It started innocently enough... the 'DISC SEARCH' test wasn't working and I wanted to fix this. Eventually, I ended up creating a custom PCB in conjunction with an xbox 360 wireless controller just to get the dang test working :)
I use a (IMO) very cool troubleshooting technique involving the ROM program disassembly and a logic analyzer to track the issue down.
Friday, November 25, 2016
I had eight Dexter boards with a common problem. I filmed some videos of the steps I took to diagnose and solve the problem for those interested.
Ever wanted to solder surface mount components onto a PCB but were afraid because your soldering iron tip is so big and the pins on the chips are so tiny? I used to be scared. But with the right tools and some practice, you can do it!
The approach I use in this video:
- Get chip secured to the PCB using solder paste and a heat gun. It's okay if we have some solder bridges or not all pins have solder on them at this stage. The important part is that the chip is properly aligned to the pins on the PCB.
- Apply flux to pins
- Drag solder iron across pins to pull all of the extra solder to one end.
- Remove extra solder using solder wick. This will not remove all of the solder, just the excess (phew).
- (optional but recommended) Test the board to make sure soldering job is correct.
- Clean off flux using rubbing alcohol or (my favorite) Goo Gone. Rinse in water while alcohol/go gone has not yet dried (yes, really) and let dry completely before testing. If white film shows up after drying, it means you did not get all of the flux off so repeat this step until the board looks clean after it has dried.
NOTE : I've used this approach many times for prototype work and it works just fine. For production work, I'd have a PCB fabrication house assemble the board for you. I use 4pcb.com.
Star Rider testing has got me so frustrated with suspicions of faulty hardware that I am making a little board to test the big ICs that Star Rider uses: the Motorola 6809E CPU, the Motorola PIA 6821, and the Williams Special Chips.
I am by no means an expert, but here are four (admittedly BORING!) videos showing how to solder on surface mount components. While boring, they may be educational and helpful to someone who wants to learn :)
