Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ improved ribbon cable clips for membrane keyboard

thingiverse

Repairing the membrane keyboard of my vintage Sinclair Spectrum ZX+ microcomputer, a relic from the 1980s, I noticed that several layers must be carefully placed to ensure optimal contact between the little metal paths on each layer of the two keyboard ribbon cables. I designed new wider clips to improve and secure the ribbon cables to the case. These clips now have more surface area, which enhances the contact between the membrane keyboard's layers. Additionally, using a small portion of E.V.A. foam can further aid in this process, as demonstrated in the accompanying pictures. The available designs include flat versions, ones with edges similar to the original clips, and normal copies for replacement. Downloadable files are: zx_spectrum+_large_clip_keyboard_flex_sxs.stl zx_spectrum+_large_clip_keyboard_flex_flat_sxs.stl zx_spectrum+_large_clip_normal_keyboard_flex_sxs.stl zx_spectrum+_large_clip_normal_keyboard_flex_flat_sxs.stl zx_spectrum+_short_clip_keyboard_flex_sxs.stl zx_spectrum+_short_clip_keyboard_flex_flat_sxs.stl zx_spectrum+_short_clip_normal_keyboard_flex_sxs.stl zx_spectrum+_short_clip_normal_keyboard_flex_flat_sxs.stl I printed these clips using a 0.4 mm nozzle with 0.3 layer height. Although original screws can be used with the new clips, it is recommended to use longer ones, especially when combining them with E.V.A. foam. Print Settings: Printer Brand: RepRap Printer: P3 Steel MM Large Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: Nozzle: 0.4 mm - Layer height: 0.3 mm - Shell thickness: 0.8 mm - Bottom/Top thickness: 1.2 mm Infill: 40 Notes: The piece was printed with PLA 1.75 filament using Cura slicer software and a 0.4 mm nozzle. No supports were required.