Restoration: how far should it go??

From: peter tremewen <ptremewe_at_bigpond.net.au>
Date: Sun Jun 15 08:17:00 2003

Hi Phil,

        Thanks for the feedback. There has been about the same feedback from
most collectors, Get the thing working. There is certainly a wide gap
between collectors of opinion one and opinion two. Most computer collectors
however seem to be closer to opinion two than opinion one. As long as there
is no attempt to hide the "Repair/restoration" most people seem to think
it's O.K. to do whatever is necessary to get the system going. Writing a
"log" or recording all repairs seems to be a common idea. I suppose if it's
recorded anyone further researching the system/part has a fair chance to see
what has been done to restore it.

        I have to agree with you on the long term affects of "Solder Wick".
I hate the stuff, having seen what it can do to boards in long service in
the telecommunications industry. It's not always possible to clean the flux
residues thoroughly off a board after using "Solderwick". I have a Denon
SC-7000 desoldering gun that I use for all such repairs. I use "No clean"
solder for all repairs, and if necessary further clean the joint with IPA.
Perhaps a bit over the top, but at least I know nothing "I" have done will
cause further deterioration to the system. When I have access to one I use
Industrial PCB washers, and dryers after all work has been done. I have
cleaned up more than one dusty crappy looking mother board or plug in card
after a bit of work, and have them looking sparkly new.

                Peter T.


> > Without getting into protracted discusion about the theology of
either
> > collector, I would like to hear the opinions on the list about how far a
> > restoration should go before it starts detracting from the value of the
piece.
> I try and replace as little as possible. If a chip has failed and I've got
> both a replacement chip and a replacement board, I'll fit a socket and use
> the chip. If I need to, I will repair damaged tracks on the board.
> I insist on keeping a log of every repair done to a machine. In this way,
if
> the machine fails again in future and (shock horror) I can't identify the
> dead component, I've got my notes to help troubleshoot the board.
>
> > I know this is a complex issue, and obviously depends on allot of
factors, but
> > surely there are SOME guide lines that should or could be followed. I am
about
> > to start a complex restoration on the EDUC-8 and am hoping the experts
on the
> > list will give me some ideas based on their experience with other
systems.
> If you need to remove a failed DIL-packaged IC, use a craft knife or
hacksaw
> blade to cut the pins off. Then desolder the pins and clean out the holes
> with a solder-sucker. NEVER use desolder wick on through-hole boards - it
> eats pads and tracks for breakfast.
Received on Sun Jun 15 2003 - 08:17:00 BST