[laulau]

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?

[uncle_bob]

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.

[uncle_bob]

Oh, here's a pertinent video

https://youtu.be/I_dWlk4CSIA

[qldbureau]

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.

[werk_ag]

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.

[laulau]

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

[hornychz]

Congratulations! 

[uncle_bob]

Great!
What technique did you end up using?

[laulau]

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

   

[qldbureau]

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.