How to remove A600 RF modulator?

[amigadave]

I am tired of searching through hundreds of threads, so I will just come out and ask.

Has anyone done (or seen and can remember where) the removal of the RF modulator in an A600 to make the port opening free to be used by something else (like the VGA connector from my IndivisionECS)?

I have my A600 apart right now to install my recently purchased A604, Subway and IndivisionECS and want to remove the RF modulator and put the VGA connector in its place.  I also have to decide where to put the USB openings and was even thinking that I might try to squeeze a slot loading CD/DVD drive from a laptop into this baby, but that may be pushing my luck and available space, as I already have an ACA630 inside with a CF card instead of a hard drive.

I am hoping for a quick response, so I can work on this later tonight, but realize that it is not a question that everyone can answer.

So, if you know what needs to be done to remove the RF Modulator without screwing up anything else, let me know.  My soldering iron is waiting to be plugged in, but I don't want to damage anything else on the motherboard.

[amigadave]

Found this:

http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=52179

Now I'll go back and read it to see if it has all the info I need to do it myself.

(I knew I had seen it somewhere before)

[LaserBack]

also I want to remove the rf modulator from my A1200 beecause it cause interference and I want to connect a SVHS connector there....any tips?

[amigadave]

also I want to remove the rf modulator from my A1200 beecause it cause interference and I want to connect a SVHS connector there....any tips?

If I had tips to give to you, I would not have started this thread asking for advice.

Unfortunately, the thread I linked to in my previous message does not give any specifics as how to safely remove the RF modulator from the A600 (or A1200), so I am still searching and hoping someone will jump into this thread with some answers.

[Jeff]

There are two approaches to this that I can think of. While I have never done this exact surgery, I have done lots of similar stuff. First ID the revision of motherboard you have. According to the photos at Amiga-Hardware there are at least two different RF units used (large one and a small one).

I would either use a Dremel to cut carefully cut away enough of the shield so I could see what I was doing, or just de-solder every through hole connection within the foot print of it and hope. Just be careful and it should be pretty easy. Try flux with solder braid and make sure to use enough heat to be quick about it.

[amigadave]

There are two approaches to this that I can think of. While I have never done this exact surgery, I have done lots of similar stuff. First ID the revision of motherboard you have. According to the photos at Amiga-Hardware there are at least two different RF units used (large one and a small one).

I would either use a Dremel to cut carefully cut away enough of the shield so I could see what I was doing, or just de-solder every through hole connection within the foot print of it and hope. Just be careful and it should be pretty easy. Try flux with solder braid and make sure to use enough heat to be quick about it.

Thanks Jeff.

I was hoping to find someone who has actually done it themselves.  I have a version 1.3 June Bug A600 mobo and am guessing that my RF modulator is the large one, since I can't see how they would put one that is larger than mine in its place.

I might give it a go tonight, or maybe wait for 24 hours to see what other responses I get here and on EAB.

[realize]

Dave

Contact Kipper2k on EAB he is an expert on this procedure..

[mfilos]

Hi mate, I replied you on my thread over EAB. I wish it will work for you as it did on mine several times.

Cheers

[kolla]

Just desolder them, what's the problem?

[Jope]

Yep, be advised that the RF modulator's casing absorbs a lot of heat, so desoldering it is a slow process. Apart from that, just remove the solder with a pump and some wick, then the modulator lifts out.

[amigadave]

Thanks, I will give it a try later today, or tonight (busy day) and maybe post some pictures of my completed project afterward.

[Zac67]

You'll need to pump up the iron a bit more and use a broader tip to get enough heat to the solder points fast enough. Shouldn't be too hard though.