Build Your Own Clone Message Board

Hi,
I got confused while assembling a Classic Compressor and during troubleshooting removed the LED and vacuumed the pads off of the PCB. Yes, I did it; I sucked the pads off both sides. A Lesson was learned.

My background is in point-to-point and riveted eyelet board construction, so I do not have a lot of small part PCB experience.

I am writing to ask for advice for on reattaching the LED to the PCB.

I figured out what I was troubleshooting. The circuit works, and it sounds good. It just does not have an indicator light.

Before I commit the ultimate kludge and wire it up with lead wire I thought I would ask for some advice and learn if there are any good options specific to PCB assembly.

Thank you!

We've all been there. Your experience with point to point wiring will come in handy here. Basically, you're just going to connect wires from each LED lead to the next spot on the PCB where it needs to connect. You can probably figure this out by looking at the traces on the board, but let us know if you want specific guidance.

The slightly harder fix will be getting the LED to stay in place, since it's usually held by the solder pads. You can get a little creative with this. I might try using poster putty (aka blue tack) to hold it on the board. Hot glue on the enclosure itself is another option. Again, let us know if you get stuck.

_________________
Scott

My band, Austin Hollow

Thanks for the suggestions. They are similar to what I had imagined I would do if I did not learn any better solutions.

I have seen some solder pads sold on sheets that are offered for repairing PCBs. I was wondering if they would be appropriate, if they actually work, and if there are any tips for making use of them.

Thank you!

I fixed it by making little eyelets with the extra lengths of the leads on the LED and wiring to them from appropriate locations.

I wish I could learn what those little sheets of solder pads are for.

Thank you.