Qt-Py ESP32-S2 - header pads look odd

[wadleysf]

Hi - wondering if anyone knows whether the header pads on one my boards (one of four Qt-Py ESP32-S2) would cause problems if I try to solder them up if they look like this?

Here's a link https://photos.app.goo.gl/SgMnmsiWFEV4FDdr9 to an image of some of the pads (they're all pretty much like this).

This is the last of four boards I opened, and the only one that looks like this. The other three are working well.

Do you think it might be best to replace it, or is there a good chance it would work as is?

thanks all!

[tomhavel]

If I am not mistaken, these pads are gold-plated.
From the pictures, it looks like only the top gold-plated layer accidentally got scratched away. If I had a board like that, I would, without a doubt, keep using it.

[adafruit_support_bill]

Look like maybe some excess solder paste made it onto the pads. Effectively, they would be just 'pre-tinned'. I would not expect that to affect usability. Let us know if you have any issues with it.

[wadleysf]

Sounds good, thanks for the help @adafruit_support_bill and @tomhavel !

I'll solder on some headers tomorrow and put it through its paces.

[wadleysf]

Well it took a couple of days to get to this. The board soldered up well with headers, and the project is coming together nicely. Here's a pic of the project so far

PXL_20220831_233744485 (1).jpeg (114.61 KiB) Viewed 55 times

(prototype test for a wifi controller for a ESP32-S3 Feather in a mini rover model, all switch inputs hardware debounced)

Thanks for the advice!