The following message is of sufficient interest to SOL and Altair-era listers that I'm forwarding it without asking its original poster; while perhaps not perfect netiquette, I'm hoping the list has no rule banning it. -dq From: Charles Eicher <ceicher(a)inav.net> Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Subject: Wanted: old Sun5 keyboard for Sol-20 restoration parts Date: 5 Mar 2002 13:31:26 -0800 Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com Lines: 23 Message-ID: <a63dfe0101p(a)drn.newsguy.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: p-479.newsdawg.com X-Newsreader: Direct Read News 2.91 Path: news.iglou.com!uunet!ash.uu.net!news-out.visi.com!hermes.visi.com!nycmny1-snh1 .gtei.net!cpk-news-hub1.bbnplanet.com!news.gtei.net!newsfeed.cwix.com!wn2feed! wn3feed!worldnet.att.net!209.155.233.17!pln-w!spln!dex!extra.newsguy.com!newsp .newsguy.com!drn Xref: news-incoming.iglou.com alt.folklore.computers:264561 I am searching for keyboard parts for restoration of a vintage microcomputer, my Sol-20. In some recent research, I've learned that the Sun5 keyboard contains the type of keyboard contact pads that are used in the Sol. I've found a place that will sell used Sun5 keyboards for $15 plus shipping, but I figure somebody in the alt.folklore.computers readership might have an old Sun5 keyboard sitting around they might part with cheaply, since this is for a good cause. I haven't torn apart my Sol kbd yet, but it is well known that this keyboard used foam contact pads that deteriorated with age, so most Sol CPUs function but cannot be used because there's no keyboard input. You can replace the foam pads and they keyboard will work, but the trick is finding the pads. There are many Keytronics keyboards that use these foam pads, but I've been unable to locate any on the local surplus market. I should be able to pick this up cheaper than $15+shipping, but it looks like I'll have to order a used Sun5 kbd and it will set me back $25. All this for $0.50 worth of foam pads that I could cannibalize of Sol kbd restoration parts has disappeared, I heard he's having financial difficulty. Bummer. So if anyone has a spare Sun5 keyboard, or other keyboard that might contain suitable foam-pad parts for cannibalization, please email me at ceicher(a)inav.net and I will be eternally grateful. My Sol will be happy too.