Show HN: I hacked my microwave with keyboard switches (and Ars wrote about it)

I needed a quick fix while waiting for the new microwave to arrive. We're a family of four so going several weeks without a microwave isn't an option.

The original keypad was broken, not sure if it's the ribbon cable (which does show signs of wear) or the actual contacts under the keys (which I wasn't able to access).

After several rounds of messing with the keypad ribbon cable, putting the front panel back together, testing, and trying again, I decided the best thing to do would be to just break out the minimum set of buttons needed for operating the microwave until the replacement arrives.

I had a couple of keyboard switches laying around so I figured I'd use that. Upon powering the microwave, the user has to enter the time and press "settings" to confirm, so at the very least I had to wire the "1" key (to enter 11:11 as the time) and "settings". I also wired "+30 seconds" to easily set the cooking time, and "cancel".

It's been a real pleasure to press those mechanical switches, but it's only a short term fix. We have a new microwave coming soon!

Overall, I'm a bit disapointed with the reliability of GE appliances. 9 years isn't bad, but it could certainly have lasted longer.