Wang 725-3771-UK

[Aran.E99]

I recently acquired my first Wang - a model 725-3771-UK made on the 34th week(?) of 1991. The board uses SKCM Salmon Alps and SKCL Yellow Alps for lock keys.

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The insert has shifted in the holder. I eventually managed to get it centered.

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Notice the @ symbol someone drew on the 2 key. They also drew quotation marks on the @ key.

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Here is the board after cleaning. It turned out really nice - It feels buttery smooth. I feel guilty even thinking about using it. The caps look and feel like they've never been used before and the cable is also very good - It hasn't uncoiled or creased.

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Lotus 1-2-3 sticker over shortcut key insert

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Cleaning

I started by pulling all the caps (most of them very stubborn) and then opening the case.

The worst part was underneath the shortcut key holders - it took awhile to get clean. I also took some time to put the insert in the holders properly as they weren't aligned.

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The shielding is pretty cool - it's made out of some type of flexible plastic as opposed to cardboard which is commonly found in AT101s etc.

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The board wasn't that dirty - just very dusty. I later noticed that there were only about 2 rust spots, the largest being about 7mm. It has been stored well.

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Controller

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PCB markings

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Spider nest under foot lug.

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I really shouldn't have opened the switches as every one was in immaculate condition - no dirt, no wear marks. I possibly made the switches worse by opening them and exposing them to the surrounding dirt from the plate...

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By the time I had all switches done, I'd decided I was ready to clean the caps. I did my usual routine of soaking them in soapy water for a while, rinsing them, wiping them on a towel and then finishing them off with a wet Q-tip.

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I also cleaned the case. It really wasn't dirty but I wish I could have removed the feet and cleaned them. Speaking of which, I'm missing an O-ring for one foot

Finally putting the caps back on

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Clean Alpha.jpg (1.21 MiB) Viewed 2816 times

Apologies if any images are dark, I will try to get some better pictures soon!

[Myoth]

I don't care, take it out of context, but god fucking damn it, Wangs are very nice.

They're definitly underrated boards, they're not really hype nor all the rage, but they should because they are really cool boards, put clickies in one and you've got a hell of a good sounding clicky board (cf : photos-videos-f64/blue-alps-wang-725-t17916.html ).

[Aran.E99]

Ugh don't tempt me. Iv'e already got a long list of boards I need to swap switches

[Elrick]

Beautiful resto on this old Wang.

You were right, it had been sitting somewhere quite nice with very little humidity. If it was in the Tropics, I suspect half the metal plate would of been gone by the time you've picked this baby up.

Thank you for a detailed recording of this unique 'Pommy-based' Keyboard .

[mcmaxmcmc]

Beautiful restoration, my man. I gotta say, Wang ISO Enters are THICC.

[Aran.E99]

Cheers guys, I'm really happy with it. I really want to get my hands on some more Wangs now . Next step is to make a cable that will reach my PC

[seebart]

Very nice thanks for posting, I bought a very similair WANG here years ago.