Recapping tips?

[NOSaint94]

Hey guys

So I have decided I'm gonna recap my SX 737 when i change the lamps on it. Do y'all have any tips? I've recapped a 780 before, but I am a little nervous about it. I recapped another project before but it went up in smoke shortly after . The 737 looks pretty easy, and I plan to take sweet time with it to get it all restored

 

[arcorob]

From recent experience

Hey guys

So I have decided I'm gonna recap my SX 737 when i change the lamps on it. Do y'all have any tips? I've recapped a 780 before, but I am a little nervous about it. I recapped another project before but it went up in smoke shortly after . The 737 looks pretty easy, and I plan to take sweet time with it to get it all restored

1) Have a good soldering iron

2) Big one - have a GOOD solder sucker...OMG..the one I used was perfect and I did not pay alot but does it in one shot

3) Have all your caps ready to go and pay very close attention to polarity

4) Take your time, be methodical

I know all of these seem pretty basic...but its key...

Look for this solder sucker...no longer at amazon but look up the model

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019V5HRA/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

 

[NOSaint94]

1) Have a good soldering iron

2) Big one - have a GOOD solder sucker...OMG..the one I used was perfect and I did not pay alot but does it in one shot

3) Have all your caps ready to go and pay very close attention to polarity

4) Take your time, be methodical

I know all of these seem pretty basic...but its key...

Look for this solder sucker...no longer at amazon but look up the model

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019V5HRA/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

I wanna get me a Hakko 808 eventually, but the radio shack ones seem to work pretty good, till the bulbs go out in em :sigh:

 

[NOSaint94]

Thanks for the advice :yes:

 

[Karl vd Berg]

I recapped another project before but it went up in smoke shortly after .

Chances to see "smokes" after a re-cap is higher when you don't pay attention to polarity or replace (by mistake) a bipolar cap with a polarized one.

Also, I've learnt here that you have ALWAYS to look HOW THE CAPACITOR WAS POSITIONED in the board when you took it off, because the marks + and - are not always correct and subject to printing error by manufacturers...

 

[day67]

Amen to the above. Always good to do one section/board at a time and test after each one (if possible). Of course have the schematic/SM next to you and note if the caps actually on the boards are what is designated in the SM. How 'bout swapping out any of the known-to-be probelematic transistors while you're at it?

 

[Bigears]

First time recap? Do one at a time, use a DBT for initial power on until you build confidence. Also, take lots of digital images. You wouldn't believe how much that comes in handy when you return after a break and start scratching your head.

 

[NOSaint94]

First time recap? Do one at a time, use a DBT for initial power on until you build confidence. Also, take lots of digital images. You wouldn't believe how much that comes in handy when you return after a break and start scratching your head.

I've recapped a 780 before. I did use the ol camera quite a bit for that, came in handy more than once to check stuff over

 

[Rob41]

First time recap? Do one at a time, use a DBT for initial power on until you build confidence. Also, take lots of digital images. You wouldn't believe how much that comes in handy when you return after a break and start scratching your head.

+1, I just finished my first recap/rebuild, I did all of the above and used wire labels for every wire I disconnected. Also, after you take lots of pictures....take some more as it can save your a**.

 

[NOSaint94]

+1, I just finished my first recap/rebuild, I did all of the above and used wire labels for every wire I disconnected. Also, after you take lots of pictures....take some more as it can save your a**.

I plan to do that :yes: Good news is I should be able to recap it while leaving the boards in place, with the possible exception of the preamp board (havent looked at it through the bottom yet)

 

[drabina]

Run the receiver thru a dim bulb tester after the recap. Do one board at the time and test.