Hello--
I've got an eMotiva Big Ego DAC that I use when traveling. Unfortunately, I packed it in a bag with a small USB cable attached and, when I removed it from the bag, the micro USB input was extremely loose. It broke off soon after.
Upon disassembling the enclosure, I discovered that a few pins were broken off of the USB module. It also appears that a lead may still be attached to the board. It's a fairly small component on a PCB that is mostly SMD.
eMotiva wants $75 + shipping for repairs. I don't think this is unreasonable, but I have populated PCBs before and have a soldering iron and was wondering if this was something I could do myself.
On the attached images, you can see where the USB port was located: right near the middle, on the edge.
Shared album - Kyle Karthauser - Google Photos
So if I were to replace the micro USB port, what is the soldering strategy? Put some adhesive on the mounting brackets, do my best to line up the pins with the traces, and then very carefully and quickly flow the tiniest bit of solder possible?
Also, one of the traces actually appears to be... Gone? There is a groove in the PCB substrate but no perceivable conductive material within it.
Thanks for any comments!
I've got an eMotiva Big Ego DAC that I use when traveling. Unfortunately, I packed it in a bag with a small USB cable attached and, when I removed it from the bag, the micro USB input was extremely loose. It broke off soon after.
Upon disassembling the enclosure, I discovered that a few pins were broken off of the USB module. It also appears that a lead may still be attached to the board. It's a fairly small component on a PCB that is mostly SMD.
eMotiva wants $75 + shipping for repairs. I don't think this is unreasonable, but I have populated PCBs before and have a soldering iron and was wondering if this was something I could do myself.
On the attached images, you can see where the USB port was located: right near the middle, on the edge.
Shared album - Kyle Karthauser - Google Photos
So if I were to replace the micro USB port, what is the soldering strategy? Put some adhesive on the mounting brackets, do my best to line up the pins with the traces, and then very carefully and quickly flow the tiniest bit of solder possible?
Also, one of the traces actually appears to be... Gone? There is a groove in the PCB substrate but no perceivable conductive material within it.
Thanks for any comments!
Slightly fuzzy picture when enlarged but apparently you tore a pad out, as well as attached track.
Good thing is that it still *appears* to be attached.
I´d re-glue it where it belongs and then resolder a new USB connector, unless the original is still undamaged.
Use some kind of Gel Cyanoacrilate adhesive (Krazy Glue), it won´t *really* stand soldering temperatures but you will be there for 5-10 seconds.
Get a fine pointed soldering iron, apply some flux over the area and resolder.
Watch a couple videos about SMT resoldering.
There are a few focused on microUSB replacement.
Good thing is that it still *appears* to be attached.
I´d re-glue it where it belongs and then resolder a new USB connector, unless the original is still undamaged.
Use some kind of Gel Cyanoacrilate adhesive (Krazy Glue), it won´t *really* stand soldering temperatures but you will be there for 5-10 seconds.
Get a fine pointed soldering iron, apply some flux over the area and resolder.
Watch a couple videos about SMT resoldering.
There are a few focused on microUSB replacement.
+1, the cell phone repair shops change sockets all the time, they sometimes have to repair tracks.
Routine for them.
Routine for them.