OT: Unsoldering smt components

OK, the rest of NBR seems pretty useless when compared to what we (you all) do here, so I ask you (plural)


I have a smd pcb which I want the components off of.
Theoretically, I should be able to put it in the toaster oven, and creep the temp up slowly from 250 until the solder flows, and then pick the components off? there are SMD LED's,switches, and ffc receptacles that I want to retrieve.
(cn42 is 12 pin .5mm pitch ffc; this board has 2 of the receptacals. the LED's are just a feather in my hat)

 

The technology has moved on since I did that kind of work every day. Resistors are 1/4 the size they were (0603) but here goes. I've used different methods to avoid unwanted heating/overheating.
Small-bore copper tube that fits the iron can be shaped to fit specific components to save buying all the different tips.
Tweezer irons are of limited use but good tweezers, or preferably forceps, are essential.
Not keen on solder wick, takes too long. Many devices have "time at temperature" limits. Solder suction tools are rarely useful, suction pickup sometimes works.
A hot air iron is excellent as long as you shield adjacent components. I've even used a hot air gun, ie. paint stripper type - to replace a processor - and it worked perfectly. If I was stripping a board I think that's what I'd use.
Aluminium foil is OK in multiple layers for shielding.
I always monitor temperatures closely using an IR thermometer.
Your toaster oven will be just fine - or a phaser set to stun - or a candle

edit: Don't forget the flux. Seriously astonished that it took me 13 hours to notice that I'd forgotten to mention it.

 

oooooooh.....where do I get a phaser????

Or is there a realiable instructable on how to diy build phaser?

;D

SIDEBAR:
I recently thought "I wonder if Star Trek is on Netflix?"
There is a God, and I think he love's me, which is cause for my wife to think that He doesn't like her
I just let it play in the background all the time.

 

Ask and ye shall receive.


Phaser


Phasers for sale

Phaser 2

drawings

Official repair manual


Can you find the phaser in this pic?
Photo of phaser

 

Errm... is it between the rack and the hard place?

 

lol! ... i wouldn't reuse that toaster oven for food after that.. but yes, you can melt the solder in the oven, the board will be upsidedown, and just tap the board lightly while the solder is liquid and the parts will fall to the bottom of the oven.

all that said... I do the aluminum foil and heatgun method. failed on some attempts, worked most of the time though. although for small stuff I just tack on an order to the engineers at my work.. and just reimburse the company and I save the $8 in shipping from Digikey for $3 in parts.

 

Getting warm

 

Gee thanks but maybe your knowledge on this subject (the rest of the forum) has been affected by your making the assumption and posting in the wrong forum section without giving us a chance.

What do you mean "what we do"? Are you talking about carrying around laptops or throwing them at each other or something? Water park LAN parties? Doesn't seem to require much skill or expertise to me.

 

Ok... which one of you arsebiscuits was on guard dooty?

 

WHOA! Sorry to offend.

Yes, all that fun stuff you just said.....and more.

I was inferring more of the hardware modding side. I don't post in other NBR forums very often, but do searches in other forums (here at NBR).
I have, however, had the best luck here.
Possible because I know who to listen to here (depending on the question)
Or perhaps they know my idiosyncrosies, and know how to answer me, or ignore me (and make me learn sumpthin').

In iether case, they panny section is where I call home.
I had intended no disrespect or malice....

 

I didn't take any offense to his post at all. The Toughbookers seem to be more tinker-minded than your average laptop user.

Not only that, but given that Toughbooks are used in a multitude of public safety/ industrial/ military applications, some of the guys on here have real-world experience working with and repairing electronic equipment in a variety of austere conditions.

Numerous posters have asked off-topic questions on this particular forum in regards to electronics repair, mobile data, vehicle mounting, GPS software...the list goes on and on.

Oh, and where's this water park LAN party? Open bar and I'm there!

 

sooooo. am I to understand that using the toaster would be smelly????
what is it that stank?

 

Niffcreature is jealous of the waterpark lan parties. Not that I get invited...

 

Don't tell Rob™ about the waterpart lan parties, especially after he's had a few ...
You know how he likes to jump on Toughbooks and whip lesser Dəlls up against the wall.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/567571-crash-test-dummy-caps-cf-30-a.html#post7337447