XB1 controller motherboard broke

[Jakob_024]

Hello all,

I am taking apart my xb1 controller to make a scuf mod.

As I wS taking it apart, while unscrewing the last screw, an extremely tiny square labeled c16 broke off.

My question is what is this piece, and what will happen if it's not reconnected.

I also have a soldering iron, but it is so small I don't want to attempt anything until I know how to do it right.

I will provide a picture. The piece labeled c15 right beside it is exactly the same.

Thank you so much in advance.

http://tinypic.com/r/14czert/9

 

[C12Friedman]

That is/was a surface mount capacitor. I'd be inclined to believe it is/was similar to C13 or C18 (judging by the pad size) but I know of no way to determine it's values without a schematic (good luck finding that). Without replacement, I would expect anything from some functionality of the controller being lost up to the controller not working at all. It could be a redundant part but I wouldn't count on that.

 

[Jakob_024]

I didn't want solder it on being so small. I taped it back on. Do you think that could work? I mean there are so many capacitors on the controller. Couldn't that be in case of damage to one, it would still work? I mean lots of controllers are thrown, and I'm sure those small pieces break off. It's held on with tape right now. Is there any way to put it on better? Where can you get a replacement for it?

Thank you!

 

[C12Friedman]

I doubt if tape will work but if the capacitor is in one piece, you could attempt to resolder it in place. Put a little solder on each pad, then put the cap in place and touch each pad with the iron - that should do it. As far as purchasing a replacement cap, Digikey Ceramic Capacitors would seem to be a good start but without specs (capacitance and voltage), you're pretty much flying blind there

 

[Jakob_024]

It's in one piece! Honestly, the odd thing is the controller is 100% functional without it.

I have the mod done, but the button is acting as not the button I wanted it to be. I'm really confused, because it is wired to the "A" button only, but the "rb" button is acting when I press the modded button. Any ideas?

As far as the capacitor goes, do you still think I should put it on with solder? Honestly, I might even see if it works without being taped on. I'm not even sure if it's making the connection. But it's definitely working 100%

- Jakob

 

[C12Friedman]

It's in one piece! Honestly, the odd thing is the controller is 100% functional without it.

Cool, seems there is some redundancy

I have the mod done, but the button is acting as not the button I wanted it to be. I'm really confused, because it is wired to the "A" button only, but the "rb" button is acting when I press the modded button. Any ideas?

That, I'm not so sure I can help with but I'll try, what guide(s) did you follow for the mod?

As far as the capacitor goes, do you still think I should put it on with solder? Honestly, I might even see if it works without being taped on. I'm not even sure if it's making the connection. But it's definitely working 100%

It's really up to you, just how much to you want to experiment?

 

[Jakob_024]

I definitely want to work on it a lot, and learn to be able to modify other circuit boards. It's really sweet to be able to attach a new button.

I got it to work for the A button. The button I wired in was touching the circuit board, and making it act haywire. I put a piece of duct tape across the board it was touching and it fixed it.

I think without that capacitor it is losing some power. Either that or the button is pulling power from it. The Xbox light on the controller either blinks or it is dim.

I am about ready to start playing with that capacitor now that I have my wiring down. The next step is to see what happens when I don't have it taped on.

I am also having problems making small solders. For instance, I can't use my "A" button anymore because I soldered to both points of the button on the circuit board. The guy in the video is able to use his A button and the one be built. ( he also modded multiple buttons). I will do more, and fix the capacitor most likely if I can make smaller solder points. Maybe I should watch some videos on that? I'm using the right "rosin-core" solder.

 

[C12Friedman]

I definitely want to work on it a lot, and learn to be able to modify other circuit boards. It's really sweet to be able to attach a new button.

IMO, you're right, there is a level of freedom that accompanies such abilities. I personally like the idea of [strike]No[/strike] User Serviceable Parts Inside.

I got it to work for the A button. The button I wired in was touching the circuit board, and making it act haywire. I put a piece of duct tape across the board it was touching and it fixed it.

Good deal, that was probably going to be the most difficult thing for me to help with.

I think without that capacitor it is losing some power. Either that or the button is pulling power from it. The Xbox light on the controller either blinks or it is dim.

That fits since the purpose of a capacitor is to store power

I am about ready to start playing with that capacitor now that I have my wiring down... Maybe I should watch some videos on that? I'm using the right "rosin-core" solder.

Although personal experience will be the larger part of learning SMD soldering, it does help (at least a little) to draw from the experience of others. Quite a few of the videos I've seen on YouTube about SMD soldering techniques are created by professional electrical engineers/manufacturers so I'll recommend doing that