I got a mouse and the pads are missing at the switch location. I tried to solder to the trace, but it didnt work. How can i save it ? Thanks!
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5\$\begingroup\$ You can't repair it. You can solder the component with a wire to the closest undamaged trace that was connected to it. \$\endgroup\$– Eugene Sh.Jul 30, 2021 at 15:58
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\$\begingroup\$ Now the real question is how the PCB ended up like this. Some moving metal part grinding against the solder mask? \$\endgroup\$– LundinAug 10, 2021 at 7:45
1 Answer
Unfortunately, this is generally out of reach except in specialist professional settings due to the expense of track repair kits, the precision work required, and the cost-benefit of the whole operation vs replacement.
You can attempt this if you dare. At the very least, you will require a PCB track repair kit (e.g. CircuitMedic), microscope, scalpel, pick (may come in the pack), tweezers and a very steady hand.
Essentially the process is:
- Remove damaged sections of track, plus any burnt material (if applicable).
- Remove a small amount of coating from an undamaged section of track.
- Choose a circular pad and trace section from the repair kit, and cut the track so that it will slightly overlap an undamaged section of track.
- Mix the glue included with the repair kit and spread it thinly under the where the new track will go.
- Place the replacement track sections on top of the glue.
- Wait for the glue to dry (usually 12hrs or so).
- Verify continuity between the undamaged trace and the circular trace.
- (Optional, but recommended) Using a PCB green pen (not just a green pen, specifically one for PCBs), paint over the exposed copper track that you won't solder and allow it to dry.
- Solder the replacement component in place, ensuring that there is good wetting between the component lead and the pads on both sides of the board.
In your case, the cost of the track repair kit will be many orders of magnitude more expensive than the mouse, and I'd just bodge it per Eugene's comment above.
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\$\begingroup\$ Note that you wouldn't do something this advanced unless the board was considered very valuable. Replacing the PCB is what most professionals would have done. If this is just some commercial PC mouse then buy a new one. \$\endgroup\$– LundinAug 10, 2021 at 7:43
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\$\begingroup\$ That's the point I made. The only time I've ever done this work is for irreplaceable boards that must be repaired at all costs. Other than that, out with the old, in with the new. \$\endgroup\$ Aug 11, 2021 at 10:46