A][e Ram & Keyboard issues

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A][e Ram & Keyboard issues

Hello

I have what I believe is standard IIe with just an 80 column, and FD cards

On power up I get the standard Apple II screen. Pressing Ctrl-Reset I get the space bar key repeating. If I press another key then that key repeats.

If I dosconnect the keyboard, and power up I get RAM: in the upper left corrner, and the self test never finishes.

Suggestions of fixes?

Thanks

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The self test will not

The self test will not complete with the keyboard disconnected, that is normal.  I would start first by cleaning the keyboard and making sure all of the socketed chips on your motherboard are properly seated.  If that doesn't help then start on the next level of diagnosis.

 

 

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Thanks for sudh a quik reply!

Thanks for sudh a quik reply!

 The keyboard was washed and cleaned, retro brited, washed, dryed, washed again, air dryed 2 days. (it was very yellow!!)

I have just reseated all th IC's and still get the same result.

I get the same RAM: message when the keyboard is connected after I press Ctlr OPen closed Apple key Reset.

I know this selftest is very basic, but I think it should pass this first, correct?

what might the next steps be?

Again thanks for the help.

 

 

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Last seen: 14 min 20 sec ago
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The reset and open & closed

The reset and open & closed Apple keys are hardwired, they don't go through the keyboard encoder.  If you have an issue with keys repeating like they are stuck, and the keyboard itself isn't the culprit your encoder chip may be bad.  Anyway, my suggestion would be to download the PDFs for the repair manuals you can find here (towards the bottom of the page) and follow their guides:

 

http://commodore.bombjack.org/apple/apple-books.htm

 

 

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KLund1 wrote:  The keyboard

[quote=KLund1]

 

 The keyboard was washed and cleaned, retro brited, washed, dryed, washed again, air dryed 2 days. (it was very yellow!!)

 

[/quote]

Repeating keys as you described them are the result of liquid shorting out one of the key-switches.  Basically, there's liquid still trapped in one of the switches and the computer thinks that the key is being led down as a result.  I had the same problem with mine when I cleaned it.  The problem will likely go away once the switches are fully dried out.  If you want to accelerate that, I would try using some alcohol on the affected keys, as it will dilute the water and make them dry out faster.  

Also, it is a good idea to press the keys every so often while they dry to prevent any oxidation buildup that could cause them to stop working altogether.

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