Expert: Gregory Donner - 6/29/2008

Question
Are you familiar with this kind of problem: When I switch the power on to a500, it works well except keyboard doesn't work at all and caps lock's light keeps on all the time. When I keep it running for a few hours (times varying), and boot it, it usually starts working and caps lock light shuts. Annoying when keyboard needed to play. Thanks, and sorry about spelling, not my main language.

Answer
Hi Mikko,

I haven't heard of the kind of keyboard problem you're encountering, but one (or more) keyboard components are obviously flaky, seeing as it's an intermittent issue. Not being a hardware guy, I don't know exactly what to look for, but I would suggest buying a replacement keyboard. You should be able to find an Amiga 500 keyboard either on eBay.com, or possibly Software Hut (www.softhut.com) if you're in the U.S.

Seeing as Amiga's are now more than 20 years old (especially the early models such as the A1000, 2000, and 500) many such problems are becoming quite common. They've done well to last this long!

I hope this helps,

Greg