3278-type beamspring spacebar pads

3278qwerty

04 Apr 2020, 21:36

During the restoration of a 8775/3278 beamspring I noticed that it has only one contact pad for the spacebar. For those of you who have done a restoration or removed the contact PCB, is this the standard? I would like to add one if it is actually missing, but do not want to do so if it will cause problems when the unit is closed back up (e.g. double space when pressed because of two key contact pads). It does have two entire keys with the exception of the missing contact on one. That is what makes it somewhat confusing. Why does IBM install and entire key if it isn't used - unless it is for a balanced feel without introducing a problem of a double space when the spacebar is pressed. Thanks for any info!

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Invisius

04 Apr 2020, 22:47

Yeah, it's normal to have 1 real and 1 dummy switch under the spacebar. They used it as a stabilizer, so there shouldn't be any contact issues.

3278qwerty

04 Apr 2020, 23:14

Excellent - Tx for the info!

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