Ok, having recently got a load of old zx81s most with cracked membranes, what is the trick for inserting then back into the molex connectors once shortened down?
The pins on those connectors seem far to stiff for the floppiness of the zx81 membrain.
Inserting Membranes
Re: Inserting Membranes
Hi,
you need to push them firmly _straight_ down holding in such a way that there's only a tiny bit of free end.
HTH
C
you need to push them firmly _straight_ down holding in such a way that there's only a tiny bit of free end.
HTH
C
Re: Inserting Membranes
Hi XorA and welcome aboard.
I can ensure you that stiffening the floppy leads with a self-adhesive tape does only give you disadvantages.
And trying to help pushing in with some metal or plastic strip won't help either.
It's a thing of try and error. Those membranes were not all the same stiffness. Many had a little stiff part at the bottom for inserting purpose, but thats where they break first
I shortend a quite good looking menbrane on my QL recently four or five times not giving the wanted result. Trying to save some money isn't always fun.
You get replacement membranes at sellmyretro.
They are very good value for money and inserting them will give very good results on the first try. And they will most probably last a long time.
If you could dispense a working zx81 mainboard, probably (not necessarily), an issue3, I would be interested as my Zeddy is VERY unstable at the moment.
Maybe in exchange against a new membrane from Rich? I would have him send to you while I pay for it, and you send me a board to Germany?
I can ensure you that stiffening the floppy leads with a self-adhesive tape does only give you disadvantages.
And trying to help pushing in with some metal or plastic strip won't help either.
It's a thing of try and error. Those membranes were not all the same stiffness. Many had a little stiff part at the bottom for inserting purpose, but thats where they break first
I shortend a quite good looking menbrane on my QL recently four or five times not giving the wanted result. Trying to save some money isn't always fun.
You get replacement membranes at sellmyretro.
They are very good value for money and inserting them will give very good results on the first try. And they will most probably last a long time.
If you could dispense a working zx81 mainboard, probably (not necessarily), an issue3, I would be interested as my Zeddy is VERY unstable at the moment.
Maybe in exchange against a new membrane from Rich? I would have him send to you while I pay for it, and you send me a board to Germany?
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is.
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Re: Inserting Membranes
I use a very very thin piece of white card (cut to shape) to "open" the spring contacts in the connector first. Then I insert the membrane tail into the connector keeping the cardboard between the tail and the contacts. I then gently remove the cardboard.
It is still tricky, but having the cardboard helps to prevent the contacts from bending or breaking the membrane tail.
Mark
It is still tricky, but having the cardboard helps to prevent the contacts from bending or breaking the membrane tail.
Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert
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Looking forward to summer later in the year.
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: Inserting Membranes
I have no problem using the latest membranes - just simply hold both sides of the tail end with thumb and forefinger and slide in
Rich Mellor
RWAP Software
RWAP Adventures
SellMyRetro
Retro-Printer Module
Also Involved in:
Icephorm
RWAP Software
RWAP Adventures
SellMyRetro
Retro-Printer Module
Also Involved in:
Icephorm
Re: Inserting Membranes
Hi RWAP, I am planning to get your membranes for the machines which have crumbled so much that there is nothing left of the ribbon (there is at least one, it literally disintergrated into flakes). But there is also some joy in repairing using the original parts.
Using a combo of Mark and sirmorris method seemed to work best.
Using a combo of Mark and sirmorris method seemed to work best.
Re: Inserting Membranes
I would change the whole keyboard membrane and replace against a new one.
The membranes from RWAP are perfect and easy to replace.
The membranes from RWAP are perfect and easy to replace.