Is it worth it to learn PCB repair?

jehuie

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I'm not talking about looking for burnt components and replacing them. Or running the self-test and then replacing bad ram chips. I'm talking about learning to trace the source of problems using a logic-probe, scope, or similar device to try to get to the bottom of more complex issues.

I've been sort of stubbornly trying to fix one myself when I know I can send it off and have it repaired for $60. Not because I'm cheap (although I am) but because I think it would be satisfying to learn how to do it myself. I'll never be an "expert" at this stuff and I'm not planning on dedicating that much time, but is it worth it for a part-time amateur like myself? Or should I just forget that and pass it on to a pro?

What say you all?
 
Not because I'm cheap (although I am) but because I think it would be satisfying to learn how to do it myself. I'll never be an "expert" at this stuff and I'm not planning on dedicating that much time, but is it worth it for a part-time amateur like myself?

That statement right there pretty much sums it up for me.

I'll always give it a shot, if successful - great, if not - no biggie.
 
Understanding the how and why of digital logic circuitry gets deep quick.

You need to be able to follow schematics. Following the flow of an electronic signal through it's path and how a bunch of chips create a specific functional need of a board requires some training.

An electronics class at a community college may be your ticket. I'm sure there are some self-paced tutorials about digital electronics on the net.

Stick your toe in and then jump.

K
 
Understanding the how and why of digital logic circuitry gets deep quick.

You need to be able to follow schematics. Following the flow of an electronic signal through it's path and how a bunch of chips create a specific functional need of a board requires some training.

An electronics class at a community college may be your ticket. I'm sure there are some self-paced tutorials about digital electronics on the net.

Stick your toe in and then jump.

K

Yeah, that makes sense. Let me try another approach....does anyone have some tips of "shortcuts" that can be taken to look for likely culprits? For instance, someone mentioned feeling for "hot chips" to find problems. Others have mentioned using a logic-probe to look for behavior on certain chips to indicate if they are bad.

Get the idea? Things to help isolate a potential problem that may not require an advanced degree?
 
Understanding the how and why of digital logic circuitry gets deep quick.

You need to be able to follow schematics. Following the flow of an electronic signal through it's path and how a bunch of chips create a specific functional need of a board requires some training.

An electronics class at a community college may be your ticket. I'm sure there are some self-paced tutorials about digital electronics on the net.

Stick your toe in and then jump.

K

Books are a very good resource also. I was given Circuits, Devices and Systems: A First Course in Electrical Engineering. Funny thing, when I first cracked it open in my hands .. magically to page 515, it has a basic logic diagram of how to setup a z80 cpu ;)

But since you already have a logic probe, and troubles with your asteroids board... my best advice would be for you to understand how to actually use your probe to troubleshoot, and go from there before spending money to do it the hard way...
 
Those are some awsome resources that I haven't seen before. Thanks guys! I downloaded that Atari pdf....holy cow, that looks like it will be great!
 
One thing to keep in mind too is that if you mess with it, sometimes you make it where people who repair them don't want to work on it because they have to double check whatever the hell you did to it, lol. I've done that 3 or 4 times myself, screwed around with something, got it worse than it was, then had to pay out the nose to fix not only the problem but the problem I created as well.
 
It is worth it only if your goal is to learn PCB repair. I think it would always be cheaper and easier just to pay to have it repaired, or buy a working one. I want to learn board repair, and I have bought a bunch of stuff I need to learn how to use. I probably spend more on that stuff than I do on games. Hopefully I will get a chance to actually use it over summer break.
 
That statement right there pretty much sums it up for me.

I'll always give it a shot, if successful - great, if not - no biggie.

Hmm...random question,but I wonder if we're related.We have the same last name and I had some family that lived in OK (Muskogee) a while back.Probably not,but I was always curious when I would see your name pop up in posts.Mullins is not a last name I see too often.
 
Man that Atari Big Book - thats awesome. Been leafing through it and it actually explains a lot in such plain english that I get it. I've been really cloudy on inductors for quite some time, and it explained it really well!

Printing off the last 2 chapters :)
 
Hmm...random question,but I wonder if we're related.We have the same last name and I had some family that lived in OK (Muskogee) a while back.Probably not,but I was always curious when I would see your name pop up in posts.Mullins is not a last name I see too often.

PM sent to ya.
 
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