For older posts, hit up the Archive or Category links in the right sidebar

 


RescueMyClassicMac.com

Do you need old system software disks to boot your vintage Mac?


MailFromCupertino.com

It's fun to look back at old Apple emails. Check them out.


This site is not affiliated with Apple, Inc.
All company logos and product names may be registered trademarks and are hereby acknowledged.

© 2004-2022 Kevin Rye. All Rights Reserved.

For older posts, hit up the Archive or Category links in the right sidebar

 

AppleToTheCore.me

I'm a total Apple addict, as you might tell.

Apple /// Keyboard Repair

When I picked up my Apple /// a year ago, it was damaged in shipping. Four of the keys were broken off.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0202

I mixed up some 2-part epoxy…

2part_epoxy_0005

…and glued them back on.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0006

That worked for a year. Unfortunately, while dusting the other day, I broke one off.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0001

Rather than try and glue it again, I figured I'd hop on eBay and see if by some miracle someone was selling replacement keys. Today must be my lucky day! Someone was selling Apple /// keys for $3 bucks a pop. That's a steal!

apple_iii_replacement_keys_0019

Let's get to it!

Liberating the keyboard is a matter of taking out 9 screws and popping a ribbon cable.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0003

I used some solder wick to free the key from the PCB.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0004

You just have to pinch the side clips and pop it out with a screwdriver.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0007

And there it is. One liberated key.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0008

The new one popped right in. I soldered the two contacts…

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0009

…and popped the key on top. Done.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0010

As good as new. I won't bother replacing the other 3 glued keys since they seem to be in there for good. I'll hold off on replacing them unless they become a problem. At least I have the extra keys just in case.

apple3_keyboard_fix_take2_0101

I still haven't verified if this machine even works. The floppy drive doesn't read any disks. Attempting to load an image over serial also fails. I know it's been a year, but I haven't been able to get my hands on a functioning floppy drive. I'm not even sure if it's the drive or the logicboard. I won't know for sure until I rule out the floppy drive. Since ADT Pro failed, I am suspecting that it is indeed a logicboard issue. However, it's even harder to find a spare logicboard. In any case, the keys are fixed. Just because it doesn't work doesn't mean it should look like crap!