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General NLG Chat => Rants and Raves (SEE DESCRIPTION BEFORE ENTERING!) => Topic started by: Buzz on February 18, 2012, 01:46:49 AM



Title: Trace repair pen
Post by: Buzz on February 18, 2012, 01:46:49 AM
I was in a Radio Shack and ran across one of these trace repair pens. It seemed to be to good to be true but I bought one for 20 bucks. Says right on the package "use to draw traces on circuit boards, repair defective traces ". I figured if I could save just one board it would pay for it's self.  Brought it home and gave it a try, I put down a good looking trace and let it dry, but here's where I ran into a small problem, the problem being the shit doesn't conduct electricity. I'm not kidding you, I check it with a meter and nothing. I even went as far as pulling the top off the pen and sticking the meter probes down into the "conductive polymer" conductive my ass I got no readings at all.  It's kind of funny now but sure pissed me off when it happend. 


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: PLUNGER BOY on February 18, 2012, 02:18:56 AM
BUZZ    Did you read the directions FIRST . Did it say to shake to mix before using


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: poppo on February 18, 2012, 02:19:49 AM
From what I recall reading it takes like 10 minutes to cure before it becomes conductive.


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: PLUNGER BOY on February 18, 2012, 02:27:14 AM
 On the radio shack web site this was posted       This stuff works, it repaired what I'm using to type this review. I bought this Archos 5 IT with a non- functioning power switch. Evidently it had been dropped and ripped the copper pads from the pcb. One trace was almost microscopic in size, not enough left to solder onto. I used this product to make the repair. Two things about this product, you have to shake the pen really well before using and let the " ink" dry completely. Curious, I checked for continuity with a VOM while still wet and there was none, it has to dry first. I am storing my pen in the refrigerator in hopes it will have a longer shelf life. I think this stuff is great, it made a seemingly impossible repair possible.
AS POSTED BY RADIO SHACK


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: Buzz on February 18, 2012, 02:42:42 AM
BUZZ    Did you read the directions FIRST . Did it say to shake to mix before using

Yes Sir I did read all the directions, they say to shake it for at least 10 seconds and there is a ball inside that will mix the materials. I shook it so long I think it was getting ready to spit on me.


From what I recall reading it takes like 10 minutes to cure before it becomes conductive.

Mark  i can try it again, but a week later I got no readings on the meter. Quote "dries in minutes at room temperature to a highly conductive flexible coating"


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: PLUNGER BOY on February 18, 2012, 02:47:32 AM
 BUZZ . Peel back the sticker on the pen does is say SHARPIE   :208- :208- :208- You have been PUNKED


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: OhioGaming on February 18, 2012, 08:51:29 AM
 ..... and spit on!


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: ChizzleMonkey on February 18, 2012, 11:30:29 AM
You need to let it dry for 24 hours to be safe...and you also need to use a good circuit sealant on top of the new trace. Especially if you use the pen with "silver ink". They make a circuit sealer pen as well.


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: stayouttadabunker on February 18, 2012, 02:31:51 PM
Maybe Buzz is applying circuit sealer, instead of trace stuff... :25-
That could explain why he's not getting any readings on his multi-meter.  :97-


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: PLUNGER BOY on February 18, 2012, 09:17:28 PM
Maybe Buzz is applying circuit sealer, instead of trace stuff... :25-
That could explain why he's not getting any readings on his multi-meter.  :97-
I KEEP TELLING YOU HE USED A SHARPIE  MARKER  LOL


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: Buzz on February 18, 2012, 11:42:34 PM
I know I ain't paying any 20 bucks for circuit sealer. Guess I'll have to get into my personal selection of clear finger nail polish. (  Red doesn't look good on me) 

You know if Bull Shit was music, I'd be a Bras Band


Title: Re: Trace repair pen
Post by: stayouttadabunker on February 19, 2012, 12:02:16 AM
I know I ain't paying any 20 bucks for circuit sealer. Guess I'll have to get into my personal selection of clear finger nail polish. (  Red doesn't look good on me) 

You know if Bull Shit was music, I'd be a Brass Band

 :72- So, where do I get tickets for the hit parade?   :97-