Sharp microwave touchpad

[Peterpies]

I have a Sharp microwave R-5A53 microwave which has a faulty FPC connecting the touchpad to the control board. Does anyone know where I could get one or how best to repair the FPC cable. The cable itself has deteriorated and fails to make a connection with the teeth in the connector, have cut it back and tried to insert but failed again in short while, the film of lines you can see through as this is the problem. Any help would be appreciated

 

[Martaine2005]

Hi, is it definitely a FPC and not a FFC?.
Are there any components on the cable or do any of the traces overlap?.
Depending on the pitch, you may find one in a broken printer..
But you can buy them. You have to know the pitch though.
This is of course, if it’s a FFC.

 

[Peterpies]

Martaine, it is a film type connector not a copper wire type, if the film 'path' gets scratched the connection is broken, I did cut it back over the damaged part but again on inserting it got removed seems very weak. The connection strip/film goes direct to the touchpad and continues as printed film form. Any help would be appreciated thought about carbon pen to replace but don't know how effective that would be. thanks in advance. There are no components on the cable, when it reaches the touchpad obviously it then goes to each 'switch' position, no overlaps, a split cable one x 4 lines, one by 8 lines only six used. As mentioned it is a film of connection path on plasticish background between two plastic covers with stiffeners. Just an aside, I have checked the control unit in all modes on the bench and works ok.

 

[Martaine2005]

You could try tinning the ends where the cable inserts into the connector.

 

[Peterpies]

Martaine, yes i thought that to, i will try that and get back to you, thanks for your help