Author Topic: How to repair Logitech G15 V1 ? (Read 31927 times)

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **on:** Mon, 18 October 2010, 03:45:54 »

Ok silly me opened it up long ago and when i put it back together, pressing on buttons doesn't work.

The wire connecting to the lcd broke (i didn't know at the time your supposed to carefully make sure it doesn't break when you open it...)

So any ideas how to repair this ?

The led lights still work.

Lcd doesn't work (wire was tugged off ....)

2 of the keys have scrapes on them :X

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #1 on:** Mon, 18 October 2010, 04:51:58 »

Omg im so smart i fixed it.

I opened it up again but this time with a guide

http://www3.webng.com/Darkman1969/g15_disassembly_guide__dgephri.htm

I saw some cable lose, so i pushed them in and tested. Lo and behold it worked

Lcd still spoilt cause that cable broke, but the main thing is, it works again as a keyboard

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #2 on:** Mon, 18 October 2010, 12:43:35 »

Yeh lcd not working .... well i only used it for ventrilo when i played wow. I could actually see who was talking. Not playing wow anymore

All the blue lighting seems to be working, but it's obviously not as bright as a Deck legend that is for sure :X

Konrad · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 20 October 2010, 16:44:39 »

Quote from: ripster

If the gods had intended for keyboards to be have one IBM would have done so.

Actually that's exactly what IBM did. They called it a ThinkPad.

elservo · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 20 October 2010, 16:51:26 »

The reason why I chose Geekhack was because of my awful history with Logitech computers being mushy junkers. I once broke a height adjuster on the bottom of my board and called Logitech to request a new one. They wanted to send me a whole new keyboard instead! Had to talk to a couple supervisors just to get a new foot instead of a whole new board. I felt like I had "broken in" the keyboard too much to start over, but really, there's no breaking in period with a rubber dome. Just mush, and then mushier.

Konrad · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 20 October 2010, 16:57:25 »

I don't mind dome switches, I can even deal with poor tactiles ... but the G15 feels unacceptably mushy. The "antighosting / gaming optimization" is just as meh as a cheapo USB keyboard, and the LCD is something I can do without. The only thing really left to like is the semi-sturdiness of the whole thing and all the backlighting bling. And the handy WinGUI lockout and nifty little jogdial volume control (I actually like that detail much more than buttons).

Just my opinion, of course - I've met plenty of people who swear that their G15 or G19 is teh l33t pwnage.

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 20 October 2010, 17:32:05 »

Quote from: Konrad;236505

I don't mind dome switches, I can even deal with poor tactiles ... but the G15 feels unacceptably mushy. The "antighosting / gaming optimization" is just as meh as a cheapo USB keyboard, and the LCD is something I can do without. The only thing really left to like is the semi-sturdiness of the whole thing and all the backlighting bling. And the handy WinGUI lockout and nifty little jogdial volume control (I actually like that detail much more than buttons).

Just my opinion, of course - I've met plenty of people who swear that their G15 or G19 is teh l33t pwnage.

Oh so that is what that button is for. Wow, i never noticed :d *face palm

Uh Anyway, how much would one sell a sort of beat up G15 V1 ?

- the thin wire to the lcd is cut because i opened up the keyboard to clean it without knowing to be careful :/
- "a" and "s" keys slightly scratched but readable.
- Some shiny bits on the grey part of the keyboard below the keys. Probably from my hands rubbing against it i reckon.
- the side clips to incline it broke :/

Other than that it works perfectly. Led lights work :}

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed, 20 October 2010, 17:35:01 »

Quote from: ripster;236521

I'll take it off your hands for free if you pay shipping.

Hah you wish :roll:

Lanx · « **Reply #8 on:** Wed, 20 October 2010, 17:59:51 »

mod the lcd into your new ducky.
or at least the macro buttons, unless you haven't used the macro buttons, but then why would anyone have a g15 w/o using the macro buttons.
i think you'd be missing those macro's once you use a ducky, i'm missing mine and i have a nostromo right next to me to supplement macro ability.

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 01:03:08 »

Uh ... i never used the macros.

Back in the World of Warcraft days, i'd setup macros via ingame to specific keys.

I guess those non standard macro keys could be useful just i never bothered :/

Konrad · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 09:37:53 »

Hey, if that fruit dealer kid don't use macros then neither will I.

More seriously, dedicated macro keys are just a convenience these days. Decent keyboards come with software that lets you remap and macro all the buttons you like, and there's plenty of downloadable software too.

Lanx · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 09:40:28 »

the g15 has on the fly macro recording, so cool i have to mod it into my own mod!
on the fly macro recording w/o going through a lot of mouse clicks to activate is pretty awesome btw.

Rajagra · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 11:27:37 »

Quote from: Lanx;236781

the g15 has on the fly macro recording, so cool i have to mod it into my own mod!
on the fly macro recording w/o going through a lot of mouse clicks to activate is pretty awesome btw.

Agreed, it is awesome. But I found the layout of the macro keys useless for gaming. Nostromo N52 FTW.

That's given me an idea. Build a two-handed N52 using my old G15 controller. **** yeah!

Ah, forgot. It would have to be a complete keyboard layout to allow on-the-fly programming. :-/

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 11:35:01 »

So does anyone know how to fix the led

The only thing wrong with it, is the strip connecting the lcd to the keyboard. Is that replaceable ?

Lanx · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 13:47:51 »

ru talkin about the ribbon cable? did you like rip it out and gnaw at it cuz my g15v2 is pretty robust. (i've moved it around a lot) i don't know if the v2 has the same interface but look for the black side of the connector, it slides out to release the ribbon cable and you can push it in to set it, maybe that's all you have to do.

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 14:06:35 »

Hm but actually it got cut :/ so pushing it in doesn't do anything because it's half a strip now ;/

Konrad · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 21:57:32 »

I think you mean the LCD data ribbon, shown here:

(Didn't expect the ribbon to hold the two keyboard halves together? Didn't lift the locking latch?)

This ribbon can be repaired. But not easily. It might be cheaper and easier to replace the part.

phate408 · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 21 October 2010, 22:23:52 »

http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-G15-Gamers-Keyboard-Parts-LCD-Screen-/120636070909?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item1c16785bfd

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 01:42:05 »

Hi Konrad,

Actually it's a thinner strip than that, and its sorta brown in color.

phate408 thanks.

Konrad · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 07:29:51 »

Yes, these data ribbons are thinner than paper and easily damaged, especially near the ends or at sharp-angled corners. The circuit traces are just a screenprinted conductive ink. Lowest cost possible.

If you've only broken a few traces then you might be able to continue using the ribbon and add some point-to-point wiring (30AWG or smaller; such as kynar wire-wrap or enameled magnet wire).

If you've torn through a whole bunch of traces then you'd be better off replacing the entire ribbon. You might be able to modify something like an old IDE drive cable to this purpose. Of course you'd need to then somehow match all the pins/leads into the end connectors. You might get lucky and find a similar ribbon (with the same number of traces and same physical dimensions) in some other dead electronic device, usually something with a display panel (like a laptop, phone, PDA, etc). You can attempt to repair or splice the ribbon itself but it's exceptionally difficult and requires mastery of soldering techniques. Your simplest option might be to salvage from a dead/damaged G15 (the G19, G110, and G510 might use the same ribbon).

Lanx · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 09:10:05 »

the only issue is that he has a g15 v1, which is pretty rare (since i've been searching ebay for one) and it might be electronically different than other g15 v2/g110. when i opened up the g15 to mod the ribbon cables were nice and strong, definently stronger than the nostromo n52, the nostromo i had to resolder the ribbon cable actually cuz it was so weak and super frayed.
go take pictures moogle and post em, and even count the wires my v2 has a 20wire ribbon cable connecting the board to lcd.

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 09:12:33 »

Ok i'll try to take a picture when i can :/

Konrad · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:14:42 »

The G15v1 might be different from v2, or G19, or G510.

I'd bet there's a fair chance they all use exactly the same (or very similar) logic on the LCD, including the same ribbon part. It minimizes engineering/manufacturing costs because they don't need to retool as much for each new product. If there's one thing Logitech and Microsoft have shown us, it's that they'll scrape every fraction of a penny they can off their manufacturing costs on $200 keyboards.

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:23:24 »

While were on the subject,

Companies like Apple and etc for example deal with Foxconn who under pay their workers, but even worse is their long working hours.

This is how they make their money :X Foxconn and western companies that is.

The only reason china puts up with it is because he is going to invest billions on a new factory closer to where the even cheaper labor are located.

Rajagra · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:27:18 »

The LCD ribbon on the G15 Ver1 is a nightmare. It makes disassembling the keyboard difficult. But that's nothing compared to getting it back together. For anyone with large hands it's damn near impossible. Leaving the LCD in the open position helps.

Konrad · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 22 October 2010, 22:20:18 »

Using a keyboard without an integrated LCD helps too.

This sort of ribbon is standard fare these days. Take apart anything digital with a screen or multiple logic boards and you'll see plenty of these ribbons - most of them even thinner and flimsier than this one.

phate408 · « **Reply #26 on:** Sat, 23 October 2010, 04:01:46 »

Quote from: Konrad;237463

The G15v1 might be different from v2, or G19, or G510.

Oooh, my bad for posting an ebay link to a V2 LCD.

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #27 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 05:06:13 »

Konrad,

I've decided i may be selling off my G15v1. Could you give me some idea how much would be a good price to resell it ?

Quote

I have a G15 V1 i may be willing to part with.

The condition is about 70% as i will explain below.

- LCD doesn't work becauz the lcd wire got cut. Can probably fix if you know how to replace the wire.

- "a" and "s" keys slightly worn but the letterings are still visible.

- Some slight whitening on the lower half of the keyboard probably due to my hand rubbing against the plastic cover i think

- one of the plastic recliner is broke. You can get a replacement from a cheap keyboard.

- all keys depress fine without any issues.

- Kindly note that this is V1 (blue led lighting, not V2 (orange led lighting)

Other than that the keyboard works perfectly. Led lighting still works. So why am i selling it ? Because i'm getting a new Ducky keyboard :x

Is 61 USD too little ? o_O; ?

Lanx · « **Reply #28 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 11:01:25 »

lol having searched for g15's v1/v2, g110 g19 for a few weeks, 61 for a used non working lcd is a ripoff heh.

as reference i got my fully working used v2 for 13bucks.

v1 are rare tho, you really should advertise it as the v1 "flip top" version with 18 macro's (the v2 only has 6).

Moogle Stiltzkin · « **Reply #29 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 11:13:58 »

I didn't realize the v2 was inferior hm...

One guy recently was looking for a V1 brand new. I was a bit skeptical he would find one :/

Well if i can fix the lcd at least i think i can get a more decent price for it. Sadly i'm not a technician.

Would it be possible Logitech can do the repairs ?

Rajagra · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 16:43:07 »

For reference, a G15 Ver 1 without working LCD is effectively a G11.

(Don't try to swap membranes though, they changed the layout.)

J888www · « **Reply #31 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 17:03:42 »

I maybe old fashioned or maybe just old, but always had the impression that usage of macro keys etcetera etcetera are cheats. So to answer the Op:
"Do not repair the Logitech, just bin it" and get a proper keyboard.

J888www · « **Reply #32 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 18:31:22 »

A little Deja Vu. Someone in a clan-chat last Year, told everyone that his mother had spent £500 on Gold-Pieces as his Xmas present. Made me feel no good-will and bad-tidings, thinking I slogged Months for nothing and he gets hundreds of millions of Runescape GP for Xmas.

laden3 · « **Reply #33 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 18:42:39 »

runescape? >.< why pay £500 when u can spend it on something more meaningful than an online game. What's ur name in rs? I want to compare stats =P (I quit the game, but I am still interested in ppl's stats ^^ )

Lanx · « **Reply #34 on:** Mon, 25 October 2010, 23:14:54 »

Quote from: laden3;238683

runescape? >.< why pay £500 when u can spend it on something more meaningful than an online game. What's ur name in rs? I want to compare stats =P (I quit the game, but I am still interested in ppl's stats ^^ )

It's the usual time=money, why sloth away at work only to sloth away grinding in an MMO when if you sloth away at work and make $$$, turn that $$$ into productive fun time for your MMO rather than grinding away.

Then your asking well why do you have to grind away anyway at the game, thats how the game is designed and if your already rearing to play it barring any "lol inter-web games 4 noobs wasting time i love real life fo sure" then just have more fun that way.

Disclaimer: when i did play MMO's i never bought anything, but that was cuz i was the MT/RL and as anyone knows i get whatever i want in that position. (plus at that level of gaming you couldn't "buy" anything with real money anyway)

Azuremen · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 26 October 2010, 01:24:00 »

Quote from: ripster;238662

The new ethics is cheating is OK as long as you pay for the game.

Unless its a Blizzard game, then they will ban you for cheating in single player.

Rajagra · « **Reply #36 on:** Tue, 26 October 2010, 01:48:52 »

Quote from: Azuremen;238769

Unless its a Blizzard game, then they will ban you for cheating in single player.

Blizzard has banned people for installing AutoHotkey. Despite the fact they support the G15 macro-tastic keyboard (WoW outputs data to its screen.)

Lanx · « **Reply #37 on:** Tue, 26 October 2010, 01:58:16 »

i'm pretty sure g15+wow= big payday for everyone just cuz of the g15 lcd (even though gamers could use a dual screen?, the purpose of that lcd is to display timers/spells etc but then you have to look down, idk when i did mmo i had a dual screen for all my raid timers/spells/dps)

Azuremen · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 26 October 2010, 02:03:19 »

Quote from: Rajagra;238774

Blizzard has banned people for installing AutoHotkey. Despite the fact they support the G15 macro-tastic keyboard (WoW outputs data to its screen.)

I believe they have issues with Macros that have delays in them between actions.

That aside, I was referring to the incident where numerous people had their accounts banned for using "trainers" to get the Campaign achievements in StarCraft 2.

Lanx · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 29 October 2010, 13:12:04 »

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOGiTECH-G15-GAMING-KEYBOARD-BLUE-LED-LCD-RIBBON-/290442555691?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item439fb9b12b

this guy is trying to only sell the lcd for 30bucks maybe you should try too.

News:

Author Topic: How to repair Logitech G15 V1 ? (Read 31927 times)