Reparing Motherboard Traces

[cbuchach]

A while back I was doing some case-modding and tried to take the easy way out and did not remove the motherboard--big mistake. To make a long story short, this resulted in two damaged traces on my A7V133. The traces are on the far right edge on the board and seem to function in controlling the IDE activity LED. Basically the LED does not flash anymore with IDE activity.

This isn't a huge problem (it could have been FAR worse), but if it isn't too much trouble I would like to get some info on how I might go about repairing the traces or finding someone who would have the technical expertise to repair the problem.

Thanks for any information.

 

[CollinsCollector]

I believe the "Conductive Pen" was originally designed for just such a purpose.

Sorry, I can't elaborate on technique as I have never used one.

 

[MrThompson]

You can use a large needle and a conductive pen. Wet a piece of paper with rubbing alcohol and then put a dab of silver ink on the paper. The alcohol will help keep the ink from drying while you work. Use the needle to paint the ink on the board to join the traces. A coat of nail polish will protect your work. The needle trick works well for closing L1 bridges on AMD CPUs too.

 

[SithSolo1]

I couldn't get enough ink on the needle to close the L1 bridges. How did you do it?

 

[navylinux]

If you know someone that works in the Navy, at a Naval Air Station, we have some repair shops that specialize in doing that kind of work. I use to be certified to use the equipment. I liked doing. Most of the electrical run repairs where a challange. We could also repair multilayer circuit cards. That is where the real fun comes in to play.

 

[MrThompson]

<< I couldn't get enough ink on the needle to close the L1 bridges. How did you do it? >>



You may need a larger needle or a bigger blob of ink. I usually lay the needle down almost horizontal to the paper with the ink. Since it does not have a feeder like a fountain pen, you have to improvise.

 

[cbuchach]

Where does one go about getting a conductive pen?

 

[cbuchach]

Bump...

 

[MrThompson]

Mouser Electronics

 

[Insane3D]

That link is not vey helpful unfortunately, not only do they not have them in stock @ ~$18 each, you must order at least 12..:Q

Try here.

 

[cbuchach]

Thanks!

 

[MrThompson]

<< That link is not vey helpful unfortunately, not only do they not have them in stock @ ~$18 each, you must order at least 12..:Q

Try here. >>



I have never heard of a quantity stipulation a Mouser. Their catalog does not mention this. $18 and out of stock I understand. It's worth getting on their mailing list. They are a great source for caps and SMD components for motherboard repairs.