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Controller susceptable to touch?

Posted: 19 Jul 2014, 05:28
by Eszett
Someone told me, that I have to use a strong magnet to bring my controller (Pegasus Hoof) into boot mode. One of my hairs fell on the controller, and I wanted to remove it. So I breathed upon my finger to maker it slightly humid and sticky, then I touched the controller, removed the hair. Guess what, about three seconds later the controller went into boot mode ... What on earth? :shock: Can someone explain this?

Posted: 19 Jul 2014, 05:36
by Eszett
Hm, the controller went again into boot mode when I shorted these two spots with a piece a metal (I used a keypuller).
400px-Pegasus_Hoof.JPG
400px-Pegasus_Hoof.JPG (21.05 KiB) Viewed 1924 times

Posted: 19 Jul 2014, 05:39
by Eszett
Hm, I guess the tip to use a magnet is meant for users who have their keyboard case covering the controller, so that there is no direct access to the controller. But you don’t need no magnet, when you can short these two spots. :idea:

Posted: 19 Jul 2014, 09:35
by chzel
You asked, you investigated, you solved! GJ!
Seriously though, if you use the board naked like that, you should cover the exposed contacts with some kind of lacquer (nail polish or sth) to avoid accidental shorts or ESD damage to the controller.

Posted: 19 Jul 2014, 15:22
by Eszett
Hi chzel! Thanks for affirmation. Shall I lacquer just the two contacts or all (30+)?

Posted: 19 Jul 2014, 15:32
by chzel
I would cover them all. Paperclips are evil.
Have in mind though that if you ever need to repair sth on those contacts you will have to remove the nail polish first (with acetone).
Grab a bottle of polish, unplug KBD, run the brush along the rows of contacts, let dry for 10 mins, re-apply a couple of layers.
Be carefull when around ABS plastic, acetone likes to eat it!

Posted: 19 Jul 2014, 16:27
by Eszett
Oh, then I think It is less risky when I put the keyboard top cover on again instead of lacquering. Thanks, chzel!