Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
14
Time Required
10 - 15 minutes
Sections
4
- Toggle Indicator Tab
- 2 steps
- Backplate
- 5 steps
- Key Switch
- 5 steps
- Frontplate
- 2 steps
Flags
0
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Introduction
This task will involve the use of a spudger, Phillips #00 screwdriver, and a soldering workstation. This replacement should be done extremely carefully to avoid injury from the soldering iron. Replacement of the front plate may be required from an accidental spill or broken keys.
Before replacement of the front plate make sure you review and apply the actions in the troubleshooting guide to ensure that your keyboard is not functioning properly.
What you need
Step 1
Toggle Indicator Tab
- Locate the toggle indicator tab on the top right corner of the keyboard.
Locate the toggle indicator tab on the top right corner of the keyboard.
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Step 2
- Insert the metal spudger or some other separating instrument into the right crevasse between the tab and the keyboard.
- Lift up gently on the tab, while holding the left side of the tab down.
- The tab can spring upwards upon removal. Eye protection is recommended during this step.
Insert the metal spudger or some other separating instrument into the right crevasse between the tab and the keyboard.
Lift up gently on the tab, while holding the left side of the tab down.
The tab can spring upwards upon removal. Eye protection is recommended during this step.
Step 3
Backplate
- Flip the keyboard over so that the backplate is facing you.
Flip the keyboard over so that the backplate is facing you.
Step 4
- Remove the rubber feet on the four corners of the backplate.
- When reassembling, use an adhesive to reattach the feet. A silicone rubber adhesive is recommended.
Remove the rubber feet on the four corners of the backplate.
When reassembling, use an adhesive to reattach the feet. A silicone rubber adhesive is recommended.
Step 5
- Remove the specified keycaps as depicted in the image.
Remove the specified keycaps as depicted in the image.
Step 6
- Remove all Philips #0 screws from the new openings created after removing the rubber feet and plastic tab.
Remove all Philips #0 screws from the new openings created after removing the rubber feet and plastic tab.
Step 7
- Separate the backplate from the keyboard using your hands.
Separate the backplate from the keyboard using your hands.
Step 8
Key Switch
- Identify the key switch to be replaced.
- Remove its keycap by carefully prying it off of the keyboard with your fingers.
Identify the key switch to be replaced.
Remove its keycap by carefully prying it off of the keyboard with your fingers.
Step 9
- Flip the keyboard over to face the PCB.
- Identify the corresponding switch to be removed.
Flip the keyboard over to face the PCB.
Identify the corresponding switch to be removed.
Step 10
- Plug in and turn on your soldering iron.
- Do not touch the metal end of the soldering iron while it is powered on. Allow the soldering iron to cool before stowing it away.
Plug in and turn on your soldering iron.
Do not touch the metal end of the soldering iron while it is powered on. Allow the soldering iron to cool before stowing it away.
Step 11
- Melt the solder surrounding the four pins of the switch’s LED, and the two lower pins of the switch body.
- To remove the melted solder, use a desoldering iron, a desoldering pump, or desoldering braid.
- The exposed switch pins are susceptible to damage from the soldering iron. Avoid applying heavy pressure to mitigate pin bending.
Melt the solder surrounding the four pins of the switch’s LED, and the two lower pins of the switch body.
To remove the melted solder, use a desoldering iron, a desoldering pump, or desoldering braid.
The exposed switch pins are susceptible to damage from the soldering iron. Avoid applying heavy pressure to mitigate pin bending.
Step 12
- Using a spudger or another metallic instrument, firmly press down upon the exposed plastic of the switch. This will separate the switch from the rest of the keyboard.
- If the switch’s pins will not separate from the keyboard’s PCB, continue applying the soldering iron to the pins to melt any residual solder.
Using a spudger or another metallic instrument, firmly press down upon the exposed plastic of the switch. This will separate the switch from the rest of the keyboard.
If the switch’s pins will not separate from the keyboard’s PCB, continue applying the soldering iron to the pins to melt any residual solder.
Step 13
Frontplate
- Desolder and separate every key switch from the keyboard.
- The keyboard microcontrollers should remain on the PCB and should not be desoldered.
Desolder and separate every key switch from the keyboard.
The keyboard microcontrollers should remain on the PCB and should not be desoldered.
Step 14
- Separate the frontplate from the keyboard PCB using your hands.
- Set the PCB aside upon the backplate.
Separate the frontplate from the keyboard PCB using your hands.
Set the PCB aside upon the backplate.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Note that when reattaching the switches back onto the keyboard PCB, the switches need to be held in place behind the keyboard while soldering.
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Author
with 3 other contributors
Zachary Lapalme
Member since: 10/25/2022
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Team
UMass Dartmouth, Team 5-2, Sinclaire Fall 2022
Member of UMass Dartmouth, Team 5-2, Sinclaire Fall 2022
UMASSD-SINCLAIRE-F22S5G2
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