xenarc - broken ribbon cable connector

ElCap · 11-01-2009, 07:13 AM

ive got a xenarc 700tsv 2005 model touchscreen and recently got the white screen problem. so i took apart the monitor and started fiddling with the connector. it seemed to fix the problem but its such a flimsy connector. after a few times putting the ribbon cable in and out, this happened: http://server3.uploadit.org/files/elcap19-IMAG00191.jpg

the connector came off the board! it doesnt look like it was even soldered???? why wouldnt they solder it????

anyways, how do i fix it? is soldering the connector back onto the board the only option? cos its quite small and i dont think a normal soldering iron would work too well....

hailrazer · 11-01-2009, 07:31 PM

You can actually use a heat gun.

Clamp the connector to the board where it is supposed to go. Use a magnifying glass to make sure it is perfect. Then heat it up with the heat gun while watching it under the magnifying glass. You will see the solder melt to the connector. You are done

Or you can buy a real fine solder tip. Just clamp the connector as described and touch each pin for a second and it will re-attach to the board. Use a magnifying glass to work.

jessekilner · 11-01-2009, 09:28 PM

ok this is easy. I can solder that in 15 seconds! Many believe you would need a fine soldering iron, A heat gun. But not me by far. If your tight on cash go get a desoldering iron 20$ radioshack if you have one already get a new tip!!! NEW TIPS SUCK SOLDER NICE AND EVEN. then get some solder. When you get the clamp where the pins are alighned correctly then blob the solder across all the pins and then suck it up in one quick move. I can post a video of this tactic and it's highly done in the industry as long as its not a bios or memory chip.. This isnt an issue for you because the pins your connecting are not memory nor a temperature sensitive chip. I have been doing this for years on PC Boards and many audio equipment and all PS3 mods as the pins are simply hair thin. Like I said flow a liquid blob across all the pins. Then simply desolder it in another move sucking it all up in 1 siphen... this will suck up all solder except where the pins are. The rest of the board is treated with resin/flux to protect it from dew which solder don't stick to this. the only parts without this is the solder pads. thats also true between the pins. I am sure someone here will call me nuts. which will **** me off and I will remove a microprocesssor and reinstall on this laptop and prove this method not only is quick but it's flawless..and I'll post the video. I wrote a tutorial on this with surface mount BGA's a few years ago. Have fun

hailrazer · 11-01-2009, 09:32 PM

Yes that works good with processors and such. But I've found with connectors like this it doesn't work as good. The problem being the desolder iron sometimes sucks up to much solder. Then the constant moving of the connector from sliding the ffc in and out loosens the connector again breaking pins loose.

But yes it can work.

jessekilner · 11-01-2009, 09:51 PM

lol.. hot glue helps that.. I know what your saying though as I had a head unit brought to me had the infamous motorized face and the plastic tabs snapped off and the cable would slide out all the time. so I hot glued it in place and charged 20 Bux. Whatever is cheaper and more easier is my theory, I mistyped its not BGA's in previous post, those need heat guns or an oven. I meant Dip-chips or controller's.. thats sorta thing. So heat gun or desolder trick with hot glue gun for insurnce either way if he follows our advice he wont have to sell it..oh wait.. that can't be fixed....he better list it on the classified section for $50.. You do Paypal Elcap?....lmao just kiddin