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LC III - Will it ever run?

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stephen_usher
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by stephen_usher »

Right! I need a microscope. One ordered from Amazon.

Taking a picture and blowing it up shows all the pins all over the place, so I'm going to have to take the chip off again.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by stephen_usher »

Looking on-line there is, in fact, a QFP pin straightening tool. However, and it's a big one, it costs £265!!! But with free delivery.

No other hits on Google other than this: https://kaisertech.co.uk/lead-straightener-qfp-tool
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
peters
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by peters »

Is that too small to 3D print an alignment block ?
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stephen_usher
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by stephen_usher »

peters wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:20 pm Is that too small to 3D print an alignment block ?
To align the pins horizontally, yes. There is a gap of less than 0.2mm between the pins and the resolution of a filament 3D printer is 0.4mm. You could make a block to align the bend in the pins, however.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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stephen_usher
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by stephen_usher »

The CPU is back off and no extra pad damage.

IMG_3632.jpeg
IMG_3632.jpeg (340.67 KiB) Viewed 2070 times

As you can see here the CPU's pins aren't exactly fully straight.

IMG_3633.jpeg
IMG_3633.jpeg (251.29 KiB) Viewed 2070 times
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
lilwashu
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by lilwashu »

The other CPU was much the same - I hope you have better luck with it than I did. I’m pleased that the pads are mostly still good as I must have put quite a lot of heat into some of them trying to get the pins to sit flat/straight.
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stephen_usher
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by stephen_usher »

Designed and 3D printed a former for the chip legs.

IMG_3634.jpeg
IMG_3634.jpeg (281.13 KiB) Viewed 2049 times

Although it can't fix the spacing between the legs it does allow the legs to be bent into shape and the correct distance from the body of the chip both vertically and horizontally. It also allows the chip to be held securely to tweak the leg spacing whilst not disturbing any of the other legs.

I've since offered it up to the PCB and it's made a world of difference. I have a chance of soldering it correctly now. It's not perfect but it's huge improvement over how it was previously.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
peters
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by peters »

Nice one.

Is the printing resolution good enough to align pairs of pins ?
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stephen_usher
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by stephen_usher »

I'm afraid not. The legs are separated by approximately 0.2mm and the width of the extrusion is 0.4mm.

I was thinking of an upper former which would press down and force the legs to conform to the shape.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: LC III - Will it ever run?

Post by rubber_jonnie »

stephen_usher wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:50 pm Designed and 3D printed a former for the chip legs.


IMG_3634.jpeg


Although it can't fix the spacing between the legs it does allow the legs to be bent into shape and the correct distance from the body of the chip both vertically and horizontally. It also allows the chip to be held securely to tweak the leg spacing whilst not disturbing any of the other legs.

I've since offered it up to the PCB and it's made a world of difference. I have a chance of soldering it correctly now. It's not perfect but it's huge improvement over how it was previously.
Nice :)
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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