Fixing a Commodore SX-64 keyboard - alternative to "Graphit 33" conductive spray?

DeChief · 12 Feb 2019, 01:49

Hey all, I recently acquired a Commodore SX-64 and the keyboard is really hit or miss. Some keys either required hard presses or multiple presses, and others didn't work at all. I followed this tutorial and disassembled it:

http://wolfgang-langer.com/commodore-sx ... rd-repair/

My keyboard appears to have the same problem, aka. worn carbon/graphite pads (whatever they're made of) that aren't conducting well enough to register a keypress. I tried to buy that "Graphit 33" spray used in the above tutorial, but I can't find anyone who will ship it to Australia since it's in a pressurised spray can and will encounter problems in customs.

So does anyone know of a product that will accomplish the same function and is available in Australia?

snuci · 12 Feb 2019, 20:47

If you want, you can use a graphite pencil but make sure it's graphite. You can just rub some on. I have fixed two of these keyboards and I have never had to use anything. Just a good cleaning should fix them. If I recall correctly, I used an eraser to clean the rubber tips. Good luck. Disassembling is the hardest part and if you didn't break the membrane, you are fortunate.

seebart · 12 Feb 2019, 20:54

Good link thanks.

DeChief · 13 Feb 2019, 04:50

snuci wrote: 12 Feb 2019, 20:47 If you want, you can use a graphite pencil but make sure it's graphite. You can just rub some on. I have fixed two of these keyboards and I have never had to use anything. Just a good cleaning should fix them. If I recall correctly, I used an eraser to clean the rubber tips. Good luck. Disassembling is the hardest part and if you didn't break the membrane, you are fortunate.

I saw this talked about in a few places but it seems to be a temporary fix that will eventually wear off. How long ago did you fix one of these, and how much did you end up using it after that?

PlacaFromHell · 13 Feb 2019, 05:28

Maybe a silver ink conductive pen will work fine.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Conductive-Sil ... :rk:1:pf:0

DeChief · 13 Feb 2019, 09:56

PlacaFromHell wrote: 13 Feb 2019, 05:28 Maybe a silver ink conductive pen will work fine.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Conductive-Sil ... :rk:1:pf:0

I've heard the same thing about using those conductive silver pens as using a graphite pencill, it seems unreliable. I found this with some more searching:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Caikote-44- ... :rk:1:pf:0

It's just really expensive is all... oh well, the SX-64 was basically free so it's probably worth splurging on a proper product.

andrewjoy · 13 Feb 2019, 12:04

How about aluminium tape ?
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/adhesive ... ium-tapes/

THe surface may be protected with something but you can just rub it off with a scotchbrite

spongebob1981 · 13 Feb 2019, 13:01

Over here at least, every major city has a place that sells and repairs tv remotes, maybe they can help you. If you look for a place like that (or one that repairs TVs for example) you may have it repaired for a few bucks.

Rule of thumb: the older the technician is, the better.

And, if everything else fails, you can try make your own stuff with powdered graphite (common thing in hardware stores and maybe locksmith shops, as it is used to lubricate locks on doors) and some glue. Never had luck with this but maybe I was just dumb(er) and did it wrong. Of course: test the mix on a piece of cardboard and check for conductivity of a strip you made. Then and only then, apply very carefully on the keyboard with a small brush.

YMMV and Good Luck!

DeChief · 15 Feb 2019, 00:23

andrewjoy wrote: 13 Feb 2019, 12:04 How about aluminium tape ?
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/adhesive ... ium-tapes/

THe surface may be protected with something but you can just rub it off with a scotchbrite

I thought about this, but ultimately I feel it will be too fiddly and time consuming - at that point I may as well buy the Caikote 44.

spongebob1981 wrote: 13 Feb 2019, 13:01 Over here at least, every major city has a place that sells and repairs tv remotes, maybe they can help you. If you look for a place like that (or one that repairs TVs for example) you may have it repaired for a few bucks.

Rule of thumb: the older the technician is, the better.

And, if everything else fails, you can try make your own stuff with powdered graphite (common thing in hardware stores and maybe locksmith shops, as it is used to lubricate locks on doors) and some glue. Never had luck with this but maybe I was just dumb(er) and did it wrong. Of course: test the mix on a piece of cardboard and check for conductivity of a strip you made. Then and only then, apply very carefully on the keyboard with a small brush.

YMMV and Good Luck!

I've never heard of a TV remote repair shop before, and we certainly don't have any where I live. I'm about 2 hours west from Sydney City.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but I've gone ahead and bought the Caikote 44. I hope it wasn't a waste of $40!