Atari 400

[bar897]

Hi. A few weeks ago I bought an Atari 400 complete for $5.

 

It works, but both shift keys and the function key do not work.

I took the unit apart, vacummed and disconnected and firmly reconnected the keyboard connector and they still won't work.

 

Any ideas? I saw no real damage evident inside the machine.

 

Thanks.

Edited November 22, 2005 by bar897

[Rybags]

The Shift keys (as a group) and the function buttons (as individuals) have their own dedicated lines.

 

Check the ribbon cable for the keyboard. A wipe with some video head cleaner might help.

[bar897]

Well I opened it back up and found the ribbon cable is wrapped in a plastic. I'm not sure I'm supposed to peel that off?

 

I saw there was a bunch of junk on the circuits on the board right near the keyboard connector, so I wiped them off really good.

 

After reassembling, I now find that the system reset key has now given up as well.

I would just buy a new keyboard, but I don't think my parents would want me too bother with the old thing.

 

I was told on another forum that someone here might know how to fix it? Anyone? The computer is useless as I have no cartridges or tapes and I can't even program it because of the broken keys! Help! This is the only vintage computer I've ever owned and I was hoping it would work!

[LYNXGUY]

My best friend had an ATARI 400 and the keys malfunctioned 1 by 1 so he replaced the keyboard which is simple to do and somewhat cheap as well.