Lmst

Big shout out to #BeebleBrox over on #AtariAge for some kind and helpful advice on where to go next with my gorgeous #Atari #130XE with dead console keys.

Thanks to their guidance, I was able to identify my keyboard type and confidently open it up to examine the Mylar membrane. At first glance it looked pristine, but on closer visual inspection and doing continuity checks with a multimeter, I found a break - which someone else had thoughtfully highlighted for me!

I've ordered a new membrane from #Retrohax_de, which seems to be the same https://retronics.eu membrane as sold by https://retrolemon.co.uk.

(The membrane available from https://www.retrofuzion.com appears to be for the rubber dome version, comparing it with the other variant from retrolemon, though they don't say.)

I'd never have figured all this out without the kindness of strangers. Thank you, Beeblebrox. And the mystery person who had inspected this membrane before and highlighted the break!

https://forums.atariage.com/topic/142703-xe-xl-keyboard-troubles/#findComment-5650771

A photo of the Mylar membrane with conductive traces, removed from the Atari 130XE keyboard and resting on a wooden chopping board. At the lower right of the frame, a previous owner has helpfully circled in felt tip pen a dodgy-looking section of trace that leads directly to the contacts for the console keys.

A close up photo of the dodgy length of trace. There's no continuity when I check with a multimeter.

My notes on a screenshot of Atari KEYBOARD TEST, with the unresponsive keys highlighted. My 130XE appears to have the version of the utility built for the 1200XL, which had four additional function keys not available on any other Atari 8-bit.

Once you realize that #Trump is just #Zaphod #Beeblebrox and not the real president everything makes a lot more sense. He's just a really mean and cruel version as opposed to a whimsical troublemaker. Everyting Trump does is there to distract you from the important stuff thats happening systemically to destroy America. #Putin and #Elon are the real presidents.

At least President of the Galaxy Z. Beeblebrox didn‘t actually try to govern.
#president #prescient #beeblebrox

#Beeblebrox

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