[Duo2400] Repaired trackpad ribbon cable

[Peter Zwarych]

Hello 2400 group,

I thought I'd share a story on a successful repair of a trackpad ribbon cable in my 2400.  In taking the thing apart for the nth time, I neglectfully severed the trackpad cable upon removing the trackpad/upper assembly (that most crucial step to remember).  Obviously not repairable, or so I thought.  Lately, there haven't been 2400  "part outs" on ebay to reasonably obtain a replacement.  So, I attempted a repair as follows:  With some fine sandpaper, I carefully sanded off opposing sides of the ends of the ribbon cable until I had about 1mm exposed wire contacts. I then overlapped the exposed contacts, securing the position with simple scotch tape on both sides.  In an attempt to ensure contact, I fashioned a clamp by bending a 2.5cm portion of a straight bobby pin in half and slid it over the overlapping portion of the ribbon cable repair. A little more tape top and bottom to cover the pin and then reassembly. I was extremely skeptical, but, I fired it up and to my complete astonishment the trackpad and clicker are again fully functional!!  A somewhat unconventional 30 minute/ 5 cent repair job.  Will it last? I don't see why it shouldn't, at least until I get proper replacement part.  "Never say never", as my Dad would have put it. 

Peter Z.