Blackmagic Design Spares - ATEM Panel - Keypad Module

the Blackmagic Design Spares - ATEM Panel - Keypad Module is the dedicated input board for the "System Control" area on ATEM Advanced Panels (1 M/E, 2 M/E, and 4 M/E).

This module consists of the 0–9 numeric keys, the Home/Undo/Help buttons, and the surrounding navigation keys. It is the primary way an operator enters IP addresses, transition durations, and specific numerical parameters for the Fairlight audio mixer or DVE.

Core Responsibilities

• Numeric Entry: Allows for rapid entry of frame counts for transitions or specific values for keying.

• Menu Navigation: Houses the HOME, BACK, and UNDO buttons used to navigate the hierarchical menu system on the adjacent LCD.

• Selection Logic: Interprets the tactile button presses and sends the data to the Panel's Main PCB via a dedicated communication bus.

• Tally Feedback: Manages the white and blue backlighting typical of the Advanced Panel series, providing visual confirmation of which menu page or number is active.

When to Replace the Keypad Module

• Dead Keys: Specific numbers (e.g., the "5" or "0") stop responding, making it impossible to type in durations or IP addresses.

• "Double Hits": Pressing a number once results in multiple entries on the screen (e.g., typing "10" results in "1100"), indicating the tactile domes inside the switch are worn or oxidized.

• No Communication: The keypad is completely dark and unresponsive, even though the LCD screen and the M/E rows are functioning normally.

• Liquid Spills: Because the keypad is a clustered group of buttons, it is highly susceptible to liquid ingress, which can short out the traces on this specific sub-PCB.

Technical Installation Note

Repair Level: 3 (Moderate).

1. Drop-In Modular Design: Like most components in the Advanced Panel series, the Keypad is a self-contained module. You must remove the panel's bottom plate to access the mounting screws.

2. Ribbon Interconnect: The module connects to the panel's internal distribution board via a ribbon cable. Warning: Ensure the panel is powered off before disconnecting. Unplugging while "live" can damage the logic controller on the module.

3. Keycap Transfer: Note that some spare modules ship as the "raw" PCB with switches but without the clear plastic keycaps. You may need to migrate your existing caps and labels to the new board.

4. Alignment: When re-installing, ensure the module is perfectly centered in the aluminum faceplate cutouts. If it is skewed, the buttons may "catch" or stay depressed when pushed.

Diagnostic: Keypad vs. Control PCB

• It is the Keypad Module if: You can navigate the menus using the rotary knobs, but you cannot type in numbers or use the "Home" button.

• It is the Control PCB (or Main PCB) if: Both the keypad and the LCD screen are dead or frozen simultaneously.

Pro-Tip: The "Recovery" Check

If your keypad is unresponsive, check the Panel Lock status. Some ATEM panels have a "Lock" button (usually in the system menu or a dedicated button) that disables the keypad to prevent accidental changes during a live broadcast. If the "Lock" light is on, your hardware is fine—you just need to unlock the interface!

Are your buttons failing to register numbers on the screen, or has the entire keypad section gone dark?