Peripherals Should I attempt a repair of mech keyboard?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Kronos, 26 Jul 2013.

  1. Kronos

    Kronos Multimodder

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    I have a faulty Coolermaster Quick Fire Rapid bought third hand on the MP and although it is well within the 2 year warranty, Coolermaster are not being particularly helpful in regards to that. The warranty would need to be claimed by the original purchaser and then I assume I would send it off and assuming that they agree that the item is faulty the original purchaser would need to convince them that he has changed his address to mine. But I have been dealing with Coolermaster and it was them that informed me that the original purchaser had the warranty not me even though I tried to convince them it was a present.

    But rather than faff about I am wondering if I could perhaps repair the fault myself as it is not a particularly expensive KB so it might be worth the attempt.

    The fault seems to be in the micro-USB connection as it will drop in and out when connected. I am wondering if a loose internal connection is the culprit. Once I have removed the labels to reveal the screws the warranty will be invalid anyway.

    Advise sort please.
     
  2. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Is the daddy!

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    It could be a dry joint on the socket itself.

    Strip it down and snap some pic's of the logic boards.
     
  3. spolsh

    spolsh Multimodder

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    My Quickfire Pro likes a cheap thin USB cable more than the "premium" one supplied with the board. Used to drop out regularly with the old cable - no keyboard errors at start-up etc. - now it seems fine.

    Might be worth trying a cheapy cable first, if you haven't already.
     
  4. Kronos

    Kronos Multimodder

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    Tried several cables and two PC's so don't think the problem is that. But I never used the cable that was supplied as it was far to rigid.
     
  5. Kronos

    Kronos Multimodder

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    Not sure what you mean by that, but anyway before I look for a more detailed explanation from you I am looking really for advise on whether it is worth invalidating the warranty or not.
     
  6. Krikkit

    Krikkit All glory to the hypnotoad! Super Moderator

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    Yes, chances are the socket had a weak joint that has broken, and just needs soldering up again.

    If CM are being awkward and you can stand to lose the board if something goes wrong, then go for it. Otherwise, persist with CM. :)
     
  7. Shirty

    Shirty W*nker! Super Moderator

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    Oh dear, sorry to hear you're still having problems mate. When Margon next comes on here it might be worth seeing if he can help in any way, he seems pretty handy with soldering and this is almost certainly a bad join somewhere.

    Unicorn is also a repair expert, as are several others on the forums. It will certainly be repairable if you're willing to, otherwise you can sell it on as faulty and I'm sure someone will snap it up at the right price.
     
    Last edited: 26 Jul 2013
  8. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Is the daddy!

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    Solder joints can degrade over time if poor to begin with, when failure occurs it's not uncommon to be described as a "dry joint".

    I suspect having looked at google images of the keyboard that the socket is under high stress by the way the USB cable is routed.

    Test it by giving the usb cable a little wiggle and poke, if you replicate the issue then it's an easy fix. If you do find this is the case, drop me a PM, more than happy to repair it for you.
     
  9. Kronos

    Kronos Multimodder

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    Cheers Nick, not sure I can be arsed with CM even though Williz, the original purchaser has been very helpful.

    As I said to shirty CM don't seem to be being very helpful so i think I am leaning towards trying it myself.

    Cheers mate. Will do and thanks for your kind offer.
     
  10. Kronos

    Kronos Multimodder

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    This is getting silly I have just (10:40) plugged the KB in and so far it is showing no problems. I have wiggled the cable about and it's fine.

    Watch this space.

    Moved it back to the PC I use it on and at some point I lost connection and saw the error message USB device not recognised. Yet wiggling the cable does not have any effect.
     
    Last edited: 26 Jul 2013
  11. Kronos

    Kronos Multimodder

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    Anyone else any views?
     
  12. GeorgeK

    GeorgeK Swinging the banhammer Super Moderator

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    I'd definitely give repairing it a go if CM are being a***s about the warranty - mechanical keyboards aren't hugely complicated things...
     
  13. Kronos

    Kronos Multimodder

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    I am leaning towards trying it myself. Cheers.
     

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