Warning: Duck/pure/other PCB and Tex case causes damage.

[Jixr]

Hi everyone, I don't know if this has been documented or not, but I figured I would at least post just in case.

I recently picked up a duck mini v1.5 pcb, and using it with a tex alum. case I discovered an issue that damages the PCB.

If you're using the 'Pure' Style layout with the short right shift and a tex case, the case design will break off the diode for the 'fn' switch to the right of the short right shift.

I've tried my best to document the issue.
With the standard layout, there is a notch cut out for the diode, but for the short right shift layout, it does not clear.
This may be applicable with other pcbs ( pure/viper/eagle/gh60/etc  ) so take caution




The way I fixed it was simply hard wire the switch as shown in the picture above, and put tape over the diode connection ( otherwise it will contact the case and cause input problems )

Though it does appear that TEX is redesigning this case ( see massrop case ) so the new version may or may not have this problem.

[0100010]

Nice workaround.  I would have probably dremel'd off some of that shelf to provide clearance for the diode.

Good post!

[berserkfan]

Applause for finding this issue!

That said I would also recommend shaving off the bottom of the case/ dremelling it. It is always preferable to mod the casing rather than risk damaging the PCB. You can always superglue some little plastic strip back onto the casing if you need to change the shift in future.

[Jixr]

yeah, unfortunately I didn't find this problem out until after the diode broke off, at first I just thought it was bad soldering from the factory, but later found out it was my case that damaged it.

I don't have a dremel, but you could easily use that or a file to shave the casing.

My fix is just temporary until I can get another diode and properly repair the pcb.

[margo baggins]

Rather than using a jump wire you could use a 1n4148 through hole diode and then you would still have a diode in place there, and it wouldn't foul the case still.

I got heaps of diodes, but it would probably cost you more for me to post you one than it would be to source one locally!

[dustinhxc]

Whoa thanks for the tip man.

[heedpantsnow]

That stinks.  Thanks for bringing it to everyone's attention.

I see that you're using rubber shelf liner down in the the trenches of the case; I would put a thin layer between the PCB and case as well.  Helps to head off problems like this and provides a bit of electrical isolation from shorts.

[Jixr]

That stinks.  Thanks for bringing it to everyone's attention.

I see that you're using rubber shelf liner down in the the trenches of the case; I would put a thin layer between the PCB and case as well.  Helps to head off problems like this and provides a bit of electrical isolation from shorts.

Unfortunately the tex case is so thin that if you put a shelf liner between the metal 'stands' you can't get the plate to sit flush with the lip of the case.


I don't really know anything about diodes, so I don't really no how to properly fix the problem, but for now, my jumper wire works.

[heedpantsnow]

I'm using a piece of thin shelf liner between my plated Poker X board and my Tex case, and mine lines up fine.  Your shelf liner might be too thick.  I've also used the mildly-padded white material that they put TV's, monitors, etc. in.  It is very lightly padded, but also very thin.

Anyways, I hope your jumper continues to work.  I know a bit about diodes, but don't know how to solder SMD's like those.  If you have problems, I'm sure you could mail it to somebody to fix for you.

[Jixr]

I've wired up this cluster of a pokerX that had several broken diodes, traces, burnt out lines, etc. its a rats nest, but it works fine.



I think overall, I had to wire jump like 15+ switches, basically the right half of the keyboard didn't work when I got it. ( PO destroyed it when he had it )

[justin.wu]

Hi everyone, I don't know if this has been documented or not, but I figured I would at least post just in case.

I recently picked up a duck mini v1.5 pcb, and using it with a tex alum. case I discovered an issue that damages the PCB.

If you're using the 'Pure' Style layout with the short right shift and a tex case, the case design will break off the diode for the 'fn' switch to the right of the short right shift.

I've tried my best to document the issue.
With the standard layout, there is a notch cut out for the diode, but for the short right shift layout, it does not clear.
This may be applicable with other pcbs ( pure/viper/eagle/gh60/etc  ) so take caution

Show Image

The way I fixed it was simply hard wire the switch as shown in the picture above, and put tape over the diode connection ( otherwise it will contact the case and cause input problems )

Though it does appear that TEX is redesigning this case ( see massrop case ) so the new version may or may not have this problem.

Thanks for your advise !! I will think about how to fix this issue next production , maybe in Massdrop this version we can fix that :)

[Jixr]

aw cool, well that would be neat if something did get changed in the production line.

[justin.wu]

Yes !! we will fix this issue in next production

aw cool, well that would be neat if something did get changed in the production line.

[False_Dmitry_II]

I've wired up this cluster of a pokerX that had several broken diodes, traces, burnt out lines, etc. its a rats nest, but it works fine.

Show Image

I think overall, I had to wire jump like 15+ switches, basically the right half of the keyboard didn't work when I got it. ( PO destroyed it when he had it )

I don't think you know what a rat's nest looks like.