BGA resoldering equipment

[markc]

Has anyone had any experience of the cheaper IR BGA reflow equipment as sold on Ebay?
 I could do with something, but I'm reluctant to spend a couple of grand on professional equipment as it would take too long to get my money back.
Any thoughts??

[Keith]

Hi,

Yes! And as usual you get what you pay for. I bought an Achi IR6000, it does work, but the temperature thermocouple doesn't read the correct temperature, nor did the replacement that was sent. So I rigged up my own and also use an external thermometer. You will also need lots of scrap boards to practice on! Also be aware that if you buy from China you will have to pay 20% VAT and usually the carrier will also charge you a fee for the TAX collection.

What are you going to use it for? If its for games consoles, I have not had a successful Xbox 360  reflow for about 4 months, even ones with the security seals intact. After a failed reflow, if the chip is removed you usually find 1 or more burnt connections making it only suitable for the recycling centre. PS3's have a better rate of success, 95%. But there aren't so many coming in now. The newer models don't seem to have the same problems. People don't want to spend much either. I currently charge £35, but that will have to go down soon, I think.

Just finished an old PS3, it works! but as it has had some DIY fixes in the past, will it last?

Good luck

Keith

[markc]

Thanks for the reply Keith. I was hoping to use it on a few laptops I have. I know you only get what you pay for, but If I got some results with it then I would consider investing further. As you say people are reluctant to pay for repairs nowdays so it's difficult to decide how much you should invest in new equipment. Apparently they can be used on SM devices too, so it may be usefull for that.

[Keith]

Hi,

There are some Jovy 7500 on Ebay, 'very little use" maybe that says it all!

I did a mail shot to local PC shops offering a reflow service on mother boards and graphics cards, none got back to me, even offered to do some for free as a trial! The ones I have seen through the shop haven't been repairable due to burnt pads. If you have a hot air station you could use that with a couple of digital thermometers.

It would be interesting to know how others are getting on with BGA reflows on various equipment.

I find it easier to use hot air station for normal SMD work.


It's always an expensive decision when getting new equipment, thats why I went for cheap chinese, rather than about 4k! But is seems that the cheap option was right!

Good luck

Keith