Boyd Ramsay Wrote:
> It might help to borrow a "real" PS/2 keyboard, but I suspect that the
fault (or faults) is on the motherboard - probably a bad >joint at the
connector or a damaged keyboard chip (may be integrated into the chipset if
it is not a 40-pin "aircraft carrier" >chip near the connector.) Also look
for a "pico" fuse between them. It should look like a blank 1/4 Watt
resistor, with a >marking like "2A" on it. Use a low-voltage ohmmeter or
"beeper" continuity checker to find and test it. Also check continuity
>through the adapter and cable to the keyboard (where the cable connects
inside the the keyboard.)
>With a little luck, you will have to resolder/repair/replace the connector
or fuse. With worse luck, you can probably get a >replacement keyboard
chip from Dell.
Wow! Your reply (dated Oct. 4) must have come the long way! Talk about your
snail mail!
Thanks for the tips, they were pretty logical. Unfortunately, it's turned
out to be somewhat of a dead end and I've had to move on. What I discovered
was:
On the Dell 333P, the keyboard chip is a square package soldered to the
mainboard. At the location where the chip should have been was an empty
space on the board with solder filled holes. This was a puzzle since the
computer came to me surplus but fully assembled with all wires and
connectors - connected. The questions were:
"Did Dell revise the board and integrate the function into the chipset (as
you mentioned)?"
Dell said "No, there have been no revisions" and
"There are no keyboard chips available for this model"
"Was there ever a keyboard chip in there?"
I don't know - The question poses two possibilities:
One - There never was a keyboard chip in there and this computer has
existed without functioning since 1990.
Two - Someone disassembled the computer, removed the mainboard, carefully
and professionally unsoldered the chip, then reassembled the computer,
connecting all the hardware and wires and installed the case.
Right now the computer sits, minus power supply (installed in another Dell
- a 486) waiting for me to do the next logical thing - dump it. There are
few scavengable parts as Dell's slim line case required integrated ports
and most everything else is proprietary.
Too bad but "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em"
Time to fold 'em.
Dave
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