🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4h6mhj$gl@bright.ecs.soton.ac.uk>,
   mrd@ecs.soton.ac.uk (Mark Dobie) wrote:
>In <3135B9DE.2718BB8F@ecs.soton.ac.uk> Tim Chown <tjc@ecs.soton.ac.uk> 
writes:
>
>>Just buy a new keyboard, it's less than 30 quid for a good one,
>>and cheaper if you're not that fussed.  An hour of your time
>>plus materials will not be that different in cost, and you get
>>brand new contacts/etc.
>
>What a waste! Its not like there's a keyboard recycling bin down the
>local computer shop or anything...
>
>Just because they're cheap doesn't mean we can dump them everywhere!
>
>
>				Mark
>
CLEANING OF THE DIGITAL TACTIVE INPUT PERIPHERAL:

(a) Pluck off the keys with a chip puller, a foreceps or a paper clip bent 
into an  appropriate too.  Set the keys in a solution of detergent to soak 
while cleaning the keyboard.  Rinse and dry after a few hours.
(b) Vacuum over the keyboard with a brush attachment.  If you have a key 
that's sticking inject a little 90-100% alcohol into the key switch.  Work the 
key several times, then vacuum the excess alaohol out.  Use a 'crevice' tool 
for this.
(c) Try the keyboard again.  If you still have sticking keys you may have to 
dissasemble the keyboard.  How involved this becomes depends upon the 
particular keyboard.  If it's a good keyboard it might be worth a try.
(d) If you aren't particularly attached to this keyboard you might want to try 
the quick and dirty method.  Pour a warm solution of diswashing detergent and 
water over the keyboard.  Work the keys.  Then Shake as much solution as you 
can out of the keyboard.  Then run clean water over the keyboard while working 
the keys.  After two or three minutes of this shake as much water as you can 
out of the keyboard again and set it on end to dry, preferably in warm sun.  
Let it dry at least two days, longer if not in warm, dry sun.
(e) Then try the keyboard again.
(f) Replace the keys if it works OK.

notes:

	A diagnostic utility like "Checkit" is useful for detecting sitcking 
or non-contacting keys.  Also, some systems have a diagnostic built into the 
CMOS BIOS that will test the keyboard.
	Be careful to remove all loose parts on the keyboard prior to 
vacuuming.  Some small plastic or metal clips are just hanging on and will 
just be sucked right up.  Also, some of the larger keys (ENTER, SPACE) are 
tricky to remove & replace.  It might be better to leave them on.