Ethernet shield and solder bridges

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi all,

I received a W5100-based Ethernet shield from an eBay seller today and while inspecting it I noticed a number of solder bridges between pins on the W5100 itself:

  1. Possible solder bridge 9-10
    http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv178/grue2/Computers/pict10832.jpg

  2. Solder bridges 22-23, 24-25, 36-37, 38-39
    http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv178/grue2/Computers/pict10842.jpg

  3. Solder bridges 41-42, 47-48, 49-50, 51-52
    http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv178/grue2/Computers/pict10852.jpg

Checking against the schematic at http://arduino.cc/en/uploads/Main/arduino-ethernet-shield-06-schematic.pdf I'm not too concerned about most of the bridges (22-23, 24-25, 36-37, 38-39, 41-42, 47-48, 49-50 and 51-52) as they are all joined to GND. The bridge on pins 9-10 concerns me, though, as that would cause TX-/R4 to be pulled to GND when it shouldn't be.

I don't have a multimeter available at the moment to double-check (it's loaned out). Is it likely to cause any damage to the Arduino board if I plug it in?

2

I'd remove it before connecting the thing to an Arduino. Looks like you got a really low quality shield...

3

Could be worth contacting the vendor and sending (or linking) those photos. Usually eBay sellers are keen to protect their reputation.

4

Thanks. I've messaged the seller with links to the photos and asked if they want me to send the unit back. Time will tell...