Minitimer LCD Display Problem and Fix

[alexmyron]

After 6 months, several parts of the Minitimer LCD digits started dissappearing. I took it apart and found the ribbon attached to the circuit board was either lifting or corroding eventually over time.
To repair it requires steady hands, magnifier, knife and silver circuit paint. I scraped off the coating over the ribbons conductive paths and with a toothpick dipped in the conductive paint I drew small traces over from the ribbon to the board.
Now the digits work again. Seems to be a manufacture defect but with a bit of talent, good as new.

[Brian H]

Thank you for sharing the fix.

[steven r]

How long is the warranty?
I applaud your skill but it it had more than a 6 month warranty I'd of sent mine back to X10.

[alexmyron]

Mine was slightly modified with a bracket would've voided warranty, even after RMA#'s and shipping.. my 10 minutes fix avoided that.

[steven r]

Most of us wouldn't of even had all the parts on hand. i.e. While not nearly as long as waiting for an RMA replacement, I would of spent way over ten minutes and probably $10 finding the conductive paint. How much is X10 giving those Minitimers away for now? 

BTW.. Where does one find conductive paint and how much does it cost? You've made a good case for having some around.

I hate to throw anything out and if having some conductive paint can save the day then maybe I should keep some around.
As an example of what an electronic pack rat I am, I still have the first pager I ever got from a time before cell phones.

Boy was I excited to see this YouTube clip.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUSTXUis_ys

For anyone else that gets inspired, Electronic Goldmine has pager motors on sale for just $1.29.

[dave w]

Boy was I excited to see this YouTube clip.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUSTXUis_ys

For anyone else that gets inspired, Electronic Goldmine has pager motors on sale for just $1.29.

Way too cool!

[alexmyron]

Being a gadget freak and hobbiest for many years I came across badly adhered ribbon on either circuit  boards or the glass LCDs that cause missing digit display segments. Having just reglueing or clamping isn't usually sucessful and you can't solder these type of ribbons.
Giving up searching for an answer I ended up with this fix and used the technique on several clocks etc over a few years.
You will have to get the paint in either a pencil or bottle. WWW.newark.com has several kinds one called circuitwriter  try maybe the electronic supply companies or also the automotive supply companies that label it Rear window defrost repair paint.
The $29 "Minitimer 2" I purchased uses the inferior ribbon and so I ended up with this fix once again.