Compaq Portable Restoration-Part 2
The 8-Bit Guy・2 minutes read
The text discusses the restoration of a Compaq portable focusing on fixing the keyboard by cleaning and retrobriting keys, replacing pads, and cleaning the case with caution on water temperature. Various issues with the motherboard, video card, RAM, floppy drive, and keyboard are addressed through a detailed process of cleaning, retrobriting, and replacing pads to restore functionality.
Insights
- The restoration process of the Compaq portable primarily focused on getting the keyboard working by cleaning and retrobriting keys, replacing pads, and ensuring proper assembly, highlighting the intricate steps involved in refurbishing vintage computer components.
- Despite encountering various technical issues such as malfunctioning keys, faulty pads, and internal drive problems, the restoration project successfully addressed each issue through meticulous cleaning, replacement of components, and professional repair assistance, emphasizing the importance of patience and attention to detail in restoring vintage technology.
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Recent questions
How can I restore a Compaq portable keyboard?
By cleaning keys, replacing pads, and retrobriting.
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Summary
00:00
Restoring Compaq Portable: Keyboard Troubleshooting and Restoration
- Problems with motherboard, video card, RAM, floppy drive, and keyboard in Compaq portable restoration.
- Focus on getting the keyboard working by cleaning and retrobriting keys, replacing pads, and cleaning the case.
- Use a key puller to remove keys, store springs separately, and clean keys individually.
- Keys need retrobriting, caution on water temperature (130-140 degrees Fahrenheit), and no specific amount of peroxide needed.
- Clean plastic pieces with baking soda, remove old pads with a tool, and rinse keys after retrobriting.
- Explanation of keyboard pads' structure and function, attempt to make new pads with foam, emergency blanket, and stencil sheet.
- Adhesive used for new pads fails, pre-made pads received from TexElec, and installation process explained.
- Mistake made in the order of reassembling keyboard, transistor grease applied, and internal floppy drive issue encountered.
- Internal floppy drive temporarily replaced, keyboard keys not functioning properly, cleaning debris from pads, and identifying the issue with keys not working.
- Gunk and debris from workbench affecting keyboard functionality, leading to keys not working properly.
12:16
Restoring computer with Kevin from TexElec
- Cleaning the pads and PCB with alcohol and canned air to remove debris and ensure proper contact for capacitance.
- Replacing faulty pads with spares to restore functionality, followed by repair work on the disk drive and motherboard by Kevin from TexElec.
- Installing XT-IDE interface, mounting a compact flash reader, cleaning the keyboard and panels with wet baking soda, and removing decorative string to complete the restoration of the computer.
