Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ improved ribbon cable clips for membrane keyboard

thingiverse

Repairing the membrane keyboard of my Sinclair Spectrum ZX+ microcomputer (vintage from 1980's) I noticed that there are several layers that must be well placed to ensure the best contact of the different little metal paths of each layer of the two keyboard ribbon cables. I have designed new wider clips to improve and press the ribbon cables to the case. Because they now have more surface the contact between the layers of the membrane keyboard is better. In addition you can help to this using a little portion of E.V.A. foam as is shown in the pictures. The different designs include a flat version, another with edges like the original clips and a copy of these (called normal) for replacement. The files available to download 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 For printing I have used a 0.4 nozzle with 0.3 layer height. Although the original screws could be used with the new clips, it would be better if you use another longer ones specially if you combine the clips 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 has been printed with PLA 1.75 filament using Cura slicer software with a 0.4 mm nozzle. No supports required.