Broken FCC cable

[highmighty]

Hi guys and gals,

I've started my DIY-projector over the week-end and I guess I wasn't delicate enough with it cause the FCC cable broke... damnit!!

But it finally worked, I was able of getting a very nice image on it, while holding this soooo tiny cable with my fingers... but this setup is... unusable

So I'd like tips/hints/advices from all of you DIY-experts on soldering/replacing this important microscopic cable!

As you can see on the image, on the left side (where the ZIF connector is) there are some "test points" which could be used for soldering. But on the other side, there is no "test points" and neither a ZIF connector, so I'm wondering if that's even feasable/possible to solder?? (Remember, this cable is less than 1cm large and there is like 16 tiny wires in it)

Thank you very much all for your time!

P.S. That would be my replacement part: FFC Extension 16 Pin

[highmighty]

So guys/gals, any tips/hints/advices for soldering this tiny cable??

Thank you all for your time.

highmighty

[Stocker]

There are no "test points" on the other side, but it looks like there is solder to hold the cable (?) or is that just a reflection in the photograph?

There will be, at some point along the circuit trace, a place you can solder to if that is not a soldered connection... use wires instead of a ribbon, and see if it works.

Did I read correctly that this still works if you hold it with your fingers? If so, make up a little tiny clamp and hold it that way.

[highmighty]

Thanks Stocker!

Unfortunately the "clamp" option wouldn't work, I've tried it already and it's too unstable, a small movement of the LCD screen and/or OHP would terminate the connection, it won't last more than 1 minute in place

I will buy an FFC extention cable to replace the broken one, is there any other places around (on the web) where I could buy this part other than lumenlab (6 inches long only)??

Thank you all for your help!!

highmighty @ Montreal, QUEBEC

[cbm5]

On my old LCD I resolved a similar situation; I wanted to extend the cable but couldn't find one with the exact number of conductors. I desoldered the cable and threw it away. Then I soldered on an FCC quick-connector and used a longer cable.

[highmighty]

Originally posted by cbm5
Then I soldered on an FCC quick-connector and used a longer cable.

Can you show me (via a website link maybe) the FFC quick-connector you bought for a better understanding? Are you talking about ZIF connectors on both ends of the cable?

Thanks!

highmighty

[shaggy473]

Don't know if this is the same site or not but this site[URL=http://www.digikey.com/digihome.html] has cables and connectors of different pinch sizes, $25 min order or $5 handling fee.

[highmighty]

Thanks for the website www.digikey.com, I've checked it out but unfortunately it shows that no FFC cable are in stock

And how would I know the correct pitch to use? Is 0.5mm a standard in LCD displays?

https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/product.php?id=18

Thanks!

highmighty

[goodbyegti]

I managed to extend an FFC by sanding the tracks until the conductor was exposed, then cutting between them with a razor blade. I then soldered the individual tracks to wires.

To be honest you might be off trying to get hold of a new FFC or tracing the tracks back to points on the board like others have suggested.

[shaggy473]

Hey Highmighty, I picked up a circuit writer pen at Radio Shack might be worth a try . Check the link below.


http://store.caig.com/s.nl;jsessioni...2&category=174