5mx Insensitive Space Bar!

[Calbrit]

I have two 5mx machines. One is about 4 years old and the other 2 years old (though it has been only used rarely and is basically as good as new - I keep it as my "boxed back up" for the time ahead when these will be hard to find!). My older machine has the "sticky" tab key problem (you have to push it hard to activate) which has been a known issue on some machines. However, I decided to use my newer machine (I was curious to see if the backlight was brighter than my old unit - there was no perceivable difference in screen clarity or back light performance). The newer machine seems to have stronger key springs than the older machine (which has always required only a relatively light touch to operate) and does not have the "sticky" tab key problem. However, it does have a space bar problem where this only works if the centre of the key is pressed and not (as with the older machine) if this key is pressed anywhere along it's length.

Has anyone any ideas on the cause/cure for this annoying problem (apart from improving my own key striking accuracy!) or whether Psion changed their keyboard from the original 5mx manufacturing specification which cured the tab problem but produced this one instead?

[MikeMcC]

Some users found they had a spacebar which wasn't actually straight. I don't know if this is the problem with yours but, if so, the solution seemed to be to remove the spacebar "keytop" and put in warm water to soften it, then straighten it - but do this at your own risk: :)

[spegru]

For both the space and the tab key problems, you could try removing the keys and cleaning the underneath. This worked for me when I had a similar problem on my S7 - after spilling something sticky onto it!

[nigelp]

I have a newer 5mx and have just experimented with the space key and it works even right to the end with very light touch's. When new do the key pads have any king of lubricant under them to stop corrosion or furring up till they are sold? May be this stuff had gunked up?

[netBookBabe]

Hi Calbrit! Good to see you posting here, welcome to Psion Place.

Julie

[Calbrit]

Thanks Guys, I did remove the key but everything is in mint condition beneath - no dust, no gunk etc. I will try swapping the space bar from the older machine to see if this helps.

[wanman]

I haven't looked at my 5mx for a couple of months now but hasn't the space bar got a small metal bar under it which links it to two pins so that when you press one side it drops down in one straight motion. I shall investigate further tonight.

Re the sticky tab, I had a similar problem so removed all the keys and washed the rubber mat (which makes the contact and acts as the springs for the keys) in a little soapy water. Dried it thoroughly and put it back after carefully wiping the board beneath. Don't forget which order the keys came off in though !!

Si