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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
 Posted - 11/03/2009 : 09:58:01
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Has anybody tried to mod a pedal (or anything) with surface mounted components?
To me it looks nearly impossible, but what to think about if it is possible?
In my �fantasy� it�s easy to remove components but it must be damn hard to solder them in place, there is no real legs on the components or holes in the PCB�
Many cheaper pedals (and many new Boss) uses this technology, it would be nice to mod a cheap Behringer overdrive to something really good.
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Edited by - Goran on 11/03/2009 09:59:56 |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 13:08:50
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Hi Goran & Guys
It can be done,
but there are many things to consider,
including that fact that nearly all SMD-SMT boards,
are probably soldered with RoHS Lead-Free Solder.
We have a bunch of specialized SMD workstations where I work.
We also have a collection of very small soldering iron tips.
And Techs skilled in this type of repair.
You'll need a steady hand.
Good eyes or a Loupe, or head mounted magnifiers typically (3x) power.
Lead-free & normal solders typically 0.35mm & 0.7mm dia
Lead-free solders typically melt at higher temperatures.
A temp controlled & adjustable soldering iron with small tips & a reflow tip.
You have to also consider that the components have a type of glue under them,
which was placed there to hold the component in place during manufacturing.
This can sometimes be just lightly tacky, & on some occasions "The Glue From Hell".
Oh yeah and a heap of patience.
Then again, I've seen people do it with a standard Weller Iron & a fine tip.
Regards Dr. Bob  |
Edited by - Dr. Bob on 11/03/2009 13:09:32 |
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Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 15:09:54
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I've been doing my SMD repairs with a Weller WTCP station and a fine tip and fine (.5 mm) solder. Pain in the arse, but it can be done.
I've also done the occasional mod to an SMD pedal using non-SMD conponents. I make little "feet" by bending the component leg, then soldering the "foot" to the SMD pad. I usually use hot melt glue to hold the component against vibration. See the resistor change on my chicken salad (second pic):
http://www.bossarea.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7301&whichpage=1
Lately, I've been gathering a bunch of junked modern circuit boards (from the dumpster behind the local thrift store) and have been harvesting SMD components from them for repairs.
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 15:21:04
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Hi Laurie
quote:
Lately, I've been gathering a bunch of junked modern circuit boards (from the dumpster behind the local thrift store) and have been harvesting SMD components from them for repairs.
How many metric tones of old PCB's do you want me to put aside for you? 
Older small capacity, & still known to be working, non-SATA,
IDE & SCSI hard drives, are a great source of SMD components as well.
Regards Dr. Bob |
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Topic |
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Modding surface mounted components?
