Commodore SX-64 keyboard restoration

https://retrohax.net/commodore-sx-64-keyboard-restoration/

by zdw • 6 years ago

128 23 6 years ago

not all heroes wear capes

You don't actually know that. The restorer could have been wearing a cape through the whole process. I could be wearing a cape right now.

beachy• 6 years ago

FYI that compelling marketing image at the top is from a "1983 commercial from Australia made for the Commodore SX-64, the portable version of the famous home computer Commodore 64". The full ad, which is quite the blast from the past with some delightful Aussie flavour, can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95cGh9EeMIY.

ezequiel-garzon• 6 years ago

Wait, that is too good to reward only with an upvote! Than you for that gem!

the_af2• 6 years ago

This is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

So I guess my question is...

...are you keeping up with the Commodore?

cable2600• 6 years ago

Cool hack, SX 64 computers are expensive and they don't make parts for them anymore.

amiga-workbench• 6 years ago

That metal scaffold is an excellent idea, usually epoxying shards of plastic back together isn't really viable on its own.

Jaruzel• 6 years ago

I've seen it done before, as reinforcement on large cracks, but the level this guy goes to, to perfectly restore this is amazing. I am truly open-jawed after looking at all the pictures. There aren't many working SX-64s out there, so the effort involved was totally worth it.

W0lf• 6 years ago

Just the other day over on YT the channel retro recipes also did a refurbish on a Commodore SX-64[1] for anyone who's interested.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlWsR5WN9e4&t=0s

themodelplumber• 6 years ago

I was hoping to see this here...there is a modern remake of the poolside photo at the end of the video, too :-)

encom• 6 years ago

Not gonna lie, that looked janky as fuck, until he showed the finished picture. Nice work.

C64 has a special place in my heart, and I will never forgive myself for selling mine. It was the mid 90's and I had just gotten a shiny new 486.

the_af2• 6 years ago

My dad sold mine when I was a kid, in order to get me a PC XT clone. It was a good decision -- the PC was a much more capable computer and I learned how to program with GW-BASIC -- but I really wish I still had my C64.

While working with emulators such as VICE is great, it's not the same as having the good ole breadbin :(

mypalmike• 6 years ago

Great blog there with many interesting retro projects. I enjoyed the one where he bought 32 Atari 65xe's in various states of decay and restored a number of them for resale. Truly a labor of love.

scoutt• 6 years ago

I remember the SX-64. This was the computer I started coding (basic). Impressive graphics capabilities.

This "portable" computer was so heavy I couldn't lift it from the ground (I was 5 o 6 at that time).

bsharitt• 6 years ago

Reading the title I thought this was going to be repairing a failure of the keyboard itself and thought that maybe all keyboards on these "portable" computers. I've got a Compaq Portable 1 and and Osborne 1, both with bad keyboards when I got them. The Compaq was as simple as replacing the foam touch pads while the Osborne looks like it'll be a bit more work.

jvanvleet• 6 years ago

I am curious about the silicon oil. I assume this is a solution for places where there is not a lot of rubbing/use? Some searching did not turn up any indication this was a common use nor permanent.

retrohax3• 6 years ago

It might be that I've used a wrong name for it. This is basically a kind of oil to fix squeaking car door rubber gaskets.

stuff4ben• 6 years ago

That's awesome! SX-64's are a rare beast. I remember seeing my first and only one at a user group meeting back in the 80s. We all came in with our duffel bags of C64s, 1541s, and then had to lug in our monitors or TVs. Then this one guy rolls in with his computer all in his hand and we were amazed. Of course most of us were there pirating games, but he was just running some demos and basking in the attention. That is until the guy with an Amiga 1000 came by. Those were the days...

retrohax3• 6 years ago

Thank you everyone for warm words. Such feedback means a lot to me :) More of this kind of refurbs are on my blog already -> https://retrohax.net/?s=extreme

FullyFunctional• 6 years ago

I was blown away and just shared it with my wife + kids who were equally impressed. How does one learn how to do this? Trial and error I presume?

retrohax3• 6 years ago

Thank you for kind words. Regarding learning, basics are out there on the Internet but it all required a lot of testing, so yes, trial and error approach.

hising• 6 years ago

A friend of mine had one of those, I remember that I was most in awe over the integrated disk station. Great job with the restoration!

mproud• 6 years ago

Here’s a very recent SX-64 restoration on Retro Recipes: https://youtu.be/MlWsR5WN9e4

Commodore SX-64 keyboard restoration

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