Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!aplcen!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!ucsd!rutgers!rochester!pt.cs.cmu.edu!o.gp.cs.cmu.edu!andrew.cmu.edu!jh4o+ From: jh4o+@andrew.cmu.edu (Jeffrey T. Hutzelman) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2 Subject: Re: Keys Message-ID: Date: 5 Sep 90 00:49:01 GMT References: <1990Sep04.015133.9552@ddsw1.MCS.COM>, , Organization: Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA Lines: 65 In-Reply-To: Cleaning the Apple IIgs Keyboard This message was posted in response to a message requesting more info about cleaning the keys. Note that while the information contained within is applicable to the Apple IIgs keyboard, it may not apply to other Apple keyboards (Apple //, Mac Plus, or Mac SE/Mac II keyboards) and probably does not apply to any third-party keyboards for the Apple IIgs or Macintosh. The keys themselves are actually fairly simple to remove. Most of the keys can be removed simply by prying them up off of the switches. This is best done starting from the edge and working inward. Several keys, however, require special attention. The Shift (both), Control, Enter, Return, and Keypad-0 keys have a metal bar (described in my post) which makes sure they move straight up and down when pressed. These keys are easiest if you leave them until after the "normal keys" have been removed, and replace them first (see below). The Space Bar also has such a metal bar, and, although I can't remember now if it's any different, it should be pretty self-evident once you get all the other keys off. The Reset key, however, must be left alone for a minute. Each of the keys can be cleaned with soap and water, or whatever you're willing to subject them to. If you decide you need a more powerful cleanser then just soap, I reccommend consulting your Apple dealer or your Apple authorized service center (which may be one and the same). After you are done cleaning the keys, rinse them thouroughly and let the dry OVERNIGHT, face UP (the same way they would sit on the keyboard). This allows the water to drip out of the crevices on the underside of the keys. As long as you have the keys out of the keyboard, clean the area under them with a brush or vacuum cleaner or whatever. Just don't get that area wet; the other side of it is the circuit board. So far, nothing you have done has voided your Apple warranty (as far as I know). If you wish to go any further, however, I would suggest waiting until your warranty runs out (1 year from the date you bought it, if you bought it after January 1, 1990. If you bought it before then, the warranty probably already HAS run out). Anything you do beyond this, you do AT YOUR OWN RISK. I cannot accept any responsibility for whatever you may do. On the underside of the keyboard are three screws. If these are removed, the flat space above the keyboard will come off. This makes it possible to remove the Reset key. It also makes it possible to lift the circuit board (that's EVERYTHING!!) out of the bottom tray of the keyboard. To do this, you have to lift the back portion, as it hooks under the front edge of the keyboard. The curcuit board DOES NOT separate from the metal plate on top unless you remove the screws, which is not a good idea. ("There are no user-serviceable parts inside" :) ) Also, the plastic thing between the numeric keypad and the main keyboard does not come off, although it may be cleaned CAREFULLY without water. After you have removed the circuit board, the plastic tray may be washed. Use the same care you would for the keycaps. Let it dry overnight as well. The next day, you can put everything back together... Place the circuit board back into the bottom tray, being sure to insert the front edge first. Replace the Reset key, and put the flat plastic piece back on top. Then, replace the screws. It is best to replace the "special" keys first; this is discussed in a post I made just a few hours ago. Then, replace the normal keys. They just pop back onto the keycaps; make sure you get them in the right places. Note that the Caps Lock key may take a little work, as it is a latching switch. ----------------- Jeffrey Hutzelman America Online: JeffreyH11 Internet/BITNET: jh4o+@andrew.cmu.edu jhutz@drycas.club.cc.cmu.edu