Comments on: Sound Fault in a Toshiba Equium A100 Laptop

By: reza

reza — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:15:05 +0000

hi Gerry Millward
thank u

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By: Gerald Millward

Gerald Millward — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 10:47:38 +0000

Albert, you are right - I should have mentioned that it is easy to blow very small componets away!. However, solder paste "sticks" the component to the board a little and you soon identify the appropriate air flow with a little experience. I prefer a hot air gun to a soldering iron for most laptop system board repair jobs because there is usually insufficient room with the tightly packed tiny components to use a soldering iron comfortably. With a soldering iron it is also very easy to damage the tiny circuit tracks. Very skilled people can do it - I find it much much easier with a hot air gun.

This eBay sale offers "solder paste" - it is actually just flux:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Solder-Paste-30g-Tin-/171643035607?hash=item27f6b8dfd7:g:AuMAAOSwT6pV7B-c

This eBay sale offers solder paste which IS solder paste.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOP-Sale-Effective-MECHANIC-Reparing-Solder-Paste-XG-50-42g-Sn63-Pb37-25-45um-/321911802034?hash=item4af37048b2:g:IVgAAOSwo6lWOcM4

I use Lodestar - but there's none on sale at present, so I don't know how good this XG-50 is. It's certainly cheap, so probably worth a try.

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By: Gerald Millward

Gerald Millward — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 10:11:27 +0000

In reply to Andre Gopee.

Identifying the value of faulty capacitors (and often resistors and inductors) in circuits can be difficult since you can't measure them. Generally, I do not attempt a system board level repair of a laptop without a schematic circuit diagram, unless it is a relatively easily diagnosed power problem. If in a position where you need to do this you can buy a faulty system board of the same type on eBay for a low price and use the corresponding component from that. I have a stock of such motherboards of many of the common laptop models to provide spare components. Apart from that it becomes a process of deduction from the voltages in use and the circuit type (e.g. is it an audio coupling capacitor) - then try various values until the circuit works OK.

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By: Robert Calk

Robert Calk — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:16:18 +0000

Nice job, Gerry. I tend to use my soldering iron any time that I can.

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By: surat kumar

surat kumar — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 04:32:07 +0000

thank u mr Gerry

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By: Debirt

Debirt — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 03:26:47 +0000

Totally impressed Gerry. I am already looking forward to your next article.You are an inspiration.

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By: Andre Gopee

Andre Gopee — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:39:06 +0000

Hi Gerry, great stuff... I myself use signal generators to trouble shoot radios and is make the job so simple. But I have one question... How do you know the value of those capacitors. I have a lot of trouble identifying SMD capacitors value, only if I have a schematic diagram, then I would know the value. Can you share the secret for knowing this? Thanks again for the great article.

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By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:35:42 +0000

Hey Gerry,
Thanks heaps for such a well written and explained article. Although I am in my 50's and have only been doing electronics as a hobby for the last 3 years, I really appreciate people like Parasuraman and yourself that have a wealth of knowledge and are happy to pass it on to 'young' ones like myself. The skills, knowledge and years of experience need to be passed on to younger generations so that this industry and hobby can continue.
Thanks again and well done.
Keep 'em coming!

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By: Humberto

Humberto — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:43:01 +0000

Hi Gerry
You have done a great repair, and have explained everything step by step. Congratulations and keep up.

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By: Parasuraman S

Parasuraman S — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:20:55 +0000

Vow! Great achievement, indeed! Like many others commented, my 'Pranams' (Indian style for salutations) to you, Sir! You are a motivator for me, as I too am 66 years old and wish to go on and on with my hobby as long as my 'material tools' allow me to, or obey my commands! This is an intricate job, but you have approached it correctly and resolved it by systematic way of troubleshooting! A lot to learn from you, and I look forward to reading many more such articles from you, Sir!

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