Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!think.com!unixland!marcotte
From: marcotte@unixland.natick.ma.us (Louis E. Marcotte)
Subject: Repairing a 130XE keyboard
Message-ID: <1991Jun7.030950.7530@unixland.natick.ma.us>
Organization: The Think_Tank BBS & Public Access Unix  (508) 655-3848
Distribution: usa 
Date: Fri, 7 Jun 91 03:09:50 GMT

Recently a particular key on my 130XE keyboard stopped working.
Rather than replace the entire keyboard, I took it apart to
see if I could fix it.  After unscrewing the keyboard (lots
of little tiny screws) I discovered a plastic flexible
membrane with conductive traces on it.  One of the traces
near the key that was not working was flaked off causing an
open circuit.  My solution was to purchase Burglar Alarm
Window Foil conductive tape from Radio Shack (Cat.# 49-502,
120 ft for around $6).  I peeled a small piece of the
conductive tape off and cut it to shape and then applied it
to the open trace effectively "soldering" it together.
Now the key works again.  This technique could be used
to fix any open circuit problems on the keyboard membrane
without having to order new parts.  Hope this helps someone
out there revive an ailing keyboard!!

Lou Marcotte