Pretty sure one of my nanos has a problem
Hi!
I've been using my Corne for about a month now with no problems and today in the middle of typing the rightmost column of the right half stopped working. It intermitently came back and went again. I gave the keys a bit of a push in case it was a bad contact and since then the column never worked again. I've done all of this:
- Check continuity about 10 times, all columns, all rows, columns to pins, both sides of the pin, ...
- Checked under the microscope, all solder joints looked good
- Nevertheless, reflowed them all
- Reflashed the nano with the left firmware.
- Swapped the nanos from both halves, and then the leftmost column of the left half stopped working
So at this point I'm pretty sure that the nano I had on the right half has a problem probably with pin 031.
I've tried debugging continuity from pin31 on the side to some component on the board but checking the schematic I think it goes direct to the micro which doesn't expose the pins, so I can't check that.
Is there anything else that I can do to debug/fix? Or should I ask for a replacement?
Thanks!
Jose
1 Reply
Hey Jose — great troubleshooting so far. Since the failure followed the same nice!nano to the other half, it strongly points to a single GPIO/pad on that nano (likely the column’s pin, e.g. P0.31) or its connection to your headers.
A few focused checks before we call it a dead pin:
- Confirm the exact pin: check the Corne pinout on our Troubleshooting & Pinouts page to verify which nice!nano pin drives that column: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/corne-wireless/troubleshooting
- Nano out of the board: continuity from the nano pad (e.g. P0.31) to the header/pin you soldered to it. Inspect under magnification for a lifted pad. Reflow that single pad at 270–300°C with flux.
- If using EZ-solder/Mill-Max: make sure that one pin is fully seated and not cracked; replace that single pin if possible. If using no-solder spring headers, reseat and ensure the plastic is fully flush in the PCB and the nano is pressed firmly.
- Nano installed: continuity from the nano pad to the PCB’s column pad through the sockets while gently wiggling—intermittent opens will show here.
If that pin is truly dead:
- Quick repair option: remap that column to a spare pin and run a small jumper wire from the spare pin to the column pad. See the spare pins table (depends on whether you use nice!view) on the same page: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/corne-wireless/troubleshooting. You’ll need to update your ZMK shield config; I can guide you through the overlay change if you want.
- Replacement option: email hello@typeractive.xyz with your order number, which column/pin failed, and a summary of the tests/photos. We’ll help sort out a replacement if the nano is faulty.
Also see: Row(s) or Column(s) Not Working https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/rows-columns-not-working
If you want, reply here or tag me and I can help you pinpoint the exact pin from the pinout and draft the ZMK change or review your continuity points.
Troubleshooting & Pinouts | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're running into issues with your keyboard, check out our Troubleshooting page for common issues and solutions. If you're still having trouble, please reach out to use on Discord!
Row(s) or Column(s) Not Working | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix row(s) or column(s) not working on your keyboard.