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Why is my VT510 terminal bleeping when I plug in the LK411-AA keyboard

I know the cause already - I spilled some lemsip drink on the keyboard this morning (got a cold), I have left it to dry over a radiator, but now when I plug it into the VT510 terminal, it bleeps every second.

I expect that I will have to take the keyboard apart, clean up under the keys and clean the electronics.

Is this within the scope of a user with the right tools, and is there a guide with instructions available?

Thank you!

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Who's terminal is it? Wise or NCR are the more popular or do you still have a DEC unit?

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The keyboard is a DEC unit, made in Ireland, connected to a DEC VT510 vdu.

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Wow! I though I was dated still using MS-DOS 3.11 ;-}

So you still have a PDP-11 I'm impressed! WordMate on a green screen is in some ways better than what we have to work with today with GUI based systems.

Sadly I think the smarter move here is just to get a replacement keyboard. You can find them at liquidators for less than $65 US.

Update (03/02/2017)

Don't get me wrong repairing some of these old keyboards is doable, years ago I fixed a few. But some just weren't repairable from what was spilled as well as being so cheaply made.

Stretching back though the cobwebs of my brain if I remember correctly the DEC terminal used a Selectronic keyboard similar to IBM's PS/2 units. The screens on the bottom will gain you access to the paddles and springs which make the connection of the key switch.

Just be careful! As the each keys switch parts are loose after you pull the metal plate off and tend to fly off.

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I was looking to try and fix the keyboard, after all that's what this site is all about.

I use this vdu terminal to log onto clients' micro vax systems via a Hayes modem, to provide system/programming support.

I still have a couple of micro vax computers in my office and PDP-11s in the garage! We don't get bothered by hackers here, and the only viruses are of our own making.

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It doesnt seem like its that hard. If its a membrane keyboard its easy if its mechanical thats a bit more of a challenge but it can still be done. If there are screws on the bottom remove them and try to pull it apart. If it doesnt go check under the label as sometimes there are hidden screws there.

I hope this helps and good luck fixing!

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I completely disassembled the keyboard, it has 4 plastic lugs underneath the cover at the front which need prising away with a screwdriver, then removed the fluff, enough to fill a small pillow.

Underneath the keys there is a rubber mat, and under this, the membrane which was still wet, so I dried this, cleaned everything, put it all back together, and to my surprise the keyboard now works, and is very clean.

Thanks for your help.

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No problem. Glad it worked

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Christopher Trotter will be eternally grateful.
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