on 10/10/00 9:00 PM, Greg at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I have been reading this list in Digest mode for a while and have
> learned a thing or two. I recently noticed the subject of cleaning duo
> keyboards has come up. I have owned a Duo 250 and now a 280c and have
> had great success cleaning the keys such that they have become my
> favorite keyboards. Below is something I had written some time ago
> about my technic. It really does work well. I hope someone else with
> sticky will try it and see. Incidentally, I don't know what revision
> either of my keyboards are as I only learned tonight from this list how
> to tell.
> -------------
>
> I have read a lot of comments on the quality of powerbook keyboards. I
> have also read articles about cleaning the electrical contacts on the
> keyboards. One thing I haven't read about is a way to make the keys work
> smoothly.
>
> When I got my used Duo-250 the keys required a forceful tap as they
> seemed to be a bit sticky. I popped out a key to examine and realized it
> is just a plastic peg sliding in a plastic hole. I can understand how
> this combination can have some friction.
>
> I used a trick I learned some time ago for making plastic surfaces
> slick. I used a Q-tip to apply a small amount of Silicone caulk or
> silicone glue to the key post and also to the inside of the hole it
> slides in. I immediately used another Q-tip to remove the smeared-on
> silicon as best as possible. Apply the silicone very sparingly and wipe
> it thoroughly. Pop the key back into its hole and it's smooth as silk.
>
> I did this to my Duo-250 and it is still just as slick as the night I
> did it in February 1999. It is time consuming (took about 4 hours to do
> the whole keyboard) but it is a solution to the problem at least for the
> type of keyboard on my Duo-250. Be sure to have plenty of Q-tips,
> remembering that the whole idea is to remove all the silicone except a
> microscopic film.
>
> I realize that using silicone ''adhesive'' sounds wrong but it just
> ain't so! Try this... apply some silicone caulk or adhesive to some
> plastic item then wipe it off with a rag, thoroughly. You will notice
> that the plastic item stays slick even after wiping it off. It does not
> get sticky.
>
> Greg
Crap. I tried this method but thank God I stopped after the first row of
keys! I applied too much silicone and now the keys work, but they take a
while to pop back up after being depressed. I guess I'm going to try it
again with the rest of the keys, but this time, I'll wipe off ALL the
silicone...
----------
Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net!
A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables.
FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml>
Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400>
To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
----------
Dr. Bott | Great Duo & 2400 stuff including 10/100 Ethernet for 2400s!
Dr. Bott | Duo Batts too <http://www.drbott.com/prod/alist/duo.html>
NineWire | If they are cool enough to host this list...
Digital Solutions | ...you should check them out! http://www.NineWire.com/
PowerBook Guy is | Click here!
Everything PowerBook! | http://www.powerbookguy.com
Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com>
After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][
MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879!
Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
