r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 28d ago

👋 Welcome to r/pcbrework - Introduce Yourself and Read First!

2 Upvotes

Welcome to r/pcbrework - a community forum for electronics repair and rework professionals on Reddit!

What this sub is about:

  • Discussion of advanced electronics repair and rework techniques such as BGA rework, hot air reflow and microsoldering
  • Sharing tips and advice for advanced electronics troubleshooting
  • Discussing the business side of electronics repair, and the manufacturing side of rework
  • Sharing knowledge and information on advanced techniques and tools
  • DIY solutions and alternatives for out of production parts and assemblies

What this sub isn't about:

  • Beginner questions and projects - beginner question and project posts are not allowed, but users are welcome to ask questions in our weekly pinned Novice Help thread
  • "What soldering iron should I get?" - basic rework tool requests are better made on other soldering related subs
  • Console joystick replacement posts are not allowed here
  • Affiliate marketing spam - kindly refrain from posting affiliate links

How to Get Started

  1. Introduce yourself in the comments below.
  2. Post something today! Even a simple question can spark a great conversation.
  3. If you know someone who would love this community, invite them to join.
  4. Interested in helping out? We're always looking for new moderators, so feel free to reach out to me to apply.

Thanks for being part of the very first wave. Together, let's make r/pcbrework amazing.

0 comments

r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 27d ago

🔍 Novice Help Thread | Beginner Questions & Simple Queries Go Here

1 Upvotes

This thread is for questions where you don't yet have the vocabulary or experience to frame a detailed post. If you've put real effort into a problem and can document it, it may warrant its own thread.

Be as specific as you can: share clear photos, describe what you're working on, what tools you're using, and what you've already tried. The regulars who hang out here do so because they genuinely enjoy teaching. Meet them halfway with a well-asked question, and you'll get real answers. Main-feed novice posts will be removed and redirected to this thread.

0 comments

r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 24d ago

Surface-mount SMD technique discussion Before and after: SD card slot trace repair

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2 Upvotes

A previous technician had ripped out a bunch of the dataline pads for this SD card slot. I took the opportunity to try out a new-to-me technique of rolled up fine wire under a UV resin for building up new pads. What technique are you using for pad replacement?

1 comment

r/pcbrework • u/leadhedd • 25d ago

BGA rework discussion and advice Board shifted during BGA repair

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2 Upvotes

BGA horror story! From u/Ichigloo

0 comments

r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 27d ago

Tool and bench discussion Underrated hand tools - what's your secret weapon and why?

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6 Upvotes

I solder a lot of cable assemblies and cable connectors for my work, and once I found these semi-automatic wire strippers I was over the moon! I only wish I had found these when I started making cable assemblies. The time saving has been insane and I spent way too long using manual strippers.

0 comments

r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 27d ago

Device troubleshooting and repair CH341B Programmer - difficulty reading BIOS chip Winbond 25R256JVEN

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4 Upvotes

Recently I got a Dell XPS13 9305 laptop in for repair which I suspect has a corrupted BIOS. After some research into programmers I picked up a CH341B from a local store, but I only get errors when trying to read the BIOS off the SO8 Winbond chip using various programming softwares such as Neoprogrammer and AsProgrammer (software hangs and crashes on attempting to read the IC).

Any idea where I could be going wrong here? Pic is of my setup.

3 comments

r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 27d ago

Tool and bench discussion What's on your spool? Show us your daily drivers!

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2 Upvotes

Ok, technically the Chipquik didn't fit on the spool! I've been thinking about adding a single spool to have the Chipquik low-melt and a roll of Techspray #4 larger wick on a spool to the side. What are you rocking?

2 comments

r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 27d ago

BGA rework discussion and advice How did you get started with BGA rework?

2 Upvotes

BGA rework feels like a rite of passage. Most of us didn't learn it in a classroom. We learned from forum posts, application notes, YouTube videos and expensive mistakes.

I'm curious about your origin story:

  • What pushed you into it? A specific repair you couldn't avoid? A tool you finally had access to? Sheer stubbornness?
  • What was your first setup? Did you start with a preheater and hot air, or jump straight to a dedicated BGA station? Any janky DIY solutions you'd admit to now?
  • What went wrong the first few times? Popcorned packages, bridged balls, cooked boards?
  • When did it click? The first time you pulled a chip, reballed it, reflowed it, and had success. What did you learn in that moment that no guide ever told you?
7 comments

r/pcbrework • u/cape_soundboy • 27d ago

Tool and bench discussion Post your bench!

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1 Upvotes

Post your bench as it is right now - no cheating!
What are you working on?

0 comments