Colin Piggot <quazar@...> writes: > > Spent a bit more time on this today, and a few emails to Rwap... > > Warren wrote: > > No worries! I'd have probably seen them on ebay anyway, and tried > > one, given the problems I've had in the past with my membrane. > > > > Pity the guy making them, didn't produce a test one first and at least > > contact somebody with a SAM to try it. > > I've done more testing, the new membrane does seem to have some issues with > regards to the actuation force - take it out the SAM keyboard assembly and > it works, but when fitted in the keyboard unless you batter the keys it > doesn't register. Also, I have also noticed holding the new membrane against > an old one is that when I line up the circular contact pads at one edge I > can then see at the far end of the new membrane the contacts are out by > about 2mm horizontally, that will also add further problems to the actuation > of them. > > The membrane I have is now packaged up to get sent off for a refund.... > > Colin > ===== > Quazar : Hardware, Software, Spares and Repairs for the SAM Coupé > 1995-2011 - Celebrating 17 Years of developing for the SAM Coupé > Website: http://www.samcoupe.com/ > >
I have only just come across this discussion thread and have to apologise for the issues with these replacement keyboard membranes. I am surprised that no-one got in touch with me to raise the problem before Colin emailed me, as this would have helped get the issue addressed several months ago! As soon as Colin raised the issue, I took the decision to remove the Sam Coupe keyboard membranes from sale. I have now acquired a Sam Coupé and been able to verify the issue and am in discussions with the keyboard membrane manufacturer who seems as perplexed as me as to what is causing the issue (they now have the keyboard from my Sam Coupé). We have identified that elongating one of the locating holes can help with the problem, but the fact that the keys on the QWERTY... and ASDF... rows are smaller than the other rows does not help! I admit that I did not have a Sam Coupé when I ordered the membrane, howevere, the manufacturer has many years experience of making keyboard membranes, and the others which they have provided have worked brilliantly without any problems (including ones for the Enterprise 64, Z88 and ZX Spectrum - remember that they have never used or seen these machines either!). Once the results of the investigations are complete and a solution found, I will make an announcement - however, in the meantime, if anyone wants to return the keyboard membrane to me for a refund, that is not a problem Rich Mellor www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
