At 11:56 AM 3/13/02 -0800, Ethan wrote:
P.P.S. solder shouldn't be a barrier to repair, but some stuff is
much easier than others. I dislike removing pins attached to
ground and power planes - sometimes it takes longer to free one of
those pins than the other 18 on the chip combined. Someone with
less experience might easily damage the pads or the PCB itself
trying to heat things up enough to be removed. As with most things,
though, good tools and practice on replaceable items is essential
before tackling tough jobs. I can see how people can be intimidated
by a job that starts with firing up the iron.
If you want be able to repair stuff, a decent temperature controlled
iron it the best investment that you'll ever make!
Joe