Might replacing unknown SMDs with quality radials improve stability?

[mrmazda]

Image shows why I registered. It's one of several SMD caps in a Linux mips-based STB made by the defunct Portugese Opensat, branded AZBox, model ME, that is less than reliable in normal operation. It has several random bad behaviors that don't seem related to each other. Often the only way to clear the problem is to reboot the box. Using firmware from different sources or different versions doesn't have an apparent impact on behavior that isn't due to software differences.

I'm wondering if replacing those with conventional radials might make it more stable in operation. Their less than flat tops make me suspicious. 3 are 470 25v RVT as in the image. 2 are 220 25v RVT. 2 are 100 35v RVT. About 14 are smaller, probably too small for me to do anything with by myself even if I wanted to.

I've never replaced any SMDs before. Are they any more or less difficult to replace than radials? Any gotchas? Too difficult to do with a simple old 25W or 35W soldering iron?

[japlytic]

Re: Might replacing unknown SMDs with quality radials improve stability?

Welcome MrMazda!

These units are general purpose Fuhjyyu RVT Series and only have a rated life (under worst possible conditions - maximum voltage, ripple and temperature) of 1000 hours.
They can be replaced with radial units, but take care not to rip off the PCB pads when moving them.
You should practice working on SMD electrolytic capacitors on boards which cannot be repaired before replacing the SMD electrolytic capacitors in the STB.

[mrmazda]

Re: Might replacing unknown SMDs with quality radials improve stability?

Welcome MrMazda!

Thanks.

These units are general purpose Fuhjyyu RVT Series and only have a rated life (under worst possible conditions - maximum voltage, ripple and temperature) of 1000 hours.

My STB had that many hours on it within the first 2 months I had it. It lives on the LAN same as my other puters and can play AV files on their shares.

They can be replaced with radial units, but take care not to rip off the PCB pads when moving them.

Is there good reason not to just replace with quality SMDs? I find it difficult to imagine how with my eyes as bad as they are how to keep a radial lead in place without a hole to stick it in.

You should practice working on SMD electrolytic capacitors on boards which cannot be repaired before replacing the SMD electrolytic capacitors in the STB.

Good idea, but I struck out finding any. A dead Polaroid brand 1440x900 LCD I thought might didn't have any, but did have a couple 470uf 25v leakers I replaced after opening it up, which put it back in operation. Everything else around here dead has no SMDs except tiny ones I'd never attempt to change. The only source of similar size SMD here is a totally functional G4 Mac. Any other ideas how I might minimize opportunity for disaster?

[kc8adu]

Re: Might replacing unknown SMDs with quality radials improve stability?

not too bad to replace.
remove with 2 irons.
cut leads short on the new cap and spread leads to hit the pads.
solder.i tend to replace with sm tantalums on stuff that gets hot like standard c5900,kenwood tm-742,icom ic-706 and other high end transcievers where high operating temp is an issue.might be good to use on an stb.