RE: A sad end to by netoim...

["Ian B" <ian.bird@xxxxxxxxx>]

If you can get another programmed chip from the manufacturers you are well
on your way. If you cannot then it is a case of return to manufacturer or
an
expensive lesson about putting PCB's in cases.

However, it shouldn't be too hard to repair all things being equal assuming
a new PIC is available should the need arise. The first thing to do is
remove the PIC chip to see if this really is toasted. From your description
it sounds as though it is. At this point I would be inclined to remove all
the DIL chips and replace them one at a time whist measuring the current
draw. Once all are removed the regulator should not get hot as it does now.
If it does then the problem is one of the smt chips at which point it gets
complicated. I recognise most of the chips and they are pretty standard
ones. A short though can destroy them sadly. Don't forget to check the
board
for anything that can cause a short. In my case this tends to be slivers of
solder etc. from my work area.

If the regulator still gets hot or the current draw is too great (from the
specs) then you will have to start looking at the other chips including the
smt ones.

You can normally still smell the toasted chip (or at least the vicinity of
it) if you get really close to it as an aid to diagnosis.

smt chips can be replaced but it takes specialist kit.

Let us know how it goes.

My first call would be to the manufacturers. Any home attempts would be a
second option by a long shot if it anything other than the main PIC.

Good luck

Ian



>-----Original Message-----
>From: xap_automation@xxxxxxx
>[mailto:xap_automation@xxxxxxx]On
Behalf Of Robert Kearns
>Sent: 09 July 2005 21:44
>To: xap_automation@xxxxxxx
>Subject: [xap_automation] A sad end to by netoim...
>
>
>I seem to have broken it while connecting up an output. I've either
>shorted some joints on the back of the board or dropped a strand of
>wire onto the front. The only thing I noticed was a slight burning
>smell.
>
>Now when I power the board on, all the leds just stay on constantly
>and the voltage regulator gets very hot and starts to smell, in fact
>the metal has built up a powdery coating.
>
>I'm hoping the factory can fix it or I'm up for a replacement :-(
>
>It amazing how quickly you become depended on such a useful bit of
>equipment, I feel lost without it. This weekend I was planning to wire
>it up to control a sonic impact amp for ceiling speakers in the
>bathroom. Now I'll have to wait for music in the morning...
>
>Rob
>
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