24 replies to this topic

[techieboy]

I've got a datalogger here that has a USB port for config/firmware upgrade purposes. I should be able to power the device up out of the car, via the 5v USB connection but it doesn't work. If I use the 12v connections (as if it were in the car) on the multiplug, I can power up the logger without any problem and can actually connect via the USB port happily. So, I'm assuming that means that one or both of the +/-5v connections between the USB port and the circuit board is duff as the data+/- connections would appear to be okay. I could send the logger back to the manufacturer for repair but they're in the US, so carriage cost to the US is stupid and I run the risk of getting fcuked over by customs when it arrives back in Blighty. They've suggested it probably just needs the heat of a soldering iron to "re-flow" the solder on one of the pins which all sounds straightforward, but if I try that it'll undoubtedly end in tears and solder flowing all over the place. So I figure it's probably something I can get looked at and sorted locally but I've no idea what kind of place I should be looking for to contact. Any ideas or better yet recommendations?

[siztenboots]

as said , could be solder pads have lifted where the pins go through the board giving a dry joint.

 

example

 

[techieboy]

See, if I try that, I can see my soldering bridging some of those tracks.

[SteveA]

Have you tried one of those two to one usb cables Matt? We have an external CD ROM at work that plugs in via USB. It has two type A connectors on one end and one type B on the other. With one of the A's plugged in it does not have enough power to run but with two it is fine.

 

It's this sort of thing

 

[slindborg]

Turbobob or me

 

If its a simple reflow job of fairly large pinned surface mount bits and the manufacturer can point us in the right direction it should only take moments

[techieboy]

I haven't but I've tried various cables from a PC with 2.1amp ports and also a standalone multi-port mains USB charger that supports multiple concurrent 2.1amp devices. Should require <1amp to power it up normally. Will see if I can dig out one of those cables and give it a whirl though.

[techieboy]

Turbobob or me   If its a simple reflow job of fairly large pinned surface mount bits and the manufacturer can point us in the right direction it should only take moments

Remember, I've seen your cheaters.

[slindborg]

 

Turbobob or me   If its a simple reflow job of fairly large pinned surface mount bits and the manufacturer can point us in the right direction it should only take moments

Remember, I've seen your cheaters.

 

 

 

You cant see in the new ones

[siztenboots]

I blame the lead free solder

[slindborg]

I blame the lead free solder

 

 

and the girly flux

[techieboy]

You cant see in the new ones

Good call. Your're welcome to have a look if you want? The manufacturers said the hardest part of the entire job will be getting the board out of the "intentionally tight" case. ETA: Oh, and they're going to change their QA process to check for 5v connections on the USB port in future.

Edited by techieboy, 05 January 2015 - 12:15 PM.

[techieboy]

It's a quarter of one of these blue ones.

[slindborg]

"we make this but wont test an important side of it"

 

 

piece of p*ss to solder that lot even you could do.... Jo could do it

[techieboy]

Jo could do it

Would probably be safer. Not sure the 1cm wide tip on my soldering iron is ideal.

[slindborg]

make some stained glass windows then.

[techieboy]

That's what I use it for, in my spare time. T'is a wonderful hobby.

[chris_uk]

If its micro fractures in the solder, stick it in the oven for 15 mins at about 150c and let it melt and re attach. I did this with an old graphics card and maptop motherboard. Both still working today and i did it about 5 years ago.

[slindborg]

150..... ummmm that wont flow.

[chris_uk]

Google the right temp..

[turbobob]

If its micro fractures in the solder, stick it in the oven for 15 mins at about 150c and let it melt and re attach. I did this with an old graphics card and maptop motherboard. Both still working today and i did it about 5 years ago.

Nice reflow profile right there

 

I'm happy to take a look Matt. I can even xray to see if there are any issues with solder joints under and BGA devices