small soldering

Question

I am looking at increasing the length of a digital camera's display to be more heads up for a helmet. Say something similar to the Halo universes Gungnir or scanner helmets where there is not transparent visor but there is need to move the display from the SOC ribbon cable that has ever so tiny leads. I understand enameled wire may be needed(probably for the size) but the amber ribbon cable has me worried.

jw0752 · Accepted Answer

Hi Blain, The one thing you have going for you is that they have terminated the cable with metal solder terminals. This gives you a place to solder though you will have to be very careful and somewhat quick on each terminal so that you do not over heat it and damage its connection to the conductor in the ribbon. I could not see the connections on the smaller ribbon cable or determine if it is a necessary part of the extension as well. At this point I would say that what you want to do is probably possible but be prepared to sacrifice your unit for science if the soldering doesn't go well. John

jw0752 · Answer

Hi Blain, Can you send a picture of the ribbon cable. Many of the very flat cables do not have solderable wire in them. It is more like conductive paint. If this is the case it will be quite difficult to extend the length. Some of the engineers on this site may know about technology to extend these types of ribbon cables. If we can see what the cable looks like it will be easier to advise. John

michaelkellett · Answer

I could do it if I really had to but I would much rather not. I've had similar problems in prototyping with small displays.

My approach would be:

1) very carefully unsolder the display from the existing board - this is about the hardest part since you don't want to break or cook anything.

(If it really is conductive glue I don't think it's really worth trying.)

2) solder a little pcb (that you will need to design and have made for the job) to the display. You will need to glue the flexible board to this bridge board as well as solder it.

3) The bridge pcb will have little pads that you can solder wires to and the other ends of the wires can be soldered to the main pcb. You might be able to find a ribbon cable for this .

Take care if you do this - most people break (beyond repair) about the first five they try.

MK

small soldering

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