Missing PCB pad repair
Hi there... is there any way to fix this missing / damaged pad? I damaged it myself trying to remove an LED while troubleshooting why my LEDs were not all lighting. It came off along with the LED unfortunately... I'm solder / keyboard building n00b. 😦
4 Replies
If you've damaged a PCB pad while trying to remove an LED, there are a few methods you can try to repair it. Here’s a general approach:
1. Identify the Trace: First, determine which trace the pad was connected to. You can usually find this by looking at the PCB layout or schematic for your keyboard.
2. Use a Wire: If the pad is completely gone, you can use a small piece of wire to bridge the connection.
- Strip a small section of wire and solder one end to the trace that leads to the pad.
- Solder the other end to the component (like the LED) that the pad was originally connected to.
3. Solder a New Pad: If you have some copper tape or a small piece of copper, you can create a new pad:
- Cut a small piece of copper and solder it to the trace.
- Ensure it’s securely attached and can make contact with the component.
4. Check Connections: After making the repair, double-check all connections to ensure everything is secure and there are no shorts.
5. Test the Keyboard: Once you’ve made the repair, test the keyboard to see if the LED lights up as expected.
If you're unsure about any of these steps or if the damage is extensive, it might be best to consult with someone more experienced or seek professional repair services. Good luck with your repair!
Okay, thanks Mr. AI. It ain't pretty, but it seems to be working.
I used my rotary tool (aka dremel) to grind away part of the blue mask over the trace running from that pad and tinned the exposed part.
After a few failed hacks with various wires and such , I ended up stripping a single strand out of a cat5e cable and twisting 3 of the thin copper wires together and soldered them onto the exposed trace, then trimmed the middle wire, ran one up and one down to the LED pads, then soldered the LEDs back in place. Lots of fluxing in between all that.
Anyhow, thanks for the AI report and hope my tactic lasts. If so, I hope this info helps someone else down the road.
(pardon all the cat hair and cotton fibers from alcohol pads...)
Nice fix
I hate it when I pull pads, feels so bad
Finished product. 🙂
