keyboard keys

From: Lawrence LeMay <lemay_at_cs.umn.edu>
Date: Fri Nov 19 16:41:12 1999

I'm restoring a TRS-80 model 1, 16K level II basic, cassette tape version
(though I dont have a cassette tape player yet, just lots of tape software).

Anyways, every key seems to have keybounce problems. These keys are the kind
with a rectangular tube which, when depressed, allows two contacts (one flat
and one with about 4 prongs) to come into contact with each other. There is
a strange mustard-like substance in each key in various places near the
contacts.

I'm wondering if this yellow stuff is supposed to be there, ie, is it some
sort of conductive rust preventative? Is it supposed to be the color of old
mustard, or has it seriously decayed in the past 21+ years?

Suggestions on how to properly clean/refurbish this to near-new condition
would be appreciated.

-Lawrence LeMay
Received on Fri Nov 19 1999 - 16:41:12 GMT