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Commentator

Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 81

key pad

07/12/2009 4:55 AM

i have keypad that is printed on flat ribbon (i think it is carbon tracks). 4 tracks are cut . how can i repair it?

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Guru

Join Date: Oct 2008
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#1

Re: key pad

07/12/2009 5:25 AM

If the tracks are exposed, you might be able to use an electrically conductive epoxy to reconnect the traces. You might need a microscope to be sure you don't short across two tracks.

If the tracks are covered with an overlay, you'll have to find a way to expose enough of the track to effect the repair.

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Guru
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#2

Re: key pad

07/12/2009 9:52 PM

Spot on advice.

Copper tape comes in very small sizes, as does wire. Tricky, but never impossible.

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Anonymous Poster
#3

Re: key pad

07/13/2009 4:24 AM

They also make what are called conductive trace pens. These use a silver based ink. Be sure to use a mask to prevent shorting.

If the ribbon traces are just scratched this should work. If the ribbon is cut you will need to fix the area cut first as the ink will tend to flow along the cut.

Either way to will need to immobilize the section from movement or vibration to prevent future failure.

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Anonymous Poster
#4

Re: key pad

07/13/2009 9:06 AM

If it is not a very special keyboard then it's not worth fixing it, the conductive pen will cost you 26 to 38 dollars !!

But you can get it here if you wish:

Conductive pen

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Anonymous Poster
#5
In reply to #4

Re: key pad

07/13/2009 11:13 AM

It is not about the cost, it's about the experience. Once you find one use, you soon find yourself looking for others. I once used a conductive pen to draw out circuit paths on the top of a wood desk with small gaps in a few places along the circuit. I then painted over the circuits and attached a neon sign transformer and a foot pedal switch. The result was a desk that would arc and spark in different places on command. The look on peoples faces when papers left on the desk burst into flames or an arc suddenly appeared on a seemingly empty spot or between several different metal objects is unforgetable. It would really freak them out. Well worth the money spent. Just becareful, but have fun.

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Guru
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#7
In reply to #5

Re: key pad

07/17/2009 12:02 AM

Simply brilliant!

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Power-User

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#6

Re: key pad

07/13/2009 1:58 PM

Sometime you can fix it with a pencil. Redraw the line with a soft pencil like 2B.

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