Date   : Sat, 17 Jul 1999 16:21:57 +0100
From   : Chris Richardson <chris@...>
Subject: Re: BBC keyswitches

Thanks for the info Mike
I have added your input to the webpage. I have not seen any Masters with
any other type of keyswitch than the two I have already documented. The
search continues...

Maybe I should start a survey of BBC cases too.....

Chris


Mike Tomlinson wrote:
> 
> In article <378D7F70.D8E2F6F9@...>, Chris Richardson
> <chris@...> writes
> 
> >I want to collect together pictures of the different types of keyswitch
> >and keytop used on the Acorn 8 bit machines. I am aware of two types for
> >the Master 128
> 
> The Master had Issue 1 and Issue 2 switched keyboards.  I cannot
> remember the difference between them (changes in the onboard circuit
> IIRC), but am sure the keyswitches were the same.  Acorn then issued a
> new type of keyboard using a membrane which was pretty hideous.
> 
> Working for an Acorn dealer, we found the keyswitches on the Master very
> unreliable.  I formed an opinion that they were particularly sensitive
> to polluted air.
> 
> >and about 5 types for the BBC B. Unfortunately, I have
> >not kept records and can only document 2 types for the BBC.
> 
> I can't remember 5 types, only about 3 or 4.  The type consisting of a
> square white plunger within a black shell were unreliable; the others
> were OK.  Other types were a white switch with an upright prong, a black
> switch with an upright prong, and a black switch with an angled prong.
> 
> Most keyboard faults on the BBC B were caused by hammering the Return
> key during over-enthusiastic games playing, causing the keyboard PCB to
> crack.
> 
> --
> Mike Tomlinson

-- 
Chris Richardson 8-Bit Software
The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library
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