Burned S9 power connector replacement- de-soldering issue

[clarose]

I have an Antminer s9 with burned power connectors.  I've purchased two 140-watt soldering guns and cannot get the connectors out much less de-solder other ones from an old S7 to put into the burned one.  Is there a trick to doing this?  I've spent so many hours trying to melt the solder and only very limited success.  I've got 9 terminals to swap - that's 162 joints to de-solder and re-solder!

[wndsnb]

Yeah, soldering iron alone is not going to work. You'll probably end up destroying the circuit board before getting all the connections off.

Might help to read through this:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5187647.0

[gt_addict]

Use some Solder wick/ribbon. Works really well when desoldering large connections.

[clarose]

Thank you both for some good information.  Since it would be cheaper to just buy a used S9, I've decided to combine your suggestions and warm the board in an oven and use good wick to see if I can remove the connectors.

Thanks again!

[mikeywith]

Since it would be cheaper to just buy a used S9, I've decided to combine your suggestions and warm the board in an oven and use good wick to see if I can remove the connectors.

Are you nuts ?? don't do that, all you need is a proper heat gun , yes that's right a heat gun and not a soldering gun, heat the edges of the metal part of those connectors, and use something strong like a metal pick to push it and it will fall easily.

[clarose]

OK, I'll try that first although I am concerned about heating up too much of the surrounding area.

[lightfoot]

Removing connectors is a serious pain in the ass. Partially because the boards are loaded with copper power planes right by the plugs, and partially because the little connector right next to them can be melted by too much air heat.

What I typically do is use a pre-heater to bring the board (and those heat wicking ground planes) up to a reasonable temperature, then use flux and a good iron to melt some lead/tin solder into the pins. Lead/tin melts at a lower temperature, and the result is the plugs will have a better chance of coming off.

For new plugs use nickel plated ones and once again put paste flux (I love zephlux) on them before putting in the holes. Then solder with lead/tin solder to make a good solid connection. *

If you need someone to do it, I'd do it for shipping as I'm getting back into S9/15/17 repair and can always use some extra practice.

C

* Note: After using lead/tin solder please do not eat the board. :-)