The membranes doesnt works
Yesterday I try the two membranes I received last monday. They still have problems. Shit.
The problem is the next one:
As you know, the layers of the membranes I received were wider compared to the original ones. The result of that was that the first version was a disaster: non of the keys worked. So, I returned them back and they modified them. The solution was make bigger the holes you can see on the middel layer.
That was a good solution, because it worked quite well: most of the keys worked but there were some keys that still needed to be fixed. So, on the next versions of the membranes, what they did was make the holes bigger.
Well, on the last version, almost all the keyboard was ok, but there were 3 keys that still didn't work properly and right now the holes can't be bigger: there is no more free space between holes for that.
Also, I'm a bit afraid about any random behavior when you install the membrane on a different keyboard. Why? because the turboR keyboard buttons.
The keyboard design is quite strange. Inside the keyboard, there is a little piece of plastic attached to every key. That piece of plastic is the one that pushes down the membrane to provoke the comunication between the upper and down layers of the membranes. Where is the problem? that plastic piece is soft and very flexible so, it seems that working with a wider membrane becomes delicate. Maybe, if I install one of those membranes on a newer keyboard, maybe those plastics will be harder and the membrane will work. So, I'm afraid that if I test a membrane on my turboR and it works, there is the posibility that it wouldn't work on another keyboard that has been used more than my keyboard: I dont want that situation.
So, what I'm going to do? its their fault so I will propose two options to the manufacturer:
First: Change the widht of the layers to the original ones. Making the holes bigger doesnt works
Second: Abort, and I will return the money back to all the buyers.
Im really sorry guys, but this is the situation right now :-(
If we abort the purchase, there is another option, but it means that membranes SHOULD be cheaper and buyers have to modify their membranes: I have find a solution to make the membranes work properly. If you place a little peace of insulating tape behind the inferior layer on every button, the keyboard will work. Of course, everybody here paid for a WORKING membrane withouth patches. But, maybe, people is interested on getting a cheaper keyboard in exchange for a defective membrane that can be ok with the insulating tape solution.
What keys do not work? Perhaps a row of the matrix is cut or badly drawn.
Hi
In one of the membranes the keys are "CAPS", "B" and "-"
On the other one the keys are "T" "E" and "."
As you can see, its not a problem of one single row... there are several keys from several rows afected :-/
Also, if I push the membrane with my finger it does works, so the problem isn't on any broken row :-(
so it is not their fault, as the plastic get older it soft more and more, but as the original membrane also gets older it gets less rigid, so it is a MATCH and works that way.
When you set the membrane as newer the soften plastic is not strong enought to do the magic.
if that is true, you just can swap the plastic of keys that works with the one that don't works and the fail will be translated. If it don't translated, the theory is not true.
Another thing to be check is what if you set something on top of that weak plastic something that makes the difference, between the press point and the membrane.
also the membrane can be sanded a bit in the outside to weak it a bit, or some heat rework.
Hi
so it is not their fault, as the plastic get older it soft more and more, but as the original membrane also gets older it gets less rigid, so it is a MATCH and works that way.
Then, answer: Why all the original keyboard membranes I've got (3 NEW membranes) allways works without problems?
I tested them on two different keyboards and never had problems.
Its their fault.
Makinavaja:
I just want to say thank you for working the problem like this. Truly above and beyond!
mfeingol and all others: thanks for your patience u_u;
Lets hope this have a happy ending and everybody has their membrane!
Don't worry a bit. I am a very patient man and the investment is not a huge financial burden. I have trust in what you do. I am sure there will be a happy ending
mfeingol and all others: thanks for your patience u_u;
Lets hope this have a happy ending and everybody has their membrane!
just set a tiny circular adhesive paper between the membrane and the key press point that does not works, if it start working by just that tiny difference well....
It's a pitty after all the efforts done, I appreciate your work a lot maki. I still don't understand what is the problem exactly being the layers even the same thickness but I suspect is a matter of plastic flexibility. Just in case this may helps, the Panasonic 2+ and turbo R membranes are not the same, the contact pads are smaller in the 2+, at least the ones I've seen. Maybe a bigger pad provoke a less flexibility, not sure... this can be tested as well although I suppose the manufacturer will refuse do more tests, I guess the profit expected is gone...