TurboExpress Repair Shenanigans

neversummer · 03/10/2009, 07:25 PM

Hi Guys, I bought a 'working' TE on EBay which of course doesn't work at all. It appears to be missing a bunch of capacitors, the metal covering over the circuit board and I wanted to know what this half busted component is as I don't see it on the TE replacement capacitor chart:

Duo_R · 03/11/2009, 07:29 AM

not really sure, looks like the video cap is completely missing, no suprise that it isnt working. What happens when you flip her on? Also all the original audio caps are still there, so i wouldnt be surprised if you have no sound. Try replacing those caps first (and the missing video cap).

neversummer · 03/11/2009, 08:26 AM

The video screen appears to turn on but doesn't go white, the sound works but is extremely low so I'll have to replace all the caps there too. These 100uF 16V caps came in yesterday, I don't want to put them on until someone identifies that 'extra' part on the board though.

Duo_R · 03/11/2009, 08:42 AM

Well I would install the vid cap and test. Not sure what part that is but looks like it got damaged when the person was removing the glue. Chances are it is fine. Btw good luck installing the SMD caps.

neversummer · 03/12/2009, 10:10 PM

Replaced all the sound capacitors and got it working nice and loud. The lcd display shows only shades of red though, not sure why. I've replaced all capacitors except for the 470uF 6.3V & 22uF 6V. Not sure if these have anything to do with the video:

Duo_R · 03/12/2009, 10:53 PM

check your ribbon cable. The ribbon carries RGB lines, maybe it isn't seated properly. that is the first time I have seen this, and I have repaired alot of TE's!

neversummer · 03/13/2009, 10:48 AM

I initially ripped off the ribbon connector, (accidentally), from the circuit board to the LCD screen so it's probably not soldered correctly. Those teeth are so small it's gonna be a challenge to get it to work properly, (that is if I haven't ruined it already)

Duo_R · 03/13/2009, 01:18 PM

take a photo of how she looks under the hood. Closeup on the ribbon.

Quote from: neversummer on 03/13/2009, 10:48 AMI initially ripped off the ribbon connector, (accidentally), from the circuit board to the LCD screen so it's probably not soldered correctly. Those teeth are so small it's gonna be a challenge to get it to work properly, (that is if I haven't ruined it already)

neversummer · 03/13/2009, 09:11 PM

Removed the ribbon connector, cleaned and reattached but screen is still showing red. Ribbon's attached fine on the other end

Duo_R · 03/13/2009, 10:02 PM

That ribbon cable doesn't look in good shape. I suspect that the green / blue lines aren't making good connection. The Turbo Express hospital is still open....

Platinumfungi · 03/14/2009, 11:16 AM

Just a thought - You could try and solder the ribbon cable directly to the pcb, or attach wires as jumpers between the two to make the soldering a little easier.

TheMilford · 03/15/2009, 12:13 AM

I have to repair ribbon calbe like this sometimes in my work.

I would maybe cut back (trim off) a little of the ribbon... say 1/16th on an inch. this should give you a fresh patch of ribbon contact to insert into the slot.

Duo_R · 03/15/2009, 12:21 AM

That actually is a good idea before u have this repaired. Take some very good scissors and make a straight cut just a little off the ribbon cable. That might do the trick.

pceslayer · 03/15/2009, 01:57 AM

Wouldn't a dab of solder on each contact fix that right up?

Duo_R · 03/15/2009, 02:27 AM

the ribbon wouldnt fit back in the plug

TheMilford · 03/15/2009, 06:58 AM

Quote from: pceslayer on 03/15/2009, 01:57 AMWouldn't a dab of solder on each contact fix that right up?

Maybe, but lead and tin are not great conductors. I use a quad eutectic silver/copper/tin/lead solder that works well for this kinda stuff as it flows very well and conducts better than standard 60/40.

if you get a higher wattage iron (25-40watt) really hot, put a little soldering flux on the contacts. Then you whet the tip of the iron with a little extra solder, touch it to each pad on the ribbon. You have to make sure the solder really flows and just "tins" the contact. Any more than that then the ribbon cable might not fit as Duo-r has stated.

pceslayer · 03/15/2009, 10:49 AM

Quote from: TheMilford on 03/15/2009, 06:58 AMif you get a higher wattage iron (25-40watt) really hot, put a little soldering flux on the contacts. Then you whet the tip of the iron with a little extra solder, touch it to each pad on the ribbon. You have to make sure the solder really flows and just "tins" the contact. Any more than that then the ribbon cable might not fit as Duo-r has stated.

This is what I meant... perhaps dab was a poor choice of wording.

TheMilford · 03/15/2009, 11:00 AM

Quote from: pceslayer on 03/15/2009, 10:49 AM
Quote from: TheMilford on 03/15/2009, 06:58 AMif you get a higher wattage iron (25-40watt) really hot, put a little soldering flux on the contacts. Then you whet the tip of the iron with a little extra solder, touch it to each pad on the ribbon. You have to make sure the solder really flows and just "tins" the contact. Any more than that then the ribbon cable might not fit as Duo-r has stated.
This is what I meant... perhaps dab was a poor choice of wording.

Dig it!

neversummer · 03/16/2009, 08:28 AM

Thanks for the help guys, I'm getting in a little over my head with my radioshack soldering iron so I'm shipping this baby off to Duo_R's hospital