Hardware About The MicroSD Card Connector

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 13, 2018

Heya, I've replaced the thermal paste in my switch since it got really hot while docked, and when I reassembled it I accidentally connected the microsd card reader in a way that it didn't have a proper connection to the PCB, and when I wanted to seat it properly I saw that a pin FROM THE FEMALE LEGO CONNECTOR, WHICH IS SOLDERED TO THE PCB broke.
Now, to make it clear this is the first time it happened to me, I've swapped housings to 2 switches before without any problems at all, I don't know how it happened and I can't look at myself in the mirror rn. :/
While looking for a new connector, I found out their manufacturer is Molex, but I don't know the exact model name.
TL;DR: I somehow broke a pin off of the female microsd lego connector and don't know the model number. Can somebody help me please? :/ Thanks in advance!
TO CLARIFY: THE TRACE ITSELF IS FINE, ONLY THE PIN BROKE OFF.

Kadji · Nov 13, 2018

If the trace is fine can't you just scratch the lane a bit and solder the connector on the Mainboard?
Or is something broken *inside* the connector and I misunderstood you?

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 13, 2018

Or is something broken *inside* the connector and I misunderstood you?[/QUOTE]
Nope, the pin was at the outer part of the connector, but the available place to solder on is to small so the wire falls off everytime. :/

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 14, 2018

Any help, please?

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 15, 2018

Can somebody please help? I know there aren't a lot of people who can help me here so I know I may wait even more for a proper answer.

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 15, 2018

Well, after a lot of time I THINK I found what I was looking for. I ordered some and will update!

6adget · Nov 15, 2018

Find some boards with similar connectors with small pins and practice taking them off and on until you really are comfortable with the procedure. Old motherboards, CD drives, anything that you can practice on. If you cant do a good job with one of those then you are not ready. Make sure you have all the proper tools. I cannot tell you how many repairs I do for clients each month who have a small problem just like you do, and try to fix it themselves. By the time I get the board it is usually cheaper to just replace it. Buy the part, take out the PCB, and take it to a repair shop. They will have it done in a few minutes, and you will have saved a bunch of cash. I know you didnt ask how to replace it, but thats my advice. good luck.

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 15, 2018

6adget said:
Find some boards with similar connectors with small pins and practice taking them off and on until you really are comfortable with the procedure. Old motherboards, CD drives, anything that you can practice on. If you cant do a good job with one of those then you are not ready. Make sure you have all the proper tools. I cannot tell you how many repairs I do for clients each month who have a small problem just like you do, and try to fix it themselves. By the time I get the board it is usually cheaper to just replace it. Buy the part, take out the PCB, and take it to a repair shop. They will have it done in a few minutes, and you will have saved a bunch of cash. I know you didnt ask how to replace it, but thats my advice. good luck.

I think I wasn't clear enough, I know how to do it by myself haha, I just need the connector's part number, but I think I found it out. I've ordered some of what I think are the correct connectors, will update!

6adget · Nov 15, 2018

No, like I said at the end of my post, I understand thats not what you were asking about. Let us know how it turns out.

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 15, 2018

6adget said:
No, like I said at the end of my post, I understand thats not what you were asking about. Let us know how it turns out.

I sure will!

mattytrog · Nov 16, 2018

I never did find the correct part. It isn`t a molex.

The thinnest BTB stacking connector they do is too wide (the central raised nipple bit)

So I chopped the ribbon just in front of the smoothing cap on the SD reader and used some AWG40 to go directly to the testpads, keeping the motherboard side intact. Can post a pinout if it would help...

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 17, 2018

mattytrog said:
I never did find the correct part. It isn`t a molex.

The thinnest BTB stacking connector they do is too wide (the central raised nipple bit)

So I chopped the ribbon just in front of the smoothing cap on the SD reader and used some AWG40 to go directly to the testpads, keeping the motherboard side intact. Can post a pinout if it would help...

View attachment 149584

Thank you! Will try this if the connector definitely won't be what I ordered.

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 18, 2018

My connectors have arrived, and as @mattytrog have said, these connectors aren't the ones that I need, though they look really similar. I think the only thing that prevents the connection is the wider piece of plastic in the middle.
Wish I knew it before I ordered them, oh well.
Will use matty's pinout today or tomorrow and will update.

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 18, 2018

Hello there @mattytrog , I don't feel comfortable nagging you the second time today, if you want me to stop please tell me!

I've made a jumper according to your pinout and the microsd still couldn't be accessed, I've noticed 2 more half-broken pins inside the connector, do you have a pinout of all of the 16 pins in the connector/where the testpads go so I'll be able to solder more jumpers? Thanks in advance!

mattytrog · Nov 18, 2018

XxShalevElimelechxX said:
Hello there @mattytrog , I don't feel comfortable nagging you the second time today, if you want me to stop please tell me!
I've made a jumper according to your pinout and the microsd still couldn't be accessed, I've noticed 2 more half-broken pins inside the connector, do you have a pinout of all of the 16 pins in the connector/where the testpads go so I'll be able to solder more jumpers? Thanks in advance!

You don't need the connector. Those are the only ones connected. Make sure it is grounded! Screw it on to the hole where it normally goes

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 18, 2018

mattytrog said:
You don't need the connector. Those are the only ones connected. Make sure it is grounded! Screw it on to the hole where it normally goes

Thank you very much, you're a life saver!!

mattytrog · Nov 18, 2018

XxShalevElimelechxX said:
Thank you very much, you're a life saver!!

No worries. U up and running?

XxShalevElimelechxX · Nov 18, 2018

mattytrog said:
No worries. U up and running?

Am now preparing my soldering equipment.

DayVeeBoi · Nov 18, 2018

FYI, in the future if you decide you wanna try your hand at replacing it I suggest contacting one of the suppliers on AliExpress that sells this stuff. I took a look for the part at a few shops but they don't have that particular socket listed. I'd imagine they could send you one fairly easily if you asked though. I don't want to advertise for any particular seller but if you message me I can PM you one or two that I have dealt with and had a positive experience.

mattytrog · Nov 18, 2018

DayVeeBoi said:
FYI, in the future if you decide you wanna try your hand at replacing it I suggest contacting one of the suppliers on AliExpress that sells this stuff. I took a look for the part at a few shops but they don't have that particular socket listed. I'd imagine they could send you one fairly easily if you asked though. I don't want to advertise for any particular seller but if you message me I can PM you one or two that I have dealt with and had a positive experience.

Good idea. But it will take until the sun expands for it to get here.

Also, chances are they send the wrong bit. They don't have many schematics on their listings

Hardware About The MicroSD Card Connector

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