HP48G Series - the ongoing Keyboard Issues

[TomC]

As we all know, the 48 series keyboard design is destined to fail with time.

Well here we are in 2023 and finally several of my favorite ones are very sick.

The overall design of the 48G series is solid - a simple-two-sided printed circuit board, all integrated circuits are in industry standard packages, etc, etc.

HOWEVER - that darned keyboard that relies on mechanical pressure that is maintained between panel assemblies that maintain pressure with 'plastic rivets' and metal 'twisties' and basically exposed to the 'outside world' is destined to fail with time.

It would be great if we/someone could design a replacement keyboard/conductor layer. The plastic layer that defines the keyboard feel can be maintained, but a replacement layer - that could then be soldered onto the main board would be nice.

Agreed, not simple, but I hate to see this fine machine fade into environmental-hell!

Thanks for your thoughts,
TomC
ps: Certainly there are also long term LCD issues, but that is yet another story... . ....