Novahq.net Forum - My World

HI!

A few months a go I started a new job with a company called COMPAL.

I used to be a field engineer repairing fax machines, copiers, laser printers and a few other products but it became uneconomical to repair machines on site.

I am now a "re-worker" for COMPAL, which means that I replace components/fit modifications onto laptop computer circuit boards.

All the boards seem to be from HEWLETT PACKARD.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00107s.jpg

This is a panoramic photo of my work bench.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00115s.jpg

I have just rearranged my bench (Fume extractor now on it's back next to the laptop, blowing air across the bench) because my small hot air re-work station has just come back from repair. (For the second time :( )

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ation850Bs.jpg

I hope you noticed the hi-tech equipment I use. :hammer:

A fancy hot air gun for removing IC's and connectors.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...Xo8RIZEjgs.jpg

Two soldering irons. (1 with a sticker on it for lead free boards)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00108s.jpg

I replace connectors,small components and IC's.
These are some of the IC's I have replaced during the last 2 months.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00116s.jpg

I spend allot of time replacing keyboard controllers. :rolleyes:

Before
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00106s.jpg
During
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00105s.jpg
After
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00104s.jpg

Every now and then I have the wonderful task of working on BGA (Ball Grid Array) southbridges.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00102s.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../DSC00113s.jpg

We have started getting in lead free boards. (Blue PCB's)
Working with lead free solder is a pain in the :biteme: .
I have finally worked out a technique, mixing lead free solder paste & flux together, then coating the ends of the IC pins and finally melting it with my small hot air station.

When I get the time I will post some lead free images.:fingersx: