Issues with keyboard (1989 Datacomp DFK192)

[Aran.E99]

Hi everyone,

Today I got a Datacomp DFK192 in what looks to be good condition. As it turns out, it appears to be dead. I have tried all 3 protocols (labelled with numbers) but am pretty sure the "30" marking is AT compatible (IBM model 30?) and this does not work.
What is happening:
-The keyboard is not registered on boot ("Keyboard not detected!")
-sometimes, the LEDs sporadically turn on and off (happened twice, sometimes the lights come on and stay on)
I have tried:
-Checking continuity on cable (good). I am pretty sure the cable is original and have confirmed it is wired correctly for the keyboard.
-Checking for shorts on the controller-side (good, I think - I did find one short but still have the same problem)
-Unplugging and plugging while on (works for my Monterey but not for this)
-Visually assessing the board (caps look fine but I cannot guarantee they are and will only replace them if it could be the cause)
-Connecting it to my XT-USB converter and changing protocols does nothing.
-Connecting to a different PC

The keyboard has possibly been repaired previously as some traces have been scraped between most likely to fix a poorly soldered joint. The oscillator looks somewhat out of place and looks to have been reflowed but it might be normal or maybe a replacement that isn't correct?. I can add some pictures if anyone thinks it could help.

I don't want to accept the fact that the board is dead because its so damn nice. Any help is greatly appreciated as always.

Thanks!

[Aran.E99]

Swapped the electrolytic caps out and still the same result - it's not looking too good for the keyboard at this point.

[abrahamstechnology]

With some effort you could replace the controller with a Teensy++, but it would be USB-only from then on.

[Aran.E99]

I think this might be the best solution if nothing else works. It's going to be hard to do though. I think I might try and replace the oscillator first but I can't find any references for what type to use as there is pretty much one picture showing the controller up close.

[Aran.E99]

I've done some testing today with a DMM and discovered that all the pins on the ICs are grounded. Not sure if it's normal (pretty sure it's not) so I tested another keyboard (that works) and that isn't the case. In other words, I think the keyboard is pretty fucked.

[abrahamstechnology]

Controller replacement then?

[Aran.E99]

looks that way, when I get time I might trace out the matrix and see what I can do with it but that sadly won't be for a good while.