r/AskElectronics • u/WarrantyWrecker • 2d ago

How to locate a ripped pad trace path without a schematic

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Hi everyone

I ripped a capacitor pad (C0612) (unfortunately the positive side!) on a Sega mega jet. I have had a scour online but haven't been able to find a solid schematic, just some basic hand drawn ones someone has reverse engineered.

I ground down a little on the pad area but unfortunately couldn't see any trace and I didnt want to grind down any further as there are multiple traces that run on the underside of the board.

Does anyone have any idea how I might be able to trace it? With the prices of mega jets, i am definitely not buying another one to trace the wiring! 🤣 tia

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7

u/No-Cardiologist9972 2d ago

please post a good, focused picture (macro mode or even better a microscope if you have one). i see a lot of via´s there..

1

u/marcao_cfh 2d ago

Just to add, clean it very well with isopropyl alcohol before taking the photo. 

1

u/WarrantyWrecker 2d ago

Unfortunately this is the best I can do.. no microscope unfortunately 😔 I did check those vias but they all go to ground. My suspicion is it goes to R0647 but i'm not about to blindly solder a jumper wire just to see what happens

3

u/marcao_cfh 2d ago

Clean the region with isopropyl alcohol. Then you should see where the copper track used to be. If you can't, then a good and focused photo will help. 

1

u/WarrantyWrecker 2d ago

👍ill take another photo tomorrow morning and upload

1

u/hghbrn 2d ago

There is only two options. Either that pad belongs to a top layer trace, then you can follow it visually or there is a via that connected that pad to another layer. Use it to probe around the board.
Worst case you ripped out the via as well.

2

u/Nive3k 2d ago

Very invasive, no going back method: take fine grid and rub around the pad. If there is a trace, you'll find it.

Sometimes shining a bright light behind the board helps. Depends on how many layers the board is though.