That is a pretty indepth process for what I am trying to tackle but good to know that it is possible. I mean most things are with enough time, effort and knowledge.
I had seen keycaps for other systems and had hoped there was an easy solution. I already have the FDM printer so that wasn’t the concern. I do appreciate the information and if I need to go down that path now or in the future it is a possibility. Thank you -Ryan > On Nov 12, 2025, at 10:20 AM, David Szasz <[email protected]> wrote: > > Ryan: > > I'm retired now. But back in my days as an industrial designer I would have > pried-off the space bar from a M102 and make an RTV mold of the key (that's > room temperature vulcanized rubber) Then I would have used auto body filler > to cast as many of the keys as needed. There are many tutorials on how to do > this online. As a student in the early 80's I worked in the model shop of the > old DEC (Digital Electronics Corp) and that's how it was done for a model of > a special sized key, as this would be. > Two part molds with a cavity and core as this would be are possible with this > method. I try to avoid 3D printing because of the toxic fumes and chemical > waste in the process. RTV molds are a silicone rubber (so it's somewhat > unreactive) so in that process the fumes are mostly from the casting compound > used in the mold. > > This method saves having to create a 3d model of said key yourself. Gain > access to a 3d printer (unless you already have one, or access to one) etc... > and the other direct overhead costs. As for the RTV mold itself it can be > cast in a simple cardboard box you make yourself. So the costs are minimal. > There are also non-toxic casting compounds used by dentists, (of all people) > that are ideal though somewhat costly as a material for the mold. I prefer > the method used by dentists to cast tooth related stuff, it's good for small > parts. > > If you insist on a 3D print you could pry-off the space bar from the m102. > Then measure and create a 3d model of the key. From there export an STL file > and send it to a vendor, there are many to choose from. Let the vendor deal > with the cost and upkeep of the 3d printer, fumes and waste. The main types > of 3D printing are material extrusion (FDM) used in most hobby 3d printers , > vat polymerization (SLA, DLP), and powder bed fusion (SLS, SLM, DMLS). As > you may observe one could make the mold in a 3d printer and use it to cast as > many keys as needed in a casting material with properties of your choice. > > Regards > DS > > > On Wed, Nov 12, 2025 at 8:01 AM Ryan Stapleton <[email protected]> wrote: > Hello All, > > I have recently picked up a 100 that is missing a space bar and I assume the > spring based on what looks like a place for one. > > Is there a place to get spare parts? 3D print the space bar? Other ideas? > > The 100 seems to work fine and I have removed the battery (was just starting > to look and didn’t see anything on the motherboard). > > I am pretty new to the Tandy 100/102 world. Got my first a month ago (102) > and now a 100. > > I appreciate any help finding a space bar or some way to make a space bar. > > Thank you > -Ryan >
