I am looking to replace my ROM 255 Apple //c's keyboard (presently an 820-6509) with a newer ALPS model (658-4087). Will this work without problems ?
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I managed to install a working ALPS keyboard in my ROM 255 Apple //c but unfortunately it didn't solve the problem which I haven't mentioned until now. Basically, I was hoping that a keyboard swap might solve the problem of repeating keys - every key repeats a number of times. I tried cleaning the keys and removing any debris from within the keyboard but this didn't produce any change. Every main key on the keyboard just produces a character that repeats about 10 - 16 times when pressed.
Could this be a problem with the keyboard encoder or something else ?
If the last pressed key repeats a number of times and then stops repeating, it's usually the encoder. If however it repeats forever, it's simply a shorted key in a pressed state (more in this topic: https://www.applefritter.com/content/apple-e-keyboard-board-compatibility)
However if a key if not fully shorted, but provides some resistance because of dirt inside, it can also cause this. More about how to properly clean the keys here: https://www.applefritter.com/comment/102792#comment-102792
Thanks for the replies. It looks like I need a new //c keyboard encoder as every key which is touched once repeats for a short while then stops.
Has anyone tried one of these in a //c ?
https://jcm-1.com/product/jcm-universal-keyboard-encoder/
I should also add that I just upgraded this machine to a ROM4 and ran the self-test diagnostic which showed no problems. Would a problem with the keyboard encoder show up when running the self-test ?
Many people have tried the JCM encoder and I have heard nothing but good things about it.
If however you don't live in North America and find it too expensive with the shipping and everything or want to preserve the retro look I suggest getting a KR9600-PRO from here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000830397007.html. S.Elliott and myself tried one from this particular seller and they both worked flawlessly.
Do not buy an AY-5-3600-PRO from eBay or AliExpress. Unlike the KR9600-PRO they are mostly not factory programmed correctly. More about this here: https://www.applefritter.com/content/ay-5-3600-pro
Unfortunately there is no self-test that can detect a problem with the keyboard encoder.
Thanks for the information. I'll have to get someone I know to work on this as my soldering skills are not that great.