Looking for LED Trace Repair Videos

[kemiya124]

Hey guys, I was wondering if you could help me out. I tried replacing the LEDs in my wireless CG controller but the negative contact point for the first player LED came off and I'm at a loss for how to fix it. I've looked at tons of pictures and instructional tutorials but I'm more of a visual learner and I can't find any videos that would help me out. I really don't want to end up making the problem worse by misinterpreting written instructions. Does anyone know of where I can find a decent video tutorial on how to fix the negative traces on a wireless CG? Thanks in advance!

[ViSioNXx]

I do not think there are any vids on this. Best thing would be to find a picture of the traces with them outlined. I have one around this forum somewhere i will edit into this post asap.


Picture is not mine.


Here it is. Just run a small wire as a jumper. You may need to scrape down to the copper to make a spot. I have been lucky a few times and be able to pick up the trace just after the "tear". This has allowed me to run a small bead of solder instead of a jumper.

If you can post a pic we could help locate the best spot.

[kemiya124]

Well, I'm actually a she, so I am pretty noob at this lol. Anything helps, I promise. I've tried using the solder as sort of a "bridge" but with no success so I guess I'm going to have to try using a wire. Do I need to scrape away the entire trace or just part of it?

[kemiya124]

I ordered some new LEDs to try and fix it. Should be in around Friday so I'll give it a try then. Thanks for clarifying that for me. One last question (I hope), do I need to solder the wire to the LED itself? I've seen some pictures that suggested it but I wasn't completely sure. I think I need to get a new soldering iron.. I think mine is too strong and the bf has worn down the tip to a sad little nub... Oh yea! Another question! Should I get some liquid flux since my soldering iron doesn't like to cooperate with me?
Thanks so much for being patient with me... I know I'm too new at this to have even tried it in the first place, but I'm really interested in learning. With all of the video LED tutorials out there, I'm shocked that there are no videos for fixing something so easy to mess up. And don't worry about the "he" thing, I would have thought the same thing.  Guys always get to do the fun stuff, so once in a while a girl has to play a little Halo and tear apart a controller or two. No offense taken!

[ViSioNXx]

Hahah. Good to hear. As for the wire it needs to contact a small spot on the trace as well as the corresponding side of the led. I have until friday it seems to get up a small tutorial. maybe even a vid. I have some controllers that are a perfect example of what NOT to do lol. I need to fix them anyways so why not make a tut while i am at it.  As for the flux, you should use a non acidic flux but for led mods i never really have. I only have acidic flux so it tends to leave a layer of goo when ever i try to use it.

In regards to your soldering iron. It can ber done with a piece of crap. I have done it. I will say it is MUCH easier to do with a quality iron. Just take your time and use real quick touches.

[Modded Matt]

If you have damaged the NEGATIVE trace on a CG controller, there is no need to look for a trace, there is not one. the whole board is ground or negative.

To fix this, the easiest way is to mount your LED by soldering it to the positive pad, then running a wire from the Negative side of the LED to the negative terminal for the battery. simple, no trace to fix.


@ the rest of my members who attempted to solve this problem,  pay attention, read the problem carefully, then answer only if you know the answer, dont speculate or confuse the OP.

[ViSioNXx]

There are not any vid tuts on this subject because there are to many variables. For your problem you can either:

Run a wire from the - side of the LED straight to the ground battery terminal. Be careful with the wire to make sure it does not run across and pads or any spot where it may bind in the shell.

or

Run a very small wire to the - side of the led from a trace near the LED. I have uploaded a pic with 3 spots picked out. Just scrape a small dot of the trace and tin it. Then solder a small bit of wire to the trace and then the - side of the led. I find it is easier to trim your wire to size using nail clippers after it is soldered in place.

Picture is edited by me but not my original.

[Modded Matt]

any ground point will work:



but for noobs, using a default ground point is the easiest thing to do and its the easiest way for me to tell you how to do. here is a pic with wires run across the board, just keep them out of the way of any buttons:

[ViSioNXx]

Nice. Is there a better way to install a chip like that? would love to see better examples?

[Modded Matt]

there is nothing wrong with your install, "wires running across the board" but out of the way of any pinch points.

[kemiya124]

Hopefully this picture comes up...

This is the contact point that came up when I tried to change the LED. I've seen several videos and websites that called it the negative side (yes, for the wireless CG controller), but now I'm wondering if it's the positive side... Either way, the video tutorial I used was correct with the other three LEDs, as they work beautifully, but it's probably a bad idea to keep picking at the trace because I've messed it up more by assuming it's negative when it's actually positive. So what side is it? Again.. sorry for my lack of understanding. I'm a psychology major and therefore technology dumb. 
Whatever side it is, though, I'm guessing that I'll still need to expose part of the trace and solder the wire to it and the LED.

[ViSioNXx]

If your board looks like the one in the picture then yes it is pos. The trace for it is in red so bridge to that point.

[kemiya124]

Ok, thanks for clearing that up for me. I'll probably try to pick up some flux and give it a go this weekend. Thanks guys, I'll let you know how it comes out.