STeSearcher Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 The 1200xl case I got today still has the motherboard in it. Since it was cheap and AS IS, I was happy to get just the case and keyboard. But much to my amazement, it has a Rev A motherboard in it and I am playing Frogger on it now!! $30!!! The keyboard is not so smurfy. When I turn it on with no cartridge, it burps the blue screen and then I get the rainbow Atari logo. What key brings up the self test???? (I know there is no BASIC in it) I have removed the RF shields and have looked the keyboard over and it *seems* fine, but obviously there is something amiss. Any suggestions on reviving the keyboard?? Will an 800XL keyboard fit?? I know the function keys won't work but it would be nice to know if there is a MB problem or just a zapped keyboard. It's been probably 4 years since I had my Atari stuff out. So I am a bit rusty on the ins and outs. My nice minty 1200 is still in the box in storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rybags Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Nice score... there's a few threads around re fixing XL keyboards. IIRC, press HELP during powerup to bring the Self-Test up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STeSearcher Posted August 5, 2010 Author Share Posted August 5, 2010 Nice score... there's a few threads around re fixing XL keyboards. IIRC, press HELP during powerup to bring the Self-Test up. Yeah, I made my peace with the search function and finally found the sticky at the top of the section (oops) and immediately took the keyboard apart. I had found that if I pressed really hard on the keys, I could make them work. The self test comes back good on everything except the keys. I see that the keyboard fix topic mentions "Goof Off", I have "Goo Gone" isn't that mostly the same thing?? I worked on removing the mylar briefly but the white plastic film wanted to come off so I stopped for tonight. I guess I just have to work it off of there as best as I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillC Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 This problem appears to affect all 1200XL keyboards if not used regularly. Corrosion/oxidation builds up on the contacts which causes the keys to stop working unless it it removed. This thread has links to cleaning/repair procedures The 1200xl case I got today still has the motherboard in it. Since it was cheap and AS IS, I was happy to get just the case and keyboard. But much to my amazement, it has a Rev A motherboard in it and I am playing Frogger on it now!! $30!!! The keyboard is not so smurfy. When I turn it on with no cartridge, it burps the blue screen and then I get the rainbow Atari logo. What key brings up the self test???? (I know there is no BASIC in it) I have removed the RF shields and have looked the keyboard over and it *seems* fine, but obviously there is something amiss. Any suggestions on reviving the keyboard?? Will an 800XL keyboard fit?? I know the function keys won't work but it would be nice to know if there is a MB problem or just a zapped keyboard. It's been probably 4 years since I had my Atari stuff out. So I am a bit rusty on the ins and outs. My nice minty 1200 is still in the box in storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorgle Posted August 5, 2010 Share Posted August 5, 2010 Be careful not to peel the Mylar from the row of pcb contacts along the bottom edge. I use a paper binder clamp to hold it in place when cleaning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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