deskthority

Hi guys, wondering if anyone could help me with a non-functioning key on my QFR that I converted to ANSI.

So the first mech I bought was a QFR in ISO UK (before I knew ANSI was the best layout by far). I have always wanted to change it over to ANSI, and the PCB seems to allow for me to just move some switches around. I managed to finally track down a plate that would allow me to make the change (Chzel's phantom plate plus some mods). So I finally got the dremel out and made some mods to the plate and everything seemed to go quite well. Well, until I tried it out after soldering the board up, the "o" key doesn't work! I have no idea what would cause this as all the tracts and soldering seem fine, I have also tried swapping out the switch, but with no luck.
I don't really know much about the technical workings of a keyboard, so I am a bit stumped about things to try; would really appreciate any advice

Pictures:
Thanks

I also converted my QFR from ISO to ANSI and had to fix some traces after re-soldering. If you have a multimeter, check if the switch pins are connected with its neighbors in the matrix. The QFR's matrix is documented here: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Costar_Matrix

In your case, you'd have to check if the left pin of the "O" switch is connected to the diode and if the right pin on the "O" switch is connected to the right pin of the "L" switch. I've marked the connections you need to check:
If one of the tests fails, you can patch that with a wire. Or if you don't have a multimeter handy, you can just add the wires and see if it's works afterwards.

Thanks a lot for the reply, I think I will wait until I borrow a MM in order to check out those traces.
Out of interest, what did you have to fix on your QFR, and what plate did you use to convert it?

I've broken two pads – backspace (partially lifted) and one of the bottom row modifiers (completely lifted). The plate was a spare one from another DT member.

Well it is also good to know that someone has actually managed to do this without any additional PCB mods
Now you mention pads, it kind of looks like the pad on mine has lifted slightly, but it still seems to be connected to both the switch and the trace.

@jou: Just wanted to let you know that I managed to fix the keyboard with your advice; thanks a lot

Problem was that the pad had been detached from the tract (somehow) and that was causing it not to function, even though just to my eye it all looked fine. Just bridged the gap with a piece of wire and everything works.

Thanks again

No problem, glad to be of help