Pull and install a new chip - Montana Owners Club

**DQDick** · 06-12-2015, 11:57 AM

I've got a couple of new chips coming for my solar controllers and of course they are placed near the top of the case so you can only get under the bottom. Basically they're just computer chips. It looks to me that grabbing them with a good pair of needle nose pliers and pulling straight out is the best approach, but since I've never done something like this before I thought I'd get some input. Any better ideas?

Irlpguy · 06-12-2015, 03:56 PM

If I may ask Dick, why are you replacing them? Assuming they have gone west and you have been supplied with new ones. They are most likely IC's or Integrated Circuits and you are fortunate they were not soldered directly to the circuit board as some are.
There are tools for removing IC's but you must be careful you do not damage traces under the "chip" or IC. The tool I use is like needle nose pliers but has a wide jaw that grips a good portion of the IC on both sides, needle nose pliers grip only a small amount of the IC.

If they are not intended to be reused then it really does not matter but take care in installing the new ones and make sure they are in the correct way or much damage will be done. There is usually an identifying mark on the IC to indicate pin (1) so take note of where that is when you pull the old ones.

Pretty fragile stuff so be as gentle as possible.

**DQDick** · 06-12-2015, 05:03 PM

Thanks, as you can tell this is not my thing. They are sending me new ones because they suspect there is a firmware issue between the two. They pointed out on the phone and I can see that they have a dimple on one end so I can get the polarity right. Based on your post, I bought a IC puller on line, didn't cost much. As you can tell I'm scared of this, but will try and go slow and be careful. Just for added fun, I'll be doing it with a headlight in the dark so no power is coming down the line from the panels.

Irlpguy · 06-12-2015, 07:20 PM

Oh yes definitely no power to the board when working on it, you will be fine and once finished will be able to add that to your list of accomplishments and resume... Not as scarey once you have done a few.

Good luck with the replacement.

sapest · 06-13-2015, 05:58 AM

You might consider a ground strap too. Or at least be sure that you are touching the unit with your other hand while doing this work. Keep the new parts in their packing until the last moment. Handle them as little as possible. Practice installing the new part with one of the old ones. Get the orientation correct first. (Dimple) Check all the pins (legs) are in line. Place one side in the socket, make sure all the pins line up, lower the other side and check alignment on that side. Press the new IC firmly and evenly straight down into the receiver.
Easy-peasy

-Steve

**DQDick** · 06-13-2015, 10:08 AM

Thanks Steve and Iripguy! That's why I posted here, I knew there were tricks and folks on here would help. You have to love this forum.

Mudchief · 06-13-2015, 05:35 PM

Dick,I have a large fuse before the controller. Being we used the same solar installer look and see if you have one also.

**DQDick** · 06-14-2015, 03:00 AM

Mine are after the controllers and before the battery.

jcurtis934 · 10-12-2015, 05:41 AM

It may seem like you are ripping the thing out of the board, but it is just overcoming the grab of the socket on all those ic legs. We made our own removal tools out of flat bar steel with a bend in it that approached around 120 degrees and the end that would go under the chip was filed to a nice taper. With this tool, one can slightly rock one side out then the other. Much less force needed. John

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