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Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

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stephen_usher
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Re: Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

Post by stephen_usher »

The only thing I'm concerned about is that the original stem is designed to be able to flex enough that it pushes into the guide hole and then springs out the other side to retain the key and stem. i.e. it's using the elastic property of the original plastic, which feels like polythene.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

Post by rubber_jonnie »

stephen_usher wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2026 2:20 pm The only thing I'm concerned about is that the original stem is designed to be able to flex enough that it pushes into the guide hole and then springs out the other side to retain the key and stem. i.e. it's using the elastic property of the original plastic, which feels like polythene.
And that is a concern for me too, so I an going to try and attach the original stems, I have one setting just now :)
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800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
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Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

Post by rubber_jonnie »

And another out of the mould :)
PXL_20260817_150200830.MACRO_FOCUS.jpg
PXL_20260817_150200830.MACRO_FOCUS.jpg (177.54 KiB) Viewed 30 times
Look better again and because I added tiny air holes the reverse is way better formed:
PXL_20260817_151038534.MACRO_FOCUS.jpg
PXL_20260817_151038534.MACRO_FOCUS.jpg (176.34 KiB) Viewed 30 times

The other difference here is that I used the original keypost to see if it would work, the only caveat being that I needed to fill the hole in the post, but not so much that the end wouldn't flex so it wouldn't go in the hole.

I've done the same with the green keypost which is currently in and setting. I think once painted they will look just fine.

Definitely satisfied with the results
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

Post by rubber_jonnie »

So I tried the number one key that had the original keypost:

PXL_20260818_075918676.jpg
PXL_20260818_075918676.jpg (288.66 KiB) Viewed 20 times

And I think with some fettling it'll work. How long the join between the original stem and the keycap will last, I don't know though.

At present it is a little sticky. The ESC key is a bit tight and requires work, though it does fit, and I think that is due to the remaining original keypost being shorter then that of the one key and the rest of the shaft in epoxy is a smidge thicker than the original.

Again I think it'll work with some fettling.

The clear keycap and original all epoxy keys do fit, but for some reason they posts are a bit short.

Lots to think about.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

Post by rubber_jonnie »

Some progress on the keys:

PXL_20260823_090831346.jpg
PXL_20260823_090831346.jpg (257.65 KiB) Viewed 6 times

I'm a little surprised at how close the epoxy colour is to the original, but I still think they will need to be painted as the surface is in need of a little work.

The left hand key is re-using the post from the original ESC key, the other post just won't bond with the epoxy for some reason.

I am still watching the spare keys over on eBay though, as the replacements I've made are not quite right, and even though they eBay listing doesn't have ESC and 1 there are keys that could easily replace them with just a little work.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
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Re: Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

Post by HigashiJun »

Nice, but IMHO a real keycap would be definitely better.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: Another Egyptian Enterprise 64

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: Sun Aug 23, 2026 11:25 am Nice, but IMHO a real keycap would be definitely better.
Agreed, whilst these need a bit of fettling and some paint, the real thing would be way nicer.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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