Question GBA broke while changing screen

[Missfluffylove]

I soldered the new screen and speaker, everything looked good until I tried to turn it on. Nothing. While I was unscrewing the board to put electrical tape over back of screen, a piece fell out. Not sure how badly I screwed up while soldering. Should I get a new GBA and reuse the screen and speaker in that one??

 

[Wesk]

It looks like a component that has come from the ribbon cable (The most expensive part of the LCD upgrade kits). Are you able to disassemble and take pictures of the GBA board and the aftermarket ribbon cable?, that would give us the best idea on how to help.

 

[Missfluffylove]

I’ve done soldering before, and for my first major project, I thought it was going good. Is that the reason it won’t turn on at all??

 

[Wesk]

Here's your problem, the reg has been ripped from the board. It's hard to tell if the pads have been ripped off or not so you may be able to solder it back on.

 

[Missfluffylove]

OH you’re right! Thank you for noticing that!! Do you think I should give it a try?? I’ve soldered multiple small projects with 80% success rate. No harm done if it doesn’t work right?

 

[Wesk]

Attempt to re-tin the pads and if solder sticks then you should be good-to-go.

If you can't get the solder to stick then it's likely that the pad has been ripped off and repair may become a lot more tricky.

 

[Missfluffylove]

Something changed. Now when I turned it on, nothing happens but when I turn it off the light flickers green for a second then off. It had worked fine before I took it apart. Don’t see how the power switch could have gotten messy in the time I did all this. Also, the back of the screen is covered in electrical tape, so it doesn’t short or whatever it was.

 

[jeffery]

Was that nick there before?

 

[Missfluffylove]

Err unfortunately no, that was an accident trying to get screw out. Did that ruin it

 

[jeffery]

I would be willing to sell you a gba which you can use for this project. (40 dollars and free shipping)
If you want to haggle ill be willing to do it.
Just Pm me

 

[Missfluffylove]

Does that scratch truly mean I have to retry on a different gba? Not that I mind I’m just upset I ruined a perfectly fine gba any tips for when I get a new one?? I’m determined to get better at this!

 

[jeffery]

Well, I have one and ill ship it out today if you want it.