Hey all, it's been a long time since I've last posted to this account. About 5 years ago (really? wow), I began my first project with Raspberry Pi computers and attempted to make a little emulator console. In the process, I killed the USB functionality on a Pi Zero 1.3 and learned a lot! I held on to the thing, just in case I was able to repair it in the future. Well, it's the future now (unfortunately). I'm currently using Raspberry Pis in my college coursework, and using them more got me thinking about this poor little board that I mangled in the past. I've gotten better in both equipment and skill with soldering, so I think I'm much more up to the task of actually fixing this thing now. I've hit a bit of a wall in what I should do next, though, and I'm hoping some of you here might have some insight.
I had thought that I had broken the data traces at one point, due to an unsightly gash in the PP22 pad I had made, but after following the trace and verifying continuity all the way up to the CPU, I can rule it out.Here you can see the gash in the PP22 pad.And here's the top side. I had scraped off the solder mask on the data traces to test the continuity, and I just put a small piece of tape to cover them up again for now.
I've also verified that the OTG adapter is good and functions correctly.
Upon plugging a keyboard into the OTG adapter and port, I noticed that none of the lights on it turned on. Num/Scroll Lock didn't come on or toggle when pressed. I think what's happening here, then, is a power issue. Unfortunately, I can't really identify where the fault would be, as it's affecting only the USB port. Anyone else's insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, no I'm not throwing it away. I know it's cheap, but it's the principle of the thing, y'know? Besides, I've already anthropomorphized it enough in my head that I'm not gonna give up on it. I think its name is Carl.
I had thought that I had broken the data traces at one point, due to an unsightly gash in the PP22 pad I had made, but after following the trace and verifying continuity all the way up to the CPU, I can rule it out.
I've also verified that the OTG adapter is good and functions correctly.
Upon plugging a keyboard into the OTG adapter and port, I noticed that none of the lights on it turned on. Num/Scroll Lock didn't come on or toggle when pressed. I think what's happening here, then, is a power issue. Unfortunately, I can't really identify where the fault would be, as it's affecting only the USB port. Anyone else's insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, no I'm not throwing it away. I know it's cheap, but it's the principle of the thing, y'know? Besides, I've already anthropomorphized it enough in my head that I'm not gonna give up on it. I think its name is Carl.
Statistics: Posted by APiNoob — Thu Jan 15, 2026 10:57 am — Replies 0 — Views 31