Re: 164 LCD Problems

[jonathan coates <alfa@domain.elided>]

In message , gatorgirl@domain.elided writes
>I do not own a 164, but my experience in radio electronics suggests a
>possible fix.  Depending on the type of circuit boards used in the mass
>production of electronic devices, certain components can be subject to
>intermittent connections if the solder separates from the component lead.
>The amount of this separation needed to cause the device to work improperly
>can very small indeed, and may not even be detectable by looking at the
>solder joint.  Further, the condition can be brought about or (more likely)
>exacerbated by temperature changes which cause the solder and the component
>leads to expand/contract at different rates.  The cure for this to (very,
>very carefully) rework every solder joint on the circuit board.  There is no
>sense in trying to guess what joint may be the problem.  This is done using
>a light-duty soldering pencil and heating the join just enough to completely
>melt the solder.  Be careful not to create any solder bridges between the
>adjacent solder joints or circuit traces.  If you have never soldered on
>electronic equipment before, you should ask yourself if you should really
>try this before diving in.  Also, I don't  know if any of the devices on the
>board are of the CMOS type, so a grounding strap is probably a good idea.
You could find an old TV or radio and practise a bit with the soldering
so you dont make matters worse.
- -- 
jonathan coates

------------------------------