Recapped my A2000 today, eyeballing the A4000 now...

[TheBilgeRat]

So, I finally got my fresh caps from Cosmos and started in on my A2000.  A few hours later and the beastie was all done.  Now, I bought the whole set to do both the 2000 and the 4000, but here is my soldering setup:

Flux
Weller 20 watt non-adjustable soldering iron
good lead solder
desoldering braid

Most of the 4000 caps are those SMD beasties, which worries me.  Over on EAB most suggestions are never touch anything like that without a desoldering station and a thermostatically controlled iron.  I am competent with the tools I have and confident, but if my setup is laughable at best (yes I know it is, but its what I got ) to attempt the 4000, can a guru let me know before I cook her?

Also, shameless plug - if you are considering recapping your old A500 or A2000 (EDIT: OR other old machine ), hit Cosmos up - great instructions and quality caps plus packaging.  Even if you think you don't need them, you probably do - I had a bunch that looked great from top, only to be blown out the bottom.

[Damion]

I would say the chance of lifting a pad (or several) is very high.

With only a temperature controlled iron and lots of patience it's possible to do it successfully. The key things IMHO are limiting both heat exposure and mechanical stress. Did I mention lots of patience.

If you're going to do it anyway, try sliding them sideways from the pads where possible instead of upward, it should improve your odds.

The real question - do you want to just get it done, or do you want to get it done perfectly as possible, with no damage or signs of repair. Some people don't care as long as it works.

[Cosmos Amiga]

For desoldering SMT caps, the best way is hotair.

A cheap one : http://cgi.ebay.fr/YH-878AD-2IN1-SMD-HOTAIR-REWORK-SOLDERING-IRON-STATION-/300557994511?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item45faa70a0f


Again and again, practice and training a lot on non-working PCB for improving your skill, and after on your Amiga 4000. Take your time, you have it !

[TheBilgeRat]

Cheers, Cosmos!  I was looking at that very model on Amazon.com the other day.  I'll have to pull the trigger on it.

Man I wish they made all boards like the A2000 - that thing was a pleasure to solder on.