3 Dec
2015
3 Dec
'15
10:27 a.m.
On Thu, Dec 3, 2015 at 1:05 PM, Ali <cctalk at fahimi.net> wrote:
So I got my hands on an HP 88780 1/2" Tape
Drive...
The bad news:
Some of the front panel buttons are not working. Running test 72 shows
failure in the unload/rewind and online buttons. Luckily it seems to be a
mechanical problem. If I short the switch on the circuit board then the test
passes. The switches are mechanical push buttons that are soldered on so
should be easy to replace. Anyone know of a good or OEM equivalent
replacement? If need be I can get pictures of the buttons off the PCB.
I have been recently cleaning and testing an HP 7980A. I also had
problems with some of the mechanical buttons, verified with TEST 72.
I was able to clean most of them with contact cleaner and agitation,
but the ONLINE button was stubborn. I ended up replacing it with a
generic 2-pin tactile switch. I do not know where to get OEM switches
of this exact type - they are somewhat taller than cheap tactile
switches, and appear to have a solid conductive rubber button/pad
instead of a plastic top and metal internals. My defective button has
a closed resistance measuring in multiple K ohms.
I would also love to hear of a source of replacement buttons of the
original style.
-ethan