How common are iSeries machines with ripped mouse cables?

[Unknown_K]

I have 2 models of the iSeries (Pentium 300 /Celeron 366). One I got for nothing that was beat to hell and had cig burns (but was complete) and one I paid a few dollars on ebay for that was in decent conditions. Both units had the mouse cable ripped before I opened them up.

Seems like keyboard replacements on ebay are rare for them and kind of pricey so this must be a somewhat common issue?

[RealBlackStuff]

They were made by Acer, not IBM, so that may partly explain...

[joester]

I worked on one for a guy I worked with.
The problem is that the flex board design to connect the mouse has a 90 degree bend in exactly the wrong place. When attempting to remove the keyboard, the stress between the connector and the keyboard is concentrated on that bend, and the flex rips. I was careful in opening his up and I identified this and carefully unplugged the flex from the base, but when turning to put the keyboard in the parts bin on the shelf behind me, I accidentally caught the connector end between a roll of solder and the shelf. This once-in-a-lifetime mishap ripped the flex exactly where that bend is. I was able to repair it and it's still working today.

I had a really nice photo and text guide to making that repair, but Photobucket has deleted my older images. I'll see if I still have them around if you are into trying to repair them.

Joe

[Unknown_K]

Sure, pictures would be usefull

[ilakast]

Same issue here. Got an iSeries 1400 off ebay for £0.99 and initially I realised the F1 key was not working. After opening it up to replace the CMOS battery :



I am able to use the laptop though with an external keyboard. Is it feasible to solder these 5 cables by hand? They seem tiny...

[ilakast]

I had a really nice photo and text guide to making that repair, but Photobucket has deleted my older images. I'll see if I still have them around if you are into trying to repair them.

I hope you don't mind, but digging around I found your gallery and I am posting the link. Photos 14-22, going backwards
http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t135 ... ?start=all

edit: here is the original post too http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=51262

I'll try to replicate your method, many thanks