Now onto installing your new LEDs

Here is the top of the Keyboards PCB.
I outlined where the LEDs on mine where placed.

Here is the back of my Keyboard PCB.
I outlined where the LEDs are connected in red.

You should first find out which way the LED is placed. On my keyboard where the LEDs where solderedon the back of my Keyboard PCB, there was a round spot for one side and a square spot for the other.

Here is a mockup I made of an LED.

If you look closely enough at the LED, you will notice it resembles this on the inside. On the bottom of my board there was a square and a circle soldering point for each LED.

Now grab the top of the first LED wth your fingernails (I hope you have some). Then while still grasping the LED with your fingernails, turn over the Keyboard PCB and hold your soldering iron to the one of the two points where the LED is connected. Once you see the solder liquify, pull the LED with your fingernails. Next touch the soldering iron to the other points where the LED is connected on the backside of your Keyboard PCB. You should be able to pull the LED out a bit further. This may take a few minutes to do, but it is the best way I have found. So just go in between each point and heat the solder on the PCB until it liquifies and pull out a little at a time.

Once you have removed all of the old LEDs. Take off the spacers (little black plstic thing covering wires that was on your old LEDs) and place it on your new LEDs. Cut your new LEDs just a tiny bit longer than the old LEDs length for precautions. Now take the tip of your soldering iron (assuming it comes to a point), and solder an indent in the holes for you LEDs. You do this because the LED holes will probably be filled in with solder if you don't have a solder sucker. This will help you get the wires where they should be.

Now place the new LEDs wires (aligned according to the square and cricle) into the indentions you made in the solder filled holes. While holding the LEDs in place turn over your Keyboard PCB and begin to heat each LED wire hole. And basically do the LED removal in reverse. You should push the LEDs until the plastic spacer is tight and there is not a large gap.

Once you have soldered in all 3 of your new LEDs, you have to reassemble your keyboard. First, place you Keyboard PCB in place and put all wires where they should be. Then lay your Key Sheet in place. Be sure to keep both sheets of plastic aligned. Then place the cables for your Key Sheet back into your Keyboard PCB. BE SURE TO PLACE THEM IN FULLY!!! I thought I did and 9 of my keys where non-functional and I had to push push the cable in a little more.

Next replace the screws for your keyboard. Now your keyboard should be fully reassembled, and all the parts should be inside your keyboard. You don't want to forget anything :-). Now plug your keyboard back into your computer and power up. Hopefully all of your new LEDs should be working nicely.

As you can see my keyboard LEDs are nice and BLUE!!
I am very pleased with the results.

Good luck to all who attempt this little mod. And if you come up with another way to do this mod or something to add, e-mail me about it
Until next time modders!!

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