Another Epox 8KHA+ w/Bad Caps

[gambit]

My computer recently had been giving me BSOD's upon shut down. I didn't think too much of it b/c I had installed a shitload of stuffs on it and thought might the cause of it. A few days go I took the PC's apart to do my annual cleaning and too my surprise 12 of the 2200 uF capacitors are bulging with leaked rusty residue on them. The worst part is that my brother and I have about 5 Epox boards altogether. Now, I am wondering if I should do the recap myself or ship them to Epox to fix. I have never done any soldering in my life before, but I am pretty good with handy stuffs. Also, I am wondering is it worth for me to invest in a soldering tools to fix these boards myself?

[bETAbILLY]

The soldering is not too difficult, just use common sense when removing the old caps since the 6-layer PCB absorbs a lot of heat.

Get all the new replacements (Rubycon, Sanyo or Panasonics are good) ahead of time. EPoX will charge return shipping at least but are committed to replacing the bad caps if within warrantee period.

Tools: a 25 watt soldering pencil, sewing needle and needle-nose pliers are all you need.

I replaced all the GSC caps on my 8RDA+, took about an hour to relace ten.
(but I practiced on an old board first)

[gambit]

The soldering is not too difficult, just use common sense when removing the old caps since the 6-layer PCB absorbs a lot of heat.

Get all the new replacements (Rubycon, Sanyo or Panasonics are good) ahead of time. EPoX will charge return shipping at least but are committed to replacing the bad caps if within warrantee period.

Tools: a 25 watt soldering pencil, sewing needle and needle-nose pliers are all you need.

I replaced all the GSC caps on my 8RDA+, took about an hour to relace ten.
(but I practiced on an old board first)

Thanks for your reply. I think I'm gonna take your advice and recap them my self. Anyway, what do you think of this solder iron? Will it do the job?


Link To The Solder

[bETAbILLY]

Cool, and you can get very small gauge solder at your nearest RadioShack but it would be nice to pick up a anti-static wristband while you are there.

You will see plenty of cap changing advice in this forum and the BC.net home page. Forget the solder sucker, a sewing needle is much better.

[Topcat]

You will see plenty of cap changing advice in this forum and the BC.net home page. Forget the solder sucker, a sewing needle is much better.

Yup. I use a stainless steel dental pick, works like a charm. A sewing needle will work just as well, just not as easy to handle.