Hey Gang!
So I finally stopped procrastinating replacing resistors and pads that lifted off the PCB and went for it. I usually have very bad luck. So I watched a bunch of videos from guys that do a lot of PCB repair and learned a few things AND employed them. Especially using Antech sticky flux with desoldering braid. What a difference.
I was able to get things apart and then remove, and replace the resistors and adapt the leads to traces and Hot Glue the resistors in place to salvage the PCB. I had another thread about this months ago and several really helpful members also suggested using the KISS method. (Keep it SIMPLE... STUPID. LOL) Subwoofer Amp Help Needed! Original ProMedia 2.1
I thank them and despite the fear of ruining it, like usual, after much procrastinating, I did it. (I hope)
So, now to remount the Transistors to the heat sinks. Seems like a white Foam Tape is on the Chassis Plate that the transistors screw to. There was some powder when removing the transistors off the plate/foam tape heat sinks. (Pic below)
What am I supposed to use/do to make this reliable and effective. I've searched and maybe I'm using wrong search criteria, but I'm not finding the answers I'm looking for. Everything but!
Please point me in the right direction!!
Thanks Gentlemen!
Regards//KP
So I finally stopped procrastinating replacing resistors and pads that lifted off the PCB and went for it. I usually have very bad luck. So I watched a bunch of videos from guys that do a lot of PCB repair and learned a few things AND employed them. Especially using Antech sticky flux with desoldering braid. What a difference.
I was able to get things apart and then remove, and replace the resistors and adapt the leads to traces and Hot Glue the resistors in place to salvage the PCB. I had another thread about this months ago and several really helpful members also suggested using the KISS method. (Keep it SIMPLE... STUPID. LOL) Subwoofer Amp Help Needed! Original ProMedia 2.1
I thank them and despite the fear of ruining it, like usual, after much procrastinating, I did it. (I hope)
So, now to remount the Transistors to the heat sinks. Seems like a white Foam Tape is on the Chassis Plate that the transistors screw to. There was some powder when removing the transistors off the plate/foam tape heat sinks. (Pic below)
What am I supposed to use/do to make this reliable and effective. I've searched and maybe I'm using wrong search criteria, but I'm not finding the answers I'm looking for. Everything but!
Please point me in the right direction!!
Thanks Gentlemen!
Regards//KP
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Those are ceramic insulators, and should have thermal paste between them and the metal heatsink and also between them and the transistor.
Ceramic? LOL Looked like foam tape. Thank God I asked!
So I need to past between the transistor and ceramic filler and ceramic filler and metal plate?
Can I reuse the Ceramic Insulator with new paste or do I need to get everything new?
Are all thermal pastes the same? Or can I use PC Thermal paste for processor to Cooling fan heat transfer?
If I only need a Transistor to Ceramic to Metal paste, can you recommend?
Thank you!
Bullit Mustang? I'm old enough to remember that!
So I need to past between the transistor and ceramic filler and ceramic filler and metal plate?
Can I reuse the Ceramic Insulator with new paste or do I need to get everything new?
Are all thermal pastes the same? Or can I use PC Thermal paste for processor to Cooling fan heat transfer?
If I only need a Transistor to Ceramic to Metal paste, can you recommend?
Thank you!
Bullit Mustang? I'm old enough to remember that!
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Any thermal paste designed for heatsinks will work, PC thermal paste is used for the
demanding CPU heatsink interface, it should be fine.
Just make sure its electrically insulating (not silver coloured!).
demanding CPU heatsink interface, it should be fine.
Just make sure its electrically insulating (not silver coloured!).
Yes you can reuse them, just make sure they are not broken or cracked.
As Mark said go to Mouser, Digikey and search thermal paste, I’ve only ever seen white. Just need a thin film, doesn’t take much.
As Mark said go to Mouser, Digikey and search thermal paste, I’ve only ever seen white. Just need a thin film, doesn’t take much.
And make sure the device mounting screws are installed in exactly the way they were originally,
with any insulating shoulder washers etc. to avoid a direct short to ground. Clean off all the old
thermal paste with alcohol first.
with any insulating shoulder washers etc. to avoid a direct short to ground. Clean off all the old
thermal paste with alcohol first.
Thank you!
I was just reading that CPU paste doesn't like being on walls and sometimes runs due to gravity. I'll go with white thermal paste.
I guess they're all similar, although some are silicone based??
Will any do or do I need something special for ceramic insulators?
Thanks Gents for the extra clarity!
Sure.... Now I have to wait to see if I fixed it! LOL
I shoulda been a doctor! Patients.... Errr Patience? Damn!
Sure.... Now I have to wait to see if I fixed it! LOL
I shoulda been a doctor! Patients.... Errr Patience? Damn!
I have some NTE424 thermal compound and it is very runny, but I got the biggest tube of Arctic MX4 and that is what I use now. No problems with running. As a lot of gamers like to build their own computers it has to be practically foolproof.
Ha! I don't have to be a gamer to have a fresh tube of Arctic MX-4 on hand ya know! And why I asked above! I build my own PCs too. This way I get the value at all points that I want!
If that won't run after heated and stay put, I'll try it!
Thanks!
Timeline just got good again! LOL
Sadly.... The LF amp has passed with a low squeal like squeaky death.
I guess the cheap and thin copper trace PCBs didn't like the disassembly and reassembly just to replace 2 resistors that the pads lifted off the PCB. More lifting and most likely not connected problems.
I guess it was meant to be and called back to the spirit world as it lasted 15 years.
It will be booted to the trash for quitting on me like a loser. I hate when this happens!
Thanks for the help fellas! I used GC Electronics Heat Sink Compound transistors to Ceramic Heat Sinks all for naught!
The joy of learning! LOL
I guess the cheap and thin copper trace PCBs didn't like the disassembly and reassembly just to replace 2 resistors that the pads lifted off the PCB. More lifting and most likely not connected problems.
I guess it was meant to be and called back to the spirit world as it lasted 15 years.
It will be booted to the trash for quitting on me like a loser. I hate when this happens!
Thanks for the help fellas! I used GC Electronics Heat Sink Compound transistors to Ceramic Heat Sinks all for naught!
The joy of learning! LOL