Dell AT102W fix

[Wemb]

So - I've had to stop using my Unicomp 'Model M' type keyboard which I've been using for nearly 10 years at work since the new office I'm in has complained. I've brought in a few of my keyboards from home and the one that seems to be most acceptable is my (horribly yellowing) Dell AT102W.

Now, I love the AT102W and it's Alps switched - but there is a problem with this particular keyboard - the space bar is like hitting a sock of mush - everything else is crisp and nice - but the space bar itself is horrible.

I've had the cap off it and the switch itself feels okay. The mounting points for the stabiliser all seem secure - but I did find a very small odd bit of mangled metal loose in the tray undernearth the cap. It isn't obviously where it came from - but I did wonder if the hollow posts where the key fits into should have had - or once did have, springs inside them. They appear to be empty and I can't see what else could be causing the lack of crispness other than something missing inside of then, as the rest of the visible components seem to fit fine. I've never taken another Alps keyboard apart, and have scoured this site and others, but can't find any reference to how the space bar in a AT102W is constructed. Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

Thanks

[Chyros]

It uses a wire stabiliser. You can pull off the spacebar with no problem. After that you can open the switch from the top .

[infodroid]

It could be that some dust has found its way into the switch, and the switch now needs cleaning and lubrication. Or it could be that the stablizer wire is not moving freely, perhaps it is a little stiff and impeding movement, and it might need lubrication.

I'm not aware of any Alps boards with loose springs in the space bar pole holes. I have only seen that in Topre.

[fohat]

There are 2 places where the wire is held in plastic clips. A very small flat head screwdriver is a good tool to press them down into place if they are loose.