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    P-7811FX Zif Connector Keyboard broke - need help

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by haze10, Jul 10, 2012.

  1. haze10

    haze10 Notebook Enthusiast

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    My keyboard wore out and I was replacing it, which I have done once before. When I went to release the zif connector which connects the keyboard ribbon cable - the toggle piece broke in two and came out of the holder.

    This connector is on the main motherboard so I dread the thought of having to replace the whole motherboard.

    Does anyone know if there is a method to repair the connector, or is there a service company that will replace it at a reasonable cost.

    All suggestions appreciated.

    I managed to press the two pieces back in, but not sure if its right, some of the keys still don't register.
     
    haze10, Jul 10, 2012
    #1
  2. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    Not sure where you live but there may be a local electronics store or computer repair shop that can handle it. I am not talking Geek Squad but a true electronic component store etc................
     
    TANWare, Jul 11, 2012
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  3. haze10

    haze10 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I came up with a home fix. Completely remove the sliding piece from the zif connector. Insert the ribbon cable. Then cut a piece of plastic the width of the ribbon cable x 1/2" deep x 0.010" thick. Slide the plastic on top of the ribbon cable until it engages below the copper tangs of the connector. Takes a little force but not much. I bought these shims from McMaster Carr and cut them to fit -#9303K011. I'm sure some plastic container bottle that was thin enough would work as well.
     
    haze10, Jul 17, 2012
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  4. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    good to hear you are back to running.............
     
    TANWare, Jul 17, 2012
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