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(Ebook) Microelectronics PCB Soldering PDF
(Ebook) Microelectronics PCB Soldering PDF
1)
This tutorial covers all things soldering; look elsewhere for answers to your other questions...
Please note that the pictures here are not of an Xbox, and really could be of much better quality. When I install my
X2, I'll take new pictures with a friend's camera. (Mine is really shitty... if you like this tutorial, how 'bout sending me
a new camera? ;) )
If you want to install a modchip, you currently have three choices: solder it, use pogo pins, or have someone else
do it. If you can get option three for free (all of my friends have! ;) ), go for it! Chances are that if you're reading this
tutorial, option three will maximize your chances of success.
Next up in terms of ease is option two - using a pogo pin adapter. The trouble with this method is that while pogo
pin mods are generally easy to install (by virtue of being solderless), they were really only designed for temporary
installation and have a tendency to drift out of alignment, causing more grief than they're worth in the long run. If
you want to, er, "spring" for pogos because of an unresolved fear of soldering, then I'll refer you to Appendix A,
"Directory of Competent Psychotherapists" before you commit to a decision. If, however, you are merely a bit
nervous about taking a hot iron and molten metal to your beloved Xbox, then relax - soldering is fun and easy, and
this guide is for you!
Still here? Solder and wires still in hand? Great, let's get started!
2) Disclaimer
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I'm not prescient, nor do I have the supernatural power to protect you from yourself. Use this information at your
own risk. If you screw up your Xbox, even while following my instructions to the letter, don't come crying to me.
TRY THESE METHODS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! That said, the risk is really minimal, so don't worry.
3) Equipment
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To solder on a modern PCB (Printed Circuit Board) like the Xbox mainboard, you'll need the right tools. If you're
reading this, I'll assume that you don't have access to professional soldering equipment, so in our case the "right
equipment" is what is readily and cheaply available at the local Radio Shack.
Equipment you probably should buy but can live (dangerously) without:
Adjustable Wire Stripper/Cutter $2.99 RSCN 64-2129
For repairing those "oopses." REQUIRED if installing an LPC header in a v1.0 Xbox.
Equipment you should get if you're doing this more than once:
Electronics Anti-Static Service Kit $19.99 RSCN 276-2370
Anti-static mat, wrist strap w/ coiled cord, and grounding unit. A great deal for twenty bucks, as the
professional equivalent goes for about $150. (You do get what you pay for, of course...)
If you are installing an LPC header to allow an X-Ecuter 2 (for instance) to be easily plugged and unplugged, you
will need the desoldering braid. If you decide to be cheap and daring and don't go for one of the anti-static options,
BE CAREFUL and ground yourself before touching anything inside your Xbox. Chances are slim that you'll actually
zap your Xbox, but if you do, it's good-bye and farewell...
Plug your soldering pencil in and let it heat for a few minutes. Careful! It will melt plastic, carpet, upholstry, small
animals, etc.
* A little dab will do ya! When soldering wires to those tiny little connection points on your Xbox mainboard, use
only enough solder to form a small bump that is the same diameter as the connection point. Such a connection
may look fragile, but it will hold... we're not building a suspension bridge, after all.
* Heat connection points on the mainboard only just enough to melt the solder. Too much heat can damage both
the board and the chips. (This isn't much of a worry for an LPC modchip installation as all of the points are located
well away from sensitive components)
* Keep the soldering pencil clean and free of solder by periodically wiping the heated iron against a wet sponge or
cloth.
* Touch only what you need to! That mainboard is fragile, and damaged traces are difficult to repair.
Ideally, your wires will come pre-tinned. If not, or if you need to make your own wires, you need to tin them before
soldering. Tinning is simple - you merely apply a small amount of solder to the wire in order to "prime" it, so to
speak.
If you are removing a previously-installed mod chip or are installing an LPC pin header in a v1.0 Xbox, you'll need
to remove some solder before proceeding. I'll tackle two different situations:
2. Carefully press the tip of the soldering pencil against the desoldering braid, directly over the solder
connection you are desoldering.
3. The solder will melt and wick into the braid. While still hot, remove the braid.
4. Touch the tip of the soldering pencil to the connection point to heat any remaining solder and remove the
wire.
1. Place a section of unused desoldering braid against the filled header hole.
2. Press the tip of the soldering pencil against the desoldering braid, melting the solder beneath and wicking
it into the braid.
If you're installing an LPC mod using the wire method, most of your connections will be of this type.
1. Touch the tip of the soldering pencil to the silver (tinned) circle that surrounds the hole.
2. When the solder in the hole melts, slowly insert the tinned wire.
3. Carefully remove the soldering pencil and hold the wire in place until the solder solidifies.
IV) Soldering wires or a pin header to clean header holes. Difficulty - EASY
If you're installing header pins in any Xbox version or using the wire method for an LPC mod in a v1.1 Xbox, you'll
use this method.
NOTE - To install header pins, all solder, if any, MUST FIRST BE REMOVED FROM THE HEADER HOLES!
1. If untinned, strip wires to expose approx. 1/4" of conductor and tin. Header pins do not need to be tinned.
2. From top of mainboard, insert wire or header pin assemby through header holes.
3. Turn mainboard over. Touch the tip of soldering pencil to the silver (tinned) circle that surrounds the hole,
and apply solder to the tinned inside surface of the header hole near the tip of the soldering pencil.
4. After a few moments, the solder will begin to melt. Once this happens, continue to feed solder into the
header hole until the entire hole is filled. DO NOT OVERFILL!
5. Remove soldering pencil and hold wire or header assembly in place until solder solidifies.
V) Soldering wires to those itsy-bitsy little pads, vias, and test points. Difficulty - DIFFICULT
NOTE - These connection points may be located on the underside of the Xbox mainboard!
o Gingerly apply A TINY AMOUNT of solder to the connection point by touching the tip of the
solder wire to the point of the soldering pencil.
o If done properly, there should be a small solder bump of the same diameter as the connection
point.
3. Position the wire flat against the mainboard, with the tip of the wire touching the solder bump and aligned
in such a manner that the conductor will not come in contact with any other connection points.
4. Touch the tip of the soldering pencil to the edge of the solder bump. When the solder melts, carefully
slide the wire conductor into the solder.
5. As soon as the solder melts into the wire, remove the soldering pencil while CAREFULLY holding the
wire in place. When the solder solidifies, the connection is complete.