Hello! First post on this forum, looks like a great resource!
Surprisingly, I’m here asking for help!
My MC has developed a fault with one of the small number pads along the bottom (13 - unlucky for some!).
Elektron sent me a brand new rubber button strip which didn’t fix it.
I have measured continuity on the pad itself, and it seems fine.
However, when I measured where the pad is connected to, I found the chip was discoloured (green corrosion on the legs connected to the faulty pad - see attached image).
Has anyone had this issue before and managed to successfully replace the chip?
First time I’ve seen something like this with an MC. If you have a hot air rework station and intend to tackle this yourself, you might try pressing gently on the IC and then power on the device, preferably from a bench supply, while applying light pressure and then test the pad functionality.
If the pad magically springs back to life while you’re holding down the IC then you could try and reflow the solder on that chip, otherwise I might take it straight to a tech and just point out what you already know, or bypass that and send it to elektron. In fact, if you’re still covered under warranty, I would just send it to elektron.
Usually, the pad sheet is the issue and so at a basic level of troubleshooting and repair, you’ve pretty much done what you can. Maybe someone else will have tried this before and chime in but it’s the first time I’ve seen said issue come up on the forum with a M:C.
I tend to not want to deal with SMD soldering myself, so I’d already be looking for other options.
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