WeatherDuino Forum

Hi,
Yesterday afternoon my ESP8266 Wifi module start having prolems:
No more Wifi connection, after having restarted (it lasted abnormally long time), the time was not updated and the display became more and more dark.
I take a look on serial monitor after rebooting and saw the ESP module wasn't able to connect to Wifi.
After more investigation on the RX board i noticed that the ESP module was very hot, the 3.3v regulator also. 
I think the ESP8266 is dead


So I decided to mount the connectors on my spare PCB(V2.0) and reconnect all the needed parts, but at first I had a problem with the display
After looking a little, I noticed a difference on the connector of the display, The LED + pin was moved (toward V1.3 board).

All is working now
 
But now i have to replace the ESP on the V1.3 RX board, and i think it may be difficult to desolder. any advice for that?

Hi Laurent
I brought a SMD rework station off eBay when I needed to remove mine and it worked a treat. The downside is they cost something like 50 euros. I also seen videos on youtube where people have successfully desolder them using the heat from halogen lamps and even an electric laundry iron.

I'd try giving it a reflow first and if that fails replace it.

Oh, here's a pertinent video

https://youtu.be/I_dWlk4CSIA

Hi Laurent,

I second uncle_bob's recommendation in using a reflow solder station for doing this. I got one to build my Pro2+ board. It does make adjusting or removing SMD devices, including the WiFi module very easy.

As already said by others, an hot air gun is essential to replace SMD parts in almost any electronic device. A very valuable device for an electronics hobbyist.

ESP module has been replaced successfully (AMS1117 has also to be replaced).
Some quick test tell me that wifi connection is ok.

Congratulations! 

Great!
What technique did you end up using?

Where I work there is a little  electronic section, I used a desoldering tweezers because there is no hot air station.

[attachment=1457]

(07-05-2018, 09:32)laulau Wrote: [ -> ]Where I work there is a little  electronic section, I used a desoldering tweezers because there is no hot air station.

That's great, well done! Excellent to hear it is all sorted out.