> but still have some on the top. I'm trying to salvage the IC (product detector) so am begging for advice on how to successfully free up the solder from the top of the board. This is an 8 pin DIP.
You run the risk of damaging PCB pads if you try to extract it all at once. It might be worth ordering another IC (or begging for one from the group, since procuring a single 612 (is that the right IC?) might not be worth the effort involved via Digikey etc.) -- in fact, I'd consider asking Elecraft; as long as you're not trying to stock your lab with lots of parts, they might be willing to ship you a replacement for a reasonable fee. It's worth asking. If you go that route, just use snub-nose snippers/dykes to nip the legs near where they enter the IC package, and remove the legs one by one by heating them up and pulling them out. A lot less potential destruction to the board. If you insist on removing the IC at once, you'll need a "good" soldering iron with good staying power -- like a desktop 800 deg Weller-type, not a 20 W pencil type. I usually work on the two sides separately. Take a thick lead (from a resistor or something) and solder it to all four legs (pins 1-4) on the bottom of the PCB, and flood it with solder. This spreads the heat out and lets you release the pins on all four pins at once. If you don't do this you risk putting stress on other pins while you heat/pry one pin, and that's when you can really damage the vias and PCB. WIth all four pins heated, take a flat blade screwdriver and GENTLY pry one end of the IC, rotating the screwdriver tip to concentrate on prying the pins 1-4 side. Don't nudge too far -- just a little, then let things cool. Keep the driver in there with gently pressure applied until the solder cools, so the IC doesn't revert back to its original position. Now move to the other four pins (5-8) and do the same procedure. Then back to the first side. And so on... back and forth until it's free. Takes a while but it works. You typically need three or four hands. Again, a decent iron is a must. Unless you're comfortable with the process and have a decent iron, I'd really just snip and salvage the IC and see if Elecraft or a list member can get replacement part to you. I'd offer you one of mine but I just sold the last of my stock. --Andrew, NV1B .. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
