Stuck keys
It has been reported that some XOs experience sticky or broken keys.
Apparently, the left ALT key is usually affected.
Why this happens
(Stub: Please put the answer here.)
Temporary software workaround
As a (temporary?) workaround, the left ALT key can be disabled with the following commands (to be executed from the Terminal activity):
xmodmap -e "remove mod1 = Alt_L" xmodmap -e "keycode 64 =" xmodmap -e "keycode 133 = Alt_L Meta_L" xmodmap -e "add mod1 = Alt_L"
In order to apply these settings on startup, the respective commands can be added to .xsession.
- if
/home/olpc/.xsessiondoes not exist:- in the Terminal activity, execute the following command:
cp /home/olpc/.xsession-example /home/olpc/.xsession
- in the Terminal activity, execute the following command:
- open
.xsessionwith the following command:nano -w /home/olpc/.xsession - at the end, add the following lines
# remove broken Left ALT key from modifier map xmodmap -e "remove mod1 = Alt_L" # disable broken Left ALT key xmodmap -e "keycode 64 =" # replace Left ALT with Left Hand key xmodmap -e "keycode 133 = Alt_L Meta_L" # add the Left Hand (as Alt_L) to the modifier map xmodmap -e "add mod1 = Alt_L"
- save the file by hitting CTRL+X, then enter "y" to confirm
Fix: Disassembly and cleaning
This has been reported to make sticky keyboards "work flawlessly," but it involves taking your XO apart - do this at your own risk!'
Some folks have fixed the issue by removing the keyboard and cleaning under the contacts where the sticky build-up is occurring. Use rubbing alcohol or an eraser. It's certainly worth a try although the keyboard does take some disassembly to get to.
Key Codes
Other keys - such as left control key (LCTRL) - have been reported to be broken as well. Here is a list of commonly required key codes:
| Key | Key Code | Key Designation |
|---|---|---|
| LCTRL | 37 | Control_L |
| LALT | 64 | Alt_L |
| ALT GR | 108 | [tbc] |
| LGRAB | 133 | [tbc] |
| RGRAB | 134 | [tbc] |