Hacking So looking for some direction here - Original 3DS XL bought knowing it had a bricking issue but

[TurdPooCharger]

Yes I found that I took out my multi meter tested for continuity so the left connector test fine first pen read second pan I put black on there and I get the beep with the connector on the right with the suppose it broken trace I’m getting no beep I’m at second pin on the connector so my guesses as an actual break I’m guessing you’re gonna recommend putting some Solder on that pin potential he which probably will be challenge

Back from break.

No!! Solder doesn't stick on flex cable traces. You'll just melt the cable if you try. I'm not familiar what that cable leads to, but it's seen at step 27.

• [iFixit] Nintendo 3DS XL Upper LCD Display Replacement

Edit - Okay, so it looks to be the upper LCD little tab cables that are connected to the speaker assembly.

It's going to suck, but it looks like you're going to have to replace that LCD.

• [eBay] NEW Replacement Parts For 3DS XL Upper Top LCD Display Screen Monitor

 

[zincmann]

Its ok I will replace the LCD then since I already have it open it is what it is. My next thought was I was going to cut off the end of that cable and then use a fiber glass pen to clean away the coating on the cable as there seems to be enough length on the cable to create a new connection. I have seen MyMateVince do soldering on the ribbon cable while it was a challenge he did it, which is why I asked about doing solder. Is TuriTrade your selling ID on Ebay? If so I will buy from you that's not an issue.

 

[zincmann]

This might also be a solution to the problem:

http://stillwatereng.com/blog/flex-cable-repair-with-caig-circuitwriter-pen/

 

[zincmann]

This might also be a solution to the problem:

http://stillwatereng.com/blog/flex-cable-repair-with-caig-circuitwriter-pen/

So I ended up ordering this because hopefully repairing a trace will be somewhat easier than replacing a whole screen and with my luck the screen will be broken anyways LOL Keep you posted as this is coming one day Amazon I read and saw video reviews it really seems to work and all I need is just enough to repair that trace/connector

 

[TurdPooCharger]

Its ok I will replace the LCD then since I already have it open it is what it is. My next thought was I was going to cut off the end of that cable and then use a fiber glass pen to clean away the coating on the cable as there seems to be enough length on the cable to create a new connection. I have seen MyMateVince do soldering on the ribbon cable while it was a challenge he did it, which is why I asked about doing solder. Is TuriTrade your selling ID on Ebay? If so I will buy from you that's not an issue.

No, not an eBay seller. That link was posted as it had the most sold listing for o3DSXL upper lcd in case you're looking to buy a replacement. There are also aliexpress, amazon, and ifixit if you want to shop for this part elsewhere.

This MyMateVince you speak of? Does he have pinpoint accuracy with micro-soldering? It's not that I doubt it's possible to fix flex cables that small, just most people including hobby electronics repair specialist do not possess that level of skills to do it.

This might also be a solution to the problem:

http://stillwatereng.com/blog/flex-cable-repair-with-caig-circuitwriter-pen/

OoO, silver conductive ink pen. This idea is like the silver paste syringe + UV light glue pen:

• 3DS XL solder troubles [post #2]

I've seen something like this used on breadboards to fix or reroute traces. Not sure how it holds up on soft substrates like smaller/thinner flex cables. This idea might work if you don't cross connect the neighboring traces. If done wrong, this can very well short and hardbrick the motherboard.

***

If your cable had more landing to scratch away the layer, it's also possible to reroute the trace with thin copper strand + tape like this:

• Recovering data and NNID from a dead 3DS [post #6]

So I ended up ordering this because hopefully repairing a trace will be somewhat easier than replacing a whole screen and with my luck the screen will be broken anyways LOL Keep you posted as this is coming one day Amazon I read and saw video reviews it really seems to work and all I need is just enough to repair that trace/connector

I think that pen mark is cleanable with rubbing alcohol, napkin, q-tip. Test the continuity so that the fixed trace does not have the ink contaminating with the others. I suggest you put a protective layer of clear tape or even UV pen glue to cap or contain the ink from rubbing or spilling over.

 

[zincmann]

actually that was what I was thinking actually that was what I was thinking Yes mine a fence is the guy who does everything with pinpoint accuracy a very proper Britt I watch these videos quite a bit I obviously know that I can't do what he does but I learned a lot from him and many others I was going to tape off the other sections and I was actually going to use a small toothpick to apply it they said that the Penn sometimes is sloppy so I was going to use the toothpick and dab it on carefully and obviously let it dry for the requisite amount of hours I'll let you know how it works. I'm going to test for continuity once it dries I'll keep you posted I really appreciate all your help and suggestions so far

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sorry sorry for a couple misspelled and mispronounced words I'm doing a couple things around the house so I'm using voice to text and it never works 100% I'm sure you can figure out what I'm saying anyways

 

[TurdPooCharger]

sorry sorry for a couple misspelled and mispronounced words I'm doing a couple things around the house so I'm using voice to text and it never works 100% I'm sure you can figure out what I'm saying anyways

Eh, not the worst grammar. Your run-on sentences aren't atrocious. Some people write very broken English where missing periods means the difference between "I get you" versus "dafuq you say?".

That makes two. Currently cleaning my garage and sipping coffee on breaks with a side of coding.

 

[zincmann]

Ha thanks. Devoid of being next to a keyboard last night, I fat finger it so much on my large screen phone that I have semi-resorted to voice to text. Pen arrives today will let you know but I am hoping (fingers crossed) that this is the issue, would make sense, I looked at the top shell plastic and it was scuffed in the corner, like it had been dropped possibly and then maybe that caused the tip of that second pin to the left to get sheared or gouged possibly.

Anyhow hoping for a result.

 

[zincmann]

So I used the pen to repair the trace and then after it dried I had continuity on that second pin however when i tried sticking it in the connector on the 3ds and nothing and it had scraped away most of the paint. So I started fresh and tried sanding some of the plastic coating on the flex cable to give me more good cable before the perceived break in pin 2. No continuity in pin 2 before the break I got continuity in Pin 1 however which i was getting before so I am stumped and returning that pen since it was $25 and really does not work. Unfortunately without a electrical schema of what should have continuity and what should not I am at a loss.

 

[zincmann]

So I finally gave in and decided to have someone repair it who knows a little more about it than me. Thanks for all your help and the conductive pen is going back to Amazon.

 

[TurdPooCharger]

So I finally gave in and decided to have someone repair it who knows a little more about it than me. Thanks for all your help and the conductive pen is going back to Amazon.

As long as the o3DSXL gets correctly repaired at a reasonable price and you're happy, that's all that matters. Despite the physical risks to your system and results did not go as expected, you can make the claim you're (fairly) handy at electronic repairs.

 

[zincmann]

Yes I agree...I am definitely FAR from knowledgeable. I can do older systems no problem and have done a few 3DS XL's but when it came to this maybe over my head with the repair process.