A2000 68000 Trace Repair.

[XDelusion]

So I've removed the socket, having only destroyed one trace (as far as I can see).

The trace is only torn about 1cm back, starting from the socket hole. How would you advise I fix this? With a bit of solder, or with one of these trace pens:

[youtube]XEV_3etdIL0[/youtube]

[Zac67]

If the trace is still there (just loose) I'd carefully resolder it. Otherwise a bit of thin copper wire is fine.

[XDelusion]

And should I try to make it so that the tip of the copper wire goes into the hole that the socket will fit into so as to ensure connectivity?

[spaceman88]

And should I try to make it so that the tip of the copper wire goes into the hole that the socket will fit into so as to ensure connectivity?

It depends on what kind of damage you have and if the trace goes through the hole to the other side of the board. If the "hole" is still intact, just run the wire up close to it and solder should do the rest.

[freqmax]

Show us a photo?

[amiman99]

If the thru hole is still intact you can do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozH2F3AX8BY&feature=related

if the thru hole is missing you need to do this first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg9fDm-uUlg&feature=related

I just got severely damaged A3000 with missing eyelets in one of the IC (someone did a terrible job soldering), planning to fix it properly using above techniques.

[billt]

If the trace is still there (just loose) I'd carefully resolder it. Otherwise a bit of thin copper wire is fine.

And try to superglue it back to the PCB as well. (being careful not to get glue where you need to solder the socket again)

If part of the trace is broken off, then cut it where it is solid on the PCB and pull off any remaining loose bit. Use a bit of 30guage wire (aka wire-wrap wire) soldered to the end of the still-solidly-on-the-PCB-trace and the socket pin. I like to leave on the wire insulation in the middle if possible. Note that the average wire stripper tool does not go down to 30 guage, you may have to buy a special tool, but they are not expensive.

I've not used any of those conductive pens so can't say of they are great or poor, no idea.

[Zac67]

Depends on
- how you want it to look like
- how well the ends of the trace are accessible

I like a clean job but don't try to make it invisible unless that's easy to do. Short lengths of low-current traces - especially fine SMD ones - can be fixed with single strands of braid (or a pair twisted together).
For higher current or longer lengths I use a fine cable, lacquered or telephone wire running from one solder point to another, completely bypassing the damaged trace - much more durable that way.
Some small dabs of hot glue (easier to remove that superglue) provide stability if required - not necessarily pretty but reliable. You won't want anything to fall apart the next time you're fixing something else.

[XDelusion]

Maybe two traces...

And yes, I'm not that good, I know.

http://www.amiga.org/forums/album.php?albumid=142&pictureid=820

http://www.amiga.org/forums/album.php?albumid=142&pictureid=821

http://www.amiga.org/forums/album.php?albumid=142&pictureid=822

[freqmax]

Don't forgett high frequency characteristics, wave reflections due impedance changes etc. Ie that signals would get their energy wrecked in the pcb-trace to wire transition if it's too different in shape, distance etc.

[XDelusion]

I watched these videos last night...

very advanced stuff from what I can see.

Should I fail in my efforts, are you for hire?

If the thru hole is still intact you can do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozH2F3AX8BY&feature=related

if the thru hole is missing you need to do this first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg9fDm-uUlg&feature=related

I just got severely damaged A3000 with missing eyelets in one of the IC (someone did a terrible job soldering), planning to fix it properly using above techniques.