How to check for broke traces?

[Slypty]

I'm fixing up a Turbo Express, the Caps are really crusty and oxidized, I've pulled off a few solder tabs since they are so brittle.  I don't have a lot of experience finding broken traces, especially with small traces like the one's on a Turbo Express.

  I've run in to a problem, where the Video Cap (4.7uf 35V), not the bright backlight caps, have broken solder tabs.  I'm aware that for the + side of the Cap, there's an easy spot or hole you can just thread a new cap through.  The negative is a bit more of bit**.

  I've tried to find an appropriate place to solder the negative leg of the Cap to, but I can't find the trace for the life of me.  The trace seems to just be nowhere.  I'm pretty sure it goes in to a transistor nearby then back to the transformer, but it's very small and well  hidden.

  Anybody know any good connection points around there?  I've ruined the small solder point (the dot of solder) that acts as a ground to the transistor closeby (just below) the negative capacitor terminal.  I'm at wits end, so I'd be happy to solder on the other side of the PCB and attach wire if necessary.  Any helps much appreciated.

  Any tips on finding broken traces are also welcomed, i.e special light, xray vision, etc.

[Xenogears]

Visual broken traces can be spotted, if you shine through the PCB with a strong lamp, or the LED of your mobile.

All further means - take a multimeter, spot the start point and beep through every single trace. Great fun but if you found the broken one, you feel better.

[Fidde_se]

I did this for via hole fixin for you all some time ago.

http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=11937.msg294896#msg294896

[Slypty]

Thanks maybe my only option

Visual broken traces can be spotted, if you shine through the PCB with a strong lamp, or the LED of your mobile.

All further means - take a multimeter and spot the start point and beep through every single trace. Great fun but if you found the broken one, you feed better.

[Slypty]

Good tutorial, the VIA hole I have for the + terminal is fine though, the other connection isn't a via, it's just a ground 'dot of solder' (it isn't through the PCB, only a layer.)  It probably lifted while I was trying to solder on to it.

I did this for via hole fixin for you all some time ago.

http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=11937.msg294896#msg294896

[johnnymad]

This thread is relevant to my interests. Was taking the caps off of my TE tonight as well and two pads came off. Luckily mine were the + end of the cap. Will sleep a little easier knowing there's another trace nearby. Figured there would be but wasn't sure.

[Fidde_se]

Slypty can you tell me which component it is and I might be able to trace it.

http://www.retrosampling.se/Temp/PC_EngineGT/Main%20PCB%20Pri.jpg
http://www.retrosampling.se/Temp/PC_EngineGT/Main%20PCB%20Sec.jpg

[johnnymad]

I'm asking the same question in my thread but will post here since the board scan is shown. The solder pad for the + end of CC502 and CC101 both came off. Is there any other point I could connect to? I'll check for myself when I get home but all the wondering is killing me!

[Keith Courage]

There is definitely a place to connect. Hold the board up to a light to see them more easily. There should be via holes right by them.