Chosen Solution
I know the cause already - I spilled some lemsip drink on the keyboard this morning (got a cold), I have left it to dry over a radiator, but now when I plug it into the VT510 terminal, it bleeps every second. I expect that I will have to take the keyboard apart, clean up under the keys and clean the electronics. Is this within the scope of a user with the right tools, and is there a guide with instructions available? Thank you!
Wow! I though I was dated still using MS-DOS 3.11 ;-} So you still have a PDP-11 I’m impressed! WordMate on a green screen is in some ways better than what we have to work with today with GUI based systems. Sadly I think the smarter move here is just to get a replacement keyboard. You can find them at liquidators for less than $65 US. Update (03/02/2017) Don’t get me wrong repairing some of these old keyboards is doable, years ago I fixed a few. But some just weren’t repairable from what was spilled as well as being so cheaply made. Stretching back though the cobwebs of my brain if I remember correctly the DEC terminal used a Selectronic keyboard similar to IBM’s PS/2 units. The screens on the bottom will gain you access to the paddles and springs which make the connection of the key switch. Just be careful! As the each keys switch parts are loose after you pull the metal plate off and tend to fly off.
It doesnt seem like its that hard. If its a membrane keyboard its easy if its mechanical thats a bit more of a challenge but it can still be done. If there are screws on the bottom remove them and try to pull it apart. If it doesnt go check under the label as sometimes there are hidden screws there. I hope this helps and good luck fixing!
