New 800XL Keyboard dead already?

[Syfo-Dyas]

So I had my 800XL sitting on to the side. I had ordered a new keyboard for it from B&C about a month or two ago and it all worked fine, but today when I boot it up, the cursor runs down the screen and no buttons seem to be pressed nor do they work, though I can reset the machine and if I boot while holding ESC, the cursor does not begin scrolling until I let go of it.

 

I have not dropped this or spilled anything on it, the only thing I did do was plug in a Sega Master System track ball to see if it would work with it. Could that have fried something on the keyboard per chance?

[atariksi]

So I had my 800XL sitting on to the side. I had ordered a new keyboard for it from B&C about a month or two ago and it all worked fine, but today when I boot it up, the cursor runs down the screen and no buttons seem to be pressed nor do they work, though I can reset the machine and if I boot while holding ESC, the cursor does not begin scrolling until I let go of it.

 

I have not dropped this or spilled anything on it, the only thing I did do was plug in a Sega Master System track ball to see if it would work with it. Could that have fried something on the keyboard per chance?

 

You can go to the keyboard self-test and see if any key is pressed down. Maybe the break key is pressed down (jammed). Break key's handler gets set after the other keys I think.

[Marius]

This issue can be caused by different things:

 

1. A stuck Return key

 

2. A stuck Control + Arrow down

 

3. Some solder or other unwanted iron contacts on your motherboard.

 

4. software/OS problems

 

5. bad ram

 

 

Does your computer boot?

Are you able to type other things through that scrolling cursor?

 

does it stop when you move the computer?

 

Greetz

Marius

[Rybags]

The only real direct relation between controller ports and keyboard is that the paddles also get processed by Pokey.

 

Break key doesn't repeat, but it's on the same row or column as some keys but not RETURN.

 

Return key sounds most likely - cursor key would wrap around plus you'd need CTRL stuck too.

 

But agreed, it could well be a problem with the key contacts or circuitry.

 

 

Holding another key just means Pokey will ignore both until only one is pressed.

[Bryan]

Try unplugging the keyboard and see if it still happens?

[sloopy]

do you hear the key press sound repeated with the cursor going down? trying (as mentioned above) the machine without the keybaord attached, and see if it manifests itself too...

 

sloopy.

[+orpheuswaking]

You didn't try and solder anything on that board did you?

[OldAtarian]

This is going to be the problem with buying any parts for such old computers. Even if they are new, unopened, there's no guarantee that they are still going to work after all this time or for how long. After going through all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, I'd get back to the seller and let them know it's not working.

[+wood_jl]

This is going to be the problem with buying any parts for such old computers. Even if they are new, unopened, there's no guarantee that they are still going to work after all this time or for how long. After going through all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, I'd get back to the seller and let them know it's not working.

 

This is true - about buying parts for old computers. However, this keyboard issue is unusual for the 800XL. I'd expect this of a 1200XL and to a lesser degree, 130XE. Original poster: Do you have another 800XL to swap keyboards with to try?

 

I decided if I'm going to be in this hobby, I'm going to just have to keep spares, not only for parts, but for swapping/testing. This is one reason I decided to limit my retro-computing interest to the Atari computers. I don't have space to maintain a junkyard for all the different brands I was trying (and having problems with), but I am willing to maintain an Atari junkyard. Think about starting your own Atari junkyard; keep your eyes open for cheap machines on these forums and Ebay auctions with few/no bids.

Edited November 23, 2010 by wood_jl

[+orpheuswaking]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

[sloopy]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

 

lining your victims up, orph? ;')

 

i dont even have that many machines for parts...

 

sloopy.

[sloopy]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

 

lining your victims up, orph? ;')

 

i dont even have that many machines for parts...

 

sloopy.

[+orpheuswaking]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

 

lining your victims up, orph? ;')

 

i dont even have that many machines for parts...

 

sloopy.

 

This is what comes from buying bulk lots for the software.

[sloopy]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

 

lining your victims up, orph? ;')

 

i dont even have that many machines for parts...

 

sloopy.

 

This is what comes from buying bulk lots for the software.

 

riiiight, for the software... and i read that magazine for the articles.. ;')

 

sloopy.

[mimo]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

only one 600xl! shame on you

[+wood_jl]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

 

That looks pretty neat! But I noticed the 2nd 800XL in from the left (past the 600XL) needs retr0brite rather badly. Shame on you.

[+orpheuswaking]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

 

That looks pretty neat! But I noticed the 2nd 800XL in from the left (past the 600XL) needs retr0brite rather badly. Shame on you.

 

 

old photo... See here!

[mimo]

ok now I am envious !

[Syfo-Dyas]

I can not access the keyboard test because of this issue, but I did press all the keys and none of them seem stuck or anything to that effect. I was just using it a couple weeks ago if that and they were fine. The Computer had been sitting in a nice safe area so nothing could have fallen on it or anything to that effect.

 

I went ahead and removed the keyboard from my dead 600xl that I bought off ebay for $10.50 shipping and all, and low and behold, everything works fine again!

I presume it has something to do with the contacts in this case and that's not something I'm willing to try to fix my self, but if anyone else is good at this sort of thing, perhaps they'd be interested in having a look? Assuming B&C does not accept it back of course. Like I said, I bought it about a month ago so...

 

In regards to using a Sega Master System track ball with the Atari 8-bit...

 

...well the 1 button works, but button 2 and the ball have no effect what so ever. Bummer, tis a very nice track ball, the best I've ever owned I believe.

[+orpheuswaking]

If you do start a junkyard at least keep it not looking like junk... Keep it neat

 

But seriously, if you ca't get it working I may be able to trade a KB with you so you can at least see if it's the KB or something in your machine

 

only one 600xl! shame on you

 

two actually... The third and forth were sold

[qix_maniac]

I have 2 atari 800xl with bad keyboards myself. Where can I get replacements for cheapest possible?

 

One keyboard works perfect except the #2 and delete keys are gone...

The second system the keyboard reset button does not work...drives me crazy!

 

Any advise?

[Syfo-Dyas]

Here's my list

 

http://starwarslegacy.net/Atari.aspx

 

I personally go through B&C usually.