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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Jixr on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:24:45

Title: PokerX pcb issue?
Post by: Jixr on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:24:45

Hi, I just got a pokerX pcb in the mail, and I can't get the - [ ' keys to work.

At first I thought it was just a bad switch or solder joint, but I can't even get the key to activate by tripping it with a wire to complete the circuit. The pcb pad joints are not lifted or damaged it seems.

I don't know too much about PCB's and circuitry, but it seems like the affected keys are all connected via the pcb in a string like fashion.

I was wondering if anyone would have any ideas why the affected keys are not working?

Title: Re: PokerX pcb issue?
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:33:41

Could be a bad SMD diode (or a bad solder joint on that diode). It would require reflowing the solder or replacing the diode.

Title: Re: PokerX pcb issue?
Post by: Jixr on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:47:54

this is the SMD diode correct?

(http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w553/ClaytonGFinley/400px-Keyboard-poker-pcb-hole-bottom_zps9eeaea78.jpg) (http://s1329.photobucket.com/user/ClaytonGFinley/media/400px-Keyboard-poker-pcb-hole-bottom_zps9eeaea78.jpg.html)

Do you think I could find a replacement at a radioshack or frys or other local electronics store?

I also I have a quickfire rapid that I could potentionally steal one from.


Do you think that one bad diode could affect multiple keys?

Title: Re: PokerX pcb issue?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:49:30

Quote from: Jixr on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:47:54

1) this is the SMD diode correct?

2) Do you think I could find a replacement at a radioshack or frys or other electronics store?

1) Yes that's the SMD diode.

2) I'm not sure about Fry's but maybe at Radioshack? I usually see people ordering those from Mouser or Onlinecomponents. And harvesting them is obviously a possibility.

Title: Re: PokerX pcb issue?
Post by: Jixr on Thu, 08 May 2014, 17:51:29

Is there any way to determine which one may be bad or how to test them?


from what I understand, a diode directs the flow of power, and if they are wired in a chain, if one switch isn't getting power ( which its not ) then i would kill the switches behind it?


I bought the PCB off a memeber on here, and I would like to get it working as I was told it was when I bought it.

Title: Re: PokerX pcb issue?
Post by: Jixr on Thu, 08 May 2014, 20:40:36

well i took off one diode on a switch i know to be good, and I could just hard wire the diode and the key would trip, tried that on the bad ones and still no dice.

I guess its just dead.