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Franklin ACE 1000 spotted at local recycler...

EddieDX4

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2006
Messages
542
Location
Puget Sound region, WA, USA
I stopped by my local computer recycler today to pickup a Commodore disk drive, and I noticed they have a Franklin ACE 1000 sitting on the vintage shelf. I believe they wanted either $12.95 or $26.95 (I was looking at multiple items and now my memory fails me). No mention if it was working or not, but it looked in OK shape... Typical scuffs attributed with it ending up at a recycler, but it wasn't missing any keys and there were no dents on the case.

The thing is huge! It's also quite heavy. I tried opening the case but, although I got movement from the hinges, I couldn't figure out how to pop it open. The expansion slots were empty, though (I could see them through the rear expansion openings).

I chose not to pick it up because I've gone a bit overboard with vintage purchases the past month, and I value my marriage...

Are these of much interest to anyone?
 
They're capable Apple II clones. You'd likely have run into trouble with the keyboard; they often require maintenance like this:
http://www.sol20.org/keyboard.html

Ugh, you mean to tell me these machines use the exact same method as the Compaq Portable? I'm currently rebuilding my Portable's keyboard for that very same reason, and it is a PITA....!
 
Seems those Keytronic keyboards were popular. :-/ What have you used for the spongy material? I've experimented with lots of different foams and haven't really found one that has the right feedback. And my conductive pad experiments haven't worked out perfectly yet either... right now my method of choice is to use material from anti-static bags. But it still takes more force than it should to close the contact.
 
Since Keytronic is apparently still in business, why not contact them & see if they can supply the material you need, or at least direct you to a source.
 
http://www.sol20.org/keyboard.html#fixing
The first step is to get replacement keypads. Don't scrimp and just replace the pads of the keys that appear to be failing: replace all of the keypads while you are at it. Until the middle of 2001, it was possible to get replacement keypads directly from Keytronic for $0.10 per pad. Add in $7 for shipping, and it cost about $16 to replace all the keypads. However, Keytronic doesn't sell them anymore.
Not sure how useful the person answering the phone would be unless they worked there 9 years ago...
 
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