[SOLVED] Pressing 'Alt' also presses 'Up'

Driehoek · 09-16-2014, 01:26 AM

Hello All,

Since yesterday it seems that whenever I press the left-alt key a signal for key-up is also sent. It happens in X but also in the ttyX consoles. I'm very confused by this.

This is the output from xev after pressing and releasing the alt key:

Code:

KeyPress event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x1c00001,
    root 0x266, subw 0x0, time 1526064, (169,-14), root:(800,342),
    state 0x0, keycode 111 (keysym 0xff52, Up), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XmbLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

KeyPress event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x1c00001,
    root 0x266, subw 0x0, time 1526066, (169,-14), root:(800,342),
    state 0x0, keycode 64 (keysym 0xffe9, Alt_L), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XmbLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

KeyRelease event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x1c00001,
    root 0x266, subw 0x0, time 1526180, (169,-14), root:(800,342),
    state 0x8, keycode 111 (keysym 0xff52, Up), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

KeyRelease event, serial 37, synthetic NO, window 0x1c00001,
    root 0x266, subw 0x0, time 1526184, (169,-14), root:(800,342),
    state 0x8, keycode 64 (keysym 0xffe9, Alt_L), same_screen YES,
    XLookupString gives 0 bytes: 
    XFilterEvent returns: False

This is the output of showkey in the console:

Code:

keycode 103 press
keycode  56 press
keycode  56 release
keycode 103 release

This is my .Xmodmap file (though I believe it has nothing to do with it, as it also happens outside of X)

Code:

!! Map Caps to left Control
clear Lock
keysym Caps_Lock = Control_L
add Control = Control_L

!! Swaps bracket keys
keysym bracketleft = parenleft braceleft
keysym bracketright = parenright braceright
keysym 9 = 9 bracketleft
keysym 0 = 0 bracketright

Code:

 
$ lsdev | grep keyboard
keyboard                       0060-0060   0064-0064

Code:

$ uname -r
3.10.17-smp

The keyboard itself is an IBM Model M, connect to ps/2. I'm using Slackware 14.1.

Does anybody know how to get rid of the up-key signal, it is very annoying.

thank you in advance

schmatzler · 09-16-2014, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driehoek

The keyboard itself is an IBM Model M, connect to ps/2.

That is most likely the culprit. I own the same model. One day I slipped a little bit of a drink into it - it was just a little bit, but the liquid got stuck between the two circuit foils and caused the backspace and the y key to connect to each other.

First, I tried to let it dry out - that did not do the trick.

But the Model M is very robust, so I took it apart, took out the controller board and showered everything else for 5 minutes (yes, in my actual shower - as it was already "broken" I had nothing to lose).

After that, I let it dry in front of a fan for a day - it works better than before.

Driehoek · 09-16-2014, 06:25 AM

Thanks, that must be it! I remeber having spilled some Dr. Pepper in my arrow keys. I go clean it.

Driehoek · 09-16-2014, 08:17 AM

I did not have the right tools to open the keyboard, but putting some water around the arrow keys and aiming a hairdryer at it did the trick.
Thanks again Schmatzler, I thought this was a software problem which got me baffled.

jamesf · 09-16-2014, 10:50 AM

I use an IBM Model M 51G8572 for my work keyboard. It is dated 22 MAR 95. I love my Model M.

schmatzler · 09-17-2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driehoek

I did not have the right tools to open the keyboard

If you cut off the end of a hollow pen, you can get the screws off very easily

Maybe you'll need that in the future, who knows.

Have fun with the best keyboard every made. Love my beast. <3