Ergodox problem [Still no luck]

[Hero_of_One]

Hey everyone. Pretty new here. I just built myself an Ergodox and I'm having an issue with a switch, SW3:8. Initially, I assumed it was the diode. Replacing that didn't help, so I desoldered the switch to check for any possible shorts, plus replaced the switch while I was at it. Still no luck.

I have the standard QWERTY keyboard layout. When I press the G key ( SW3:5 ) the entire set of characters in the row, TAB A S D F and G (SW3:0-SW3:5), are sent. I've been combing over the thing for anything that might be shorting it. I do have an aluminum plate that the switches are mounted to, in addition to the PCB, that I suppose could be shorting it somewhere, but I figured I would post here before desoldering all the switches. The kit I bought had the pass-through, circular diodes, not SMDs, but I don't think that would be a factor either. I can post pictures of the PCB if that'll help, but I think I did a decent job soldering.

Anyone have an idea what could be going on?

Update:
Just desoldered all the switches, took off the aluminum mounting plate, and soldered only a new G switch on SW3:5. There isn't any visible short on the PCB and the G key always generates SW3:0 - SW3:5 when pressed. My next guess would be the diodes or I/O expander. I suppose I should order a multimeter and new I/O expander to try.

Update 2:
I replaced all the diodes along the row and column of the problem, re-soldered the I/O Expander, and combed over the entire left board. The problem is still present and I'm not sure what to do at this point. Anyone have suggestions beyond replacing the I/O Expander or Teensy?

[peonpeon]

might be a similar problem to https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56330.msg1294266#msg1294266
also a related thread on desk authority, but not sure if i'm allowed to link it here. (google for "Ergodox column problem")
Does your problem always exist or did it suddenly appear after some prolonged usage? i.e. for me, this fault mode activated after pressing the affected switch enough times/ plugging the board in long enough.

I did manage to fix it but not without a lot of stuff that made no sense.

First off i would try to trace the associated pin with the switch and the affected column and see if you can narrow down anything further using a multimeter.  It might help to look for the Ergodox PCB layout in a Gerber reader to better visualize where all the traces are.

Here are some of the things I wound up trying out. I have no idea which fixed the issue tbh.

• spray compressed air into crevices to make sure no stray solder/wires are shorting any wires out
• try resoldering the diodes along the affected column / along the affected row making sure there are no shorts and make sure the solder joints are good.
• try tracing the corresponding pin for the affected row, see if you can find some sort of short using a multimeter
• try desoldering the MCP/Teensy ( depending on which hand )
• try replacing the MCP/Teensy ( depending on which hand ) with a new one

good luck!

[tp4tissue]

if the whole row is going .. check the controller side.

[Hero_of_One]

might be a similar problem to https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56330.msg1294266#msg1294266
also a related thread on desk authority, but not sure if i'm allowed to link it here. (google for "Ergodox column problem")
Does your problem always exist or did it suddenly appear after some prolonged usage? i.e. for me, this fault mode activated after pressing the affected switch enough times/ plugging the board in long enough.

I did manage to fix it but not without a lot of stuff that made no sense.

First off i would try to trace the associated pin with the switch and the affected column and see if you can narrow down anything further using a multimeter.  It might help to look for the Ergodox PCB layout in a Gerber reader to better visualize where all the traces are.

Here are some of the things I wound up trying out. I have no idea which fixed the issue tbh.

• spray compressed air into crevices to make sure no stray solder/wires are shorting any wires out
• try resoldering the diodes along the affected column / along the affected row making sure there are no shorts and make sure the solder joints are good.
• try tracing the corresponding pin for the affected row, see if you can find some sort of short using a multimeter
• try desoldering the MCP/Teensy ( depending on which hand )
• try replacing the MCP/Teensy ( depending on which hand ) with a new one

good luck!

Hey peonpeon! I actually know the deskauthority thread you are talking about; I recognize your name from it. I bookmarked it yesterday before posting here. The difference between that and my problem is column vs row, so I wasn't sure if the issue was the same. The issue happens on every key press.

I'll have to look up the PCB layout, as mine is black and hard to follow. That and pick up a multimeter.... I've had to pick up so much stuff for this Ergodox already, I was hoping to avoid that. Oh well.   

Update:
Just desoldered all the switches, took off the aluminum mounting plate, and soldered only a new G switch on SW3:5. There isn't any visible short on the PCB and the G key always generates SW3:0 - SW3:5 when pressed. My next guess would be the diodes or I/O expander. I suppose I should order a multimeter and new I/O expander to try.

[Hero_of_One]

if the whole row is going .. check the controller side.

By controller side, you mean the right side with the teensy board? I've been combing over both with no luck.