Space Bar Blues

[chysn]

On a VIC-20 keyboard, what would be the barrier to the space bar working reliably?

It works if I hit it in just the right place (about 3cm [~1 inch] from the left edge), or in other places if I really whack it hard. In other places, it does nothing.

All the other keys actuate as normal. I have not yet disassembled anything.

[srowe]

You don't mention what type of keyboard you have. The conductive pads on the PET style ones can become contaminated with oil, degreasing using ammonia restores them. You might also have dirt on the gold contacts, a wipe with a IPA cleans that off.

[chysn]

You don't mention what type of keyboard you have. The conductive pads on the PET style ones can become contaminated with oil, degreasing using ammonia restores them. You might also have dirt on the gold contacts, a wipe with a IPA cleans that off.

It's a C64-type keyboard with grey function keys. Non-PET, non-Eurostyle, boring-ass concave keys. I'll try the alcohol on the contacts, thanks!

I've got an incomplete keyboard that I might disassemble as a practice run if that doesn't work.

[srowe]

This might be of use

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9gGz2n-sBU

[chysn]

This might be of use

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9gGz2n-sBU

Oh, thanks! Jeff's helped me many times, mostly with Sharp pocket computer stuff.