• Please review our updated Terms and Rules here

Where to get Kaypro Replacement Parts

acgs

Experienced Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
246
I've noticed that the same general questions about replacement parts pop up from time to time on the forums. In a effort to make it easier to find these posts, I thought making a thread for them would be a good idea.

So to start it off:

Replacement keyboard latch:

https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/seeking-osborne-1-keyboard-latch.66438/post-805230
They are confirmed identical to the orignal later in the thread (post #5).

Replacement keyboard cable:
The entire thread should be read to understand the problems with replacing these. But, the link to a working part with close specs is in post #10:
https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?t...e-cable-for-kaypro-keyboard.64141/post-780042

Replacement keyboard-side cable connector:
You can read the whole thread if you want the context for this, but the link to the part is in post #7:
https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?t...ng-keyboard-rj11-recepticle.72768/post-945672

I've also found the same part at digikey:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/hirose-electric-co-ltd/TM1R-616P44-35S-150M/1136167

At the time of this post, I've verified that all of the above parts are still being sold.

Substitute parts:
Since things like drives aren't really manufactured any more, a substitute is the best bet for new (not vintage/used) part replacement. These are often not simply drop-in replacements. They usually require tinkering and might need extra software/firmware. But, in return, they usually provide improved features and, of course, the ability to use more modern equipment/media.

Substitute for Floppy Drives:
Apparently, the one known to be easiest to get to work is the HxC Floppy Emulator linked to in post #2:
https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/is-there-any-floppy-emulator-for-kaypro-machines.53339/post-646733
Another is the Gotek emulator.

Susbtitute for Hard Drives:
Several options are available here as well, all mentioned in this thread:
https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/kaypro-10-hdhas-to-be-replaced.63860/
The discussion mentioned in post #2 has a thread link from the old forum. The new thread link is here:

If anyone has more sources for Kaypro parts, please add them to this thread.
 
My brother and I have created a replacement Hinge part for the Tandon TM-100's that were
in the early Kaypro's (II TM-100-1, 4 TM-100-2, and maybe others). It also works for the
Texas Peripheral Incorporated (TPI) drive that was a Tandy knock off of the Tandon TM-100.
I have the Schematic, and manual for the Texas Peripheral Drive if anyone is looking for it.

2nd Generation Parts available via ebay. These are resin printed parts printed in PRUSA
"TOUGH Resin", an EXPENSIVE Resin. 1st generation Part was released to ThingIVerse,
but may not work 100% with every drive. (No reported problem from Beta testers on 2nd
Generation part. I've tested them myself, on my Tandon TM-100-2A.) Purchased parts
come with an install document describing every step, and what "NOT TO DO".


Larry
 

Attachments

  • Tandon-TM-100.png
    Tandon-TM-100.png
    13.8 KB · Views: 2
2nd Generation Parts available via ebay. These are resin printed parts printed in PRUSA
"TOUGH Resin", an EXPENSIVE Resin. 1st generation Part was released to ThingIVerse,
but may not work 100% with every drive.

Thanks Larry for the addition. Can you provide a link to were on ebay one can purchase the part? I'd like to have this thread as a relatively easy place to find links to parts. That's why I'm pointing to both the thread and the specific post with a link when possible. (I also want the OP to get the credit for finding/providing the part!)

Being new to this, I haven't found a link to where to get everything, such as the Gotek emulator, yet. But, when I do, I'm going to update the post.
 
I can as soon as my Brother gets back from seeing his Granddaughter graduate Pharmacy School,
and get back to his residence. Likely be around 15 May.

Larry
 
Larry was "experiencing technical difficulties" with ebay, so this post took longer than expected, but he has permitted me to post this purchasing info:

Larry's twin brother (Garry) does the listings on ebay. Ebay has changed their listing policies so that they cancel after a transaction, and items can only be listed for 30 days. Due to this development, a link to the item's ebay listing is now pointless/useless.

The best way to find the replacement hinge part for the Tandon TM-100's is to search for the item number:

Item number 165552056164

Currently, the title that will appear in the search results is:

Tandon TM-100/Shugart SA400 Floppy Drive Door Repair Kit

But this might change over time, so don't expect it to be exactly the same.

As a final note, you might need to purchase a brass rod to correctly install the hinge without fear of it just breaking again. Certain Tandons have two short nylon pins instead of one long brass rod and they really are a failure waiting to happen.
 
I have a box full of Kaypro assorted parts. What do you need? (cant help with floppy parts) More so internal parts.
 
Larry was "experiencing technical difficulties" with ebay, so this post took longer than expected, but he has permitted me to post this purchasing info:

Larry's twin brother (Garry) does the listings on ebay. Ebay has changed their listing policies so that they cancel after a transaction, and items can only be listed for 30 days. Due to this development, a link to the item's ebay listing is now pointless/useless.
Not sure why he has those problems, I just went into my seller account and opened the item selling page and if it's an auction listing it allows up to 10 days but for a fixed price the only option is good till cancelled. It doesn't give me any option other than the good til cancelled on that. Maybe it's different if the account isn't a business account?

Anyway it appears that the only reason they made fixed price listings good till cancelled is to make more listing money if it doesn't sell. Here's their description from the lising creation page for fixed price:

"Good 'Til Cancelled
To help you sell your item, fixed price listings can only be listed with a Good 'Til Cancelled duration. Listings renew automatically every month, based on the listing terms at that time, until all quantities sell or the listing ends. Each time a listing renews and whenever an item sells, you’ll be charged applicable fees."
 
Thanks for your offer, Verault! I don't actually need any parts at the moment. If you look at the first post above, you'll see that I started this thread as a repository for links to current sources where you can buy new replacements. But, as long as you have a supply of spare parts, I don't see why we can't include you (and anyone else interested) as a source, too.

So, if anyone can't find a link to the part they need in this thread, or would rather get a vintage replacement part for their Kaypro, you can also try sending a Direct Message to Verault. If you are new enough to the forum that you can't DM yet, start a new thread in either this group, or in the more frequently posted to "CP/M and MP/M" forum.

@VERAULT: I'm assuming this arrangement is best. If you don't agree, please add a post with how you'd prefer to go about things.
 
Next, a replacement for the power supply. Mean Well USA has manufactured at least two replacements that have been proven to work and fit inside a Kaypro II. Only 1 is still being produced.

Detailed discussions are here:
https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/kaypro-ii-power-supply-ratings.37215/
https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/kaypro-ii-everything-is-broken-repair.1239104/

The first model is the RT-85B. It can be purchased from Mouser Electronics:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/MEAN-WELL/RT-85B?qs=l0g2inPJSHPjJHtL%2bIItkA==

or DigiKey:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/mean-well-usa-inc/RT-85B/7706379

or JAMECO Electronics:
https://www.jameco.com/z/RT-85B-MEAN-WELL-88W-Triple-Output-Switching-Power-Supply_323652.html

The second, the MPT-120B, is obsolete and no longer produced. Attached is the original spec sheet for this power supply if someone wants to look for a substitute. If found, please post a link in this thread where it can be purchased.
 

Attachments

  • mpt-120-spec-1179866.pdf
    279.5 KB · Views: 7
Hmm. I was just thinking about pulling out my neglected Kaypro II from storage. It needs a new flyback. I wonder if the display is standardized across the line? Are there any identified sources for these. I have been out of touch with the crt repair community lately.
 
Last edited:
Here are a couple odds and ends to add to the list. Just stuff I needed from when I was fixing up my Kaypro II.

Case screws
#6-32 x 5/16" Phillips Truss Head
- Stainless: (boltdepot.com 9934)
#6-32 x 5/16 Phillips Flat Head (these are the flat ones on the top of the case)
- Stainless: (boltdepot.com 9725)

Reset Switch
- Judco 40-1673-01 (Digikey 502PB-ND)

Tandon TM-100 Track Zero Switch
- Honeywell V15S05-EZ015-K04 (Digikey 480-6782-ND)

Tandon TM-100 Head Stepper Motor Bearings
- XiKe 625ZZ 5x16x5mm Bearings (there are likely many others, as it's a common size, but I got these from Amazon)
 
Here are a couple odds and ends to add to the list. Just stuff I needed from when I was fixing up my Kaypro II.

Thanks for adding these! Every nut & bolt, connector, rubber foot, etc., added helps complete this thread's main goal.
 
Kaypros use a standard computer power cable, with the exception that the computer end is a right angle connector. While you can use any standard 18 gauge wire (AWG) cable, the right angle is more or less necessary for properly wrapping the cable around the storage stands.

The specs for the cable are:
- NEMA 5-15P plug on one end (this is the standard US wall outlet plug)
- IEC 320-C13, Right Angle (this is the right angle version of the standard computer socket)
- 18 AWG (this is the wire gauge)
- 8 Feet, Gray or Black

I've not been able to find an exact match for the power cable, but there are suitable replacements listed below. The original cables I've seen were either gray or black and 8 feet long. Any cable that is an even numbered length in feet (2, 4 ,6, or 8) should work fine. Cables that are not one of these lengths will work, but can't fit the wall outlet end into the stand snugly when they are wrapped around the stands. Also, lengths longer than 10 feet will probably "overfill" the storage stands and possibly have the outermost loop(s) fall off them.

I recommend these two cables as suitable replacements:

6 Ft, Black:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/micro-connectors-inc/M05-113RA/12698310

10 Ft, black
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/tripp-lite/P006-010-13RA/5359143


These cables should also work (though not wrap snugly) and have ends that closely match the ones I've seen on Kaypros:

6.5 Ft, Black:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/assmann-wsw-components/AK500-U-1/821642

6.5 Ft, White:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/tensility-international-corp/11-00030/3900582
 
Back
Top