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Amiga computer related discussion => General chat about Amiga topics => Topic started by: Super TWiT on May 04, 2010, 02:34:47 PM

Title: Circuit Trace Pen?
Post by: Super TWiT on May 04, 2010, 02:34:47 PM
Has anyone ever used one of these  (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3964901)things before. It may be good for corroded motherboard traces.
Title: Re: Circuit Trace Pen?
Post by: ElPolloDiabl on May 04, 2010, 03:05:48 PM
I've heard people rave about them. They're certainly useful.
Title: Re: Circuit Trace Pen?
Post by: koaftder on May 04, 2010, 05:21:29 PM
Quote from: Super TWiT;556623
Has anyone ever used one of these  (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3964901)things before. It may be good for corroded motherboard traces.


They're not all that great. I have that exact same one. If you get it, make sure to shake the hell out of it before you use it. Works pretty good when you need to fix a broken/oxidized trace on a membrane keyboard flex pcb (and in that case it's probably your only option). If it's a broken trace on a piece of FR4 I wouldn't even think about using a trace pen. Fix the trace with a piece of wire wrap.
Title: Re: Circuit Trace Pen?
Post by: tribz on May 04, 2010, 05:33:56 PM
I've used one before after i did a bad soldering job on my xbox. It got it back up and running and the XBOX still works.
Title: Re: Circuit Trace Pen?
Post by: Tripitaka on May 04, 2010, 06:55:48 PM
I've used that exact same type a few times. They are very handy but I must agree with Koaftder, shake it like your life depends on it. They do last suprisingly well once applied....

..oh, and keep the lid firmly in place when not in use or the tip jams up. If you do this you'll find that the pen will still work years later.
Title: Re: Circuit Trace Pen?
Post by: Zac67 on May 04, 2010, 06:59:40 PM
Have used liquid silver ("Leitsilber") to fix corroded keyboard traces - if possible, soldering / wire wrapping are more reliable options though.
Title: Re: Circuit Trace Pen?
Post by: Zardoz on May 04, 2010, 09:39:24 PM
they work ok for simple quick fix...