Editing Robotron K7673

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The K7673 is a keyboard produced by [[Robotron]] in Auerbach, in the then still existing GDR (East Germany). The layout is non-standard. It is designed for at least the  [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_7150 Robotron CM1910 computers]. However, it does not connect to a PC.

==Introduction==
[[File:Robotron_K7673_003.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: The layout is non-standard. Notice the position of the Return key.]]
[[File:Robotron_K7673_002.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: backplate. Please notice that it is manufactured in a town with the same name as western German Cherry's production location: Auerbach in Saxony.]]

As a coincidence, the town where the Robotron keyboards were produced is Auerbach in Saxony, while the western German manufacturer Cherry has its production site in Auerbach, Oberpfalz.

[[File:Robotron_K7673_001.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: The plug is from ITT Cannon and made in W. Germany!]]

==How to disassemble==
Loosen all screws at the backside of the keyboard. Then open one clip after the other, and the keyboard pops open.

==Cover up==
Inside is a time stamp saying that this keyboard was manufactured on Monday, September 25, 1989, only 45 days before the fall of the wall. Little more than a year later, the GDR was history. This explains why this keyboard is unused. 

[[File:Robotron_K7673_007.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: Monday, September 25, 1989.]]

Under the PCB is a foam rubber mat.

[[File:Robotron_K7673_013.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: Backside of the PCB.]]

==The switch==
Typing feeling is not bad. It is kind of linear with a little tactility towards the end of the key travel. Given it is a membrane keyboard, actuation might be at the end as well; however, pulling a keycap and disassembling the switch reveals that the technology is more complicated than the typing feeling suggests: 
[[File:Robotron_K7673_008.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: Keycap, 2 springs and a slider removed.]]
[[File:Robotron_K7673_009.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: The slider consists of 2 pieces (that black and white plastic part on the Video key).]]
[[File:Robotron_K7673_010.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: Slider and small spring assembled into the switch.]]
[[File:Robotron_K7673_011.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: The big spring is attached in the same fashion as 1980s [[Key Tronic]] keyboards (see [[Columbia Keyboard|Columbia Data Products]]).]]
[[File:Robotron_K7673_012.jpg|640px|thumb|center|Robotron K7673: Top view of the assembled parts of the switch. Only the keycap is missing.]]

==External links==
* Robotron Technik — [http://www.robotrontechnik.de/index.htm?/html/zubehoer/tastaturen.htm Robotron Technik tastaturen] More information about Robotron keyboards (in german).

[[Category:Robotron keyboards]]
[[Category:Industrial keyboards]]
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]