I'm troubleshooting my first DMD display. (I counted down from the top, 1,2,3,4,5...8) then the 9th one is out.

Looking for guidance on how to troubleshoot and resolve.

Looking for best topics in Pinside to review and online resources to review.

At first it was an intermittent problem (10-20 plays ago), and now it's rather consistent.

Game is Getaway.

1. I've reseated the ribbon cable on both ends.
2. I've reseated the other cable on the DMD end -- didn't see yet where to reseat it on the MPU end

Thanks!
-mof

Thanks Terry. I wonder how I can test for this. I don't happen to have an extra DMD here. I can see the value in having a working backup.

-mof

Sounds good. What's a good tool -- seems like a bamboo toothpick is too wide.

-mof

I was able to get a plastic tool and push in there -- I saw row 9 turn on a bit -- so I'm more convinced it's that connection.

-mof

Here's my Cherry DMD:

I put a temp sharpie mark on pin 9.

-mof

201510_Get-cherry2.jpg

201510_Get-cherry1.jpg

Ok, I'm going in...
-mof

Cuts have been made. Pin from board is definitely loose.
-mof

20160214_214516_(resized).jpg

New "L" shaped wire made. (3/8" by 1/4") Time to solder it in place.
-mof

20160214_223002_(resized).jpg

I've lathered on conductive epoxy, in the hopes that will minimize vibrations and hold a good connection.
-mof

20160214_233127_(resized).jpg

It works!
It sure took a while, but it was a fun fix. I hope it holds!
Now to cure the epoxy at 149F for 60 minutes...
-mof

Meh, I didn't get enough conductive epoxy underneath the wire, and it must have come loose. I'll give it another shot another day. It is most definitely not a job for an unsteady hand. Difficulty: 9/10.
It *was* working...
-mof

Yeah, I got close but ultimately failed. A friend bailed me out with a free DMD...
The project still sits in a box... It's not over!
-mof