HP Forum Archive 16

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Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #1 Posted by Les Wright on 16 Dec 2006, 2:49 p.m. I have acquired an 11C with cosmetic and functional issues. As for the latter, the unit was clearly opened at one point and in the process the required pressure between a little block on the back of the circuit board and the case back is less than adequate, and the keyboard has done wonky things. A little loop of scotch tape stuck in the case back applies the need extra pressure and the thing works like a charm now. Right now, I am interested in where one gets or how one makes rubber feet for the old Voyageurs. In the 11C, the feet are more than just cosmetics--they protect the back plate from wear and scratches when the unit is on a surface. Grateful for any direction at all. Les

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #2 Posted by Karl Schneider on 16 Dec 2006, 3:42 p.m., in response to message #1 by Les Wright Hi, Les -- An eBay seller has sold sets of four feet under the name "PimpMyHP", for US$8 and free shipping. I bought a set, but haven't yet installed them. They look fine, and are quite suitable. -- KS

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #3 Posted by Les Wright on 16 Dec 2006, 4:19 p.m., in response to message #2 by Karl Schneider Thanks, Karl, I just wrote the chap. Hopefully he will notify me if he has any more sets for sale. This calculator is clearly intended for use rather than as a collector's item (it is well scratched and worn), but still there is something incomplete about a footless Voyageur. By the way, this model was made in Brazil and has a 29xxxxxxxx serial number. I have never heard of these things being assembled in Brazil, just Singapore and the US. Les

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #4 Posted by Karl Schneider on 16 Dec 2006, 5:15 p.m., in response to message #3 by Les Wright Quote: By the way, this model was made in Brazil and has a 29xxxxxxxx serial number. I have never heard of these things being assembled in Brazil, just Singapore and the US. I've got a 1990 Brazilian-made HP-12C, so there obviously was a Voyager production line there at one time. -- KS

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #5 Posted by Randy on 16 Dec 2006, 5:57 p.m., in response to message #1 by Les Wright I make my own from pre-stuck sheet neoprene. I use 1/32" thick material for a calculator that will be slipped into a standard HP case. For bent backplates or those just deskbound, never in a case units, I use 1/16" thick material. While mine are not as perfect as the Pimp's (he rounds his corners like the originals), the price can't be beat (free). If you want, I can send a set your way (your choice on the thickness). FYI: The Brazilian units used 1mm thick rubber which is thicker than the US 1/32" material, many times they peeled off and were lost from extra friction with the slip case.

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #6 Posted by Les Wright on 16 Dec 2006, 6:49 p.m., in response to message #5 by Randy Thanks Randy, I accept your offer. The back plate is peeling a bit so I should go with the thicker stuff. You have my address on record. I am surprised I got no comments about my scotch tape pressure point fix. It seems to do the trick, but I worry about the long-term effects. But I was glad to get the thing working like normal--I was going nuts when I first got it! Also, since I have agreed that this is to be a working calc and not a collector, I have decided to experiment a little. The scratching on the the aluminum trim was quite unsightly (I have a 15C that is near perfect, so I really notice), so I took a bit of 600 grit sandpaper and gave the surface a careful polish. I haven't been able to replicate the original brushed look of the aluminum, but the surface looks a lot less ugly, with the worse scratches reduced and the lighter ones buffed out. I wisely avoided the the display window and the plastic trim around the aluminum. Any thoughts on the appropriate and safest way to polish and clean scratched aluminum trim on the original Voyageurs? Les

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #7 Posted by Brad Barton on 16 Dec 2006, 7:52 p.m., in response to message #6 by Les Wright 3M makes a product out of some kind of plastic called "Scotch Brite" that works wonders giving aluminum that soft, brushed look. You probably have some in the kitchen for scrubbing pans. I've seen it attached to sponges and all by itself in 3" X 5" sheets. Also available at hardware stores. Give it a shot.

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #8 Posted by Randy on 17 Dec 2006, 9:28 a.m., in response to message #6 by Les Wright Les, you have snail mail...

Re: Voyageur Rubber Feet Message #9 Posted by Les Wright on 28 Dec 2006, 6:07 p.m., in response to message #8 by Randy Randy, the came today. Thank you so much! I used the thicker ones. I have to tell you that I didn't think restoring the rubber feet would make such a difference to this 11C, which I have said before works just fine but is scarred up a bit cosmetically, but it sure does. The unit feels "complete", and I am comfortable setting it on my desk to work with it that way without fearing scarring the backplate any further. And the calc sits perfectly flat too--I recall someone complaining that the Kinpo 12C and 12CP occasionally seem to wobble, with this old 11C with its new feet feels solid and steady. Since my 15C is in almost impeccable shape this 11C is my day-to-day Voyageur. These little bits of neoprene really add much to the aesthetic and ergonomic pleasure I get from the calculator. Many thanks again! Les

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