problem that I can fix myself or should I buy a new keyboard? If I should buy a new keyboard, do you know any place I can do it at?

Thank you very much for answers! :)

#2 bar897 OFFLINE  

bar897

    Space Invader

  • 11 posts

Posted Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:03 AM

I'm having a similar problem but all of my keys are working except the shifts and control. I cleaned out the dust and unplugged and replugged the keyboard, but still same keys won't work.

In another thread it was suggested I wipe the keys with VCR head cleaner, could be worth a try...

#3 LYNXGUY OFFLINE  

LYNXGUY

    Stargunner

  • 1,376 posts
  • Location:At my computer

Posted Wed Nov 30, 2005 8:36 PM

My best friend had keyboard problems too and he replaced the keyboard which was easy and somewhat in cheap.

try http://www.best-electronics-ca.com

#4 8bitclassics OFFLINE  

8bitclassics

    Dragonstomper

  • 562 posts

Posted Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:37 AM

I have a few brand new Atari 400 keyboards for sale at $10 each plus shipping ($4 priority mail within the states). If interested, PM me. I just refurbed a 400 myself with a new keyboard, new RCA cable, and will be upgrading the memory to 48K. Will probably do a few of these and sell on my site.

Corey

#5 Rybags ONLINE  

Rybags

    Quadrunner

  • 10,318 posts
  • Location:Australia

Posted Tue Dec 20, 2005 5:45 AM

The best thing to do is take the keyboard out and wipe the ribbon edge connector with VCR head-cleaning fluid.

I've noticed that they have a habit of gathering corrosion, which is why certain groups of keys will intermittently drop out.

#6 bar897 OFFLINE  

bar897

    Space Invader

  • 11 posts

Posted Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:55 AM

Rybags, on Tue Dec 20, 2005 5:45 AM, said:

The best thing to do is take the keyboard out and wipe the ribbon edge connector with VCR head-cleaning fluid.

I've noticed that they have a habit of gathering corrosion, which is why certain groups of keys will intermittently drop out.

View Post


I'm going to have to try that. I always forget video cleaner when I go to the store!
Also with my NES, a careful cleaning with rubbing alcohol with a q-tip helped to make the cartridges work better.

I saw nothing wrong with the keyboard itself and I really don't want to put $10 into a computer like this.




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