In this video, I'll show you my common method for servicing Fender Pro Jr amps. This includes output tubes, filter capacitor upgrade, complete re-solder, & cooling the bias.
Love it that you work on modern amps with a positive attitude. Some other UA-camrs can be harsh with their observations which make me cringe. Your content always makes me smile.
Wow! I am by no means an electrician or electrical engineer, just a guitar player and gear enthusiast, but this video is excellent! Such great craftsmanship. Keep it up! Love it!
I enjoy your videos as they remind of the time I had my own TV/VCR repair shop. I especially enjoyed seeing the Sencore Powerite meter. Very essential. I still use mine when working on old radios from the 30 and 40s. Thank for the memories.
I wish there was a Colleen in my city. You know what's up with these PCB amps. I feel that Pro Junior became a 100 times more reliable after your service. These amps can sound great and can become reliable in the hands of a master amp tech like Colleen. Great stuff! Thank you.
I fixed one of my amps today. It is a Roland Micro Cube with an internally broken “amp mode” rotary selector switch. The hardest part was getting the case to release the metal backplate. (They used some foam tape to seal the unit, so I wound up using a flat dinner knife to get the sticky foam to release) When using solder wick some folks like to open the weave a bit if there is lots of solder to soak up. I love how organized you are. I know that takes time too. Thanks for the video!
Oh yes - I am on my fourth FPJ. I wound up with a newish FPJ IV Tweed. It takes pedals really, really well - what a tone beast! Simple fact of the matter is that if it 's good enough for Jeff Beck, then it's good enough for me! Play on! Great video too.
I am for sure not the "I know better" guy, but an electrician friend years ago told me to not pry fuses out by the glass because even if they are not blown, that pressure can compromise the structure and make them fail faster... he said use a tiny screwdriver or pointy type tool and pull them from the ends... two cents and totally no hurt feelings if you ignore. Trying to help... love the channel!
Wow you do a complete, neat, thorough job. It is very impressive. I am a (crappy) guitar and bass player. One reason I am not so good is I am more into the amps than playing. I worked as a chemical engineer for 33 years but lately have been getting interested in electronics and soldering. I am old now and know enough to watch you instead of trying anything from the engineering angle. Too bad I am too old to start over haha. You obviously know your stuff! Thanks
@@marksieber8140 , well-designed PCB amps can be easy to work on ---- but Fender uses fragile PCB's with thin copper foil pads and traces that are easily debonded from the board if you linger on them for too long with the soldering iron. The pair of large, hot-running, ceramic power-supply resistors which are mounted flat to the board will debond the copper foils all by themselves, without any help from an inexperienced repair tech.
Nice work… If you’re going to the trouble of lifting the board and upgrading the filter caps I usually suggest the client to replace the input jack to a switch craft jack.
@@FazioElectric You know low dollar amps, it’s not worth it to put in all the bells and whistles. Bells and whistles: replace 1N4004/4006s with 1N4007 or better, elevate the components of the low V DC PS, reduce value of input BP caps reduce farting, move heater wires to tube sockets, variable bias pot. At that, it’s exceeded the value of the small PJr amp! So yeah, you’ve gotta pass on certain reliability upgrades.
cool thanks foe the video. Neat to see some of your work on a PCB. Less daunting than I thought. Thinking about trying my hand at replacing tube sockets on my Mesa F-30...zap
Nice tips, Colleen. I really like using de-soldering wick on fragile components, so am glad to see that it worked well for you. Fun to see a lapsteel hanging on the wall.
That was really educational. I have a Pro Junior. Great little amp. But, I will never try this because my soldering skills have a lot to be desired. Still cool to learn.
Nice. I had the Fromel supreme mod done to mine a few years ago and reduced the gain a touch. I just mic it at shows and it's plenty big sounding around 1 o'clock, just use the old guy clean channel, aka your guitar's volume knob, for cleans.
I’ve had to replace several of the volume and tone potentiometers which had been broken off on these amps. Not only do these amps sound good but they will surprisingly take your head off standing across one at full volume.
Many amp manufacturers like to slam EL84s with crazy hot bias which destroys tubes. Not sure why this is but between the crazy bias and modern QC and manufacturing EL84s just don't live very long compared to old NOS tubes. Good job and great sounds on this amp
I had a Pro jr years ago and sold it. It was a one dimensional angry box that only sounded good when it was too loud. My band mates called it a piranha! Probably should have modded it by putting the chassis in a bigger cab, but that was then. Small but violent
The original PJ came with a jenson reproduction blue alnico speaker that was designed for the flagship tweed bassman reissue, and is a great speaker. I have always run amp full out, and kept the bias hot-it is a first year model, and wouldnt change a thing.
Better to do this underneath the fuse's metal end-cap; prying from underneath the glass can break it, or may stress and weaken the fuse element's connection to the inside of the cap.
Good to know the tricks on fixing these modern PCB Fenders too. Thank you Colleen, I was always worried about lifting the traces. What temperature do you keep your soldering iron on for PCB vs old school? I just completed a few months ago on my channel an overhaul of an old 1982 PCB amp (Polytone mini S12L ; similar to mini brute with added reverb and tremolo). No traces lifted and it sounds really good now.
Hey Colleen. I've been looking to pick up a Pro Jr for songwriting jams and little cafe gigs etc. Fender have obviously released a lot of versions over the years including the current Pro Jr IV model. Do you happen to have any opinion on what models are more/less desirable through the evolution?
Colleen, what do you think of replacing that plastic input jack. If it ain’t broke? Or would you consider doing it preemptively? They always seem to get cross threaded sooner or later.
I'm not an expert on amps, but LEDs typically run at a lower voltage than jewel lights (2V vs. around 6V I think). So I don't think a simple direct swap would work.
I really enjoy your channel. You are a very good amp tech and you explain what you are doing very clearly. If you don’t mind my asking, Where did you obtain your training in this profession ? Thank You !
@ Hi. I went to your website and read your bio. Very nice. Keep up the great work. PS. Your custom amp cabinets are a work of art. I’d be afraid to take one to a gig.
@@FazioElectric Mr Rigoni was the icon of music in Waukegan. He had the repair shop from the 50s to his recent death. I my blues jr needs his loving touch again. Lol.
Love it that you work on modern amps with a positive attitude. Some other UA-camrs can be harsh with their observations which make me cringe. Your content always makes me smile.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
OMG, thank you for re-soldering that board and cleaning the dust off that controls deck! Such attention to detail makes good work great!
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Wow! I am by no means an electrician or electrical engineer, just a guitar player and gear enthusiast, but this video is excellent! Such great craftsmanship. Keep it up! Love it!
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
Thanks for the tip on how to find the bias. You do an excellent job of repairing these amps.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion...
Colleen 😊 You have such a chill voice and explain everything very simply. You will live and thrive!
I actually discovered her channel a few years ago when an "unintentional ASMR" channel reposted one of her videos 😅
@eddienothing9610 Yes it is definitely ASMR territory.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
I enjoy your videos as they remind of the time I had my own TV/VCR repair shop. I especially enjoyed seeing the Sencore Powerite meter. Very essential. I still use mine when working on old radios from the 30 and 40s. Thank for the memories.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
I wish there was a Colleen in my city. You know what's up with these PCB amps. I feel that Pro Junior became a 100 times more reliable after your service. These amps can sound great and can become reliable in the hands of a master amp tech like Colleen. Great stuff! Thank you.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion..
I fixed one of my amps today. It is a Roland Micro Cube with an internally broken “amp mode” rotary selector switch. The hardest part was getting the case to release the metal backplate. (They used some foam tape to seal the unit, so I wound up using a flat dinner knife to get the sticky foam to release) When using solder wick some folks like to open the weave a bit if there is lots of solder to soak up.
I love how organized you are. I know that takes time too.
Thanks for the video!
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Thx for actually showing your work & sharing your tips
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion..
Oh yes - I am on my fourth FPJ. I wound up with a newish FPJ IV Tweed. It takes pedals really, really well - what a tone beast! Simple fact of the matter is that if it 's good enough for Jeff Beck, then it's good enough for me! Play on! Great video too.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
That's a kicka$$ shop setup! Kudos for days!
I am for sure not the "I know better" guy, but an electrician friend years ago told me to not pry fuses out by the glass because even if they are not blown, that pressure can compromise the structure and make them fail faster... he said use a tiny screwdriver or pointy type tool and pull them from the ends... two cents and totally no hurt feelings if you ignore. Trying to help... love the channel!
A spring-hook tool is ideal for pulling fuses. A dental pick can work but the pointy ends are hardened and brittle and prone to snapping off.
@goodun2974 I don't literally mean an actual dental pick, I mean the tool version of those, but your point is still well taken
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Nice and easy repair with some useful upgrades to add longevity to the amp and power tubes. Excellent!
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satisfying watch.... I wouldn't mind seeing more modern classics
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I know absolutely nothing about electronic components but I always find your videos to be so soothing and informative
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I dig how you riffed in Jerry's spirit for the Deadhead who owns that amp. ;)
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Hi Colleen, I've been sick in bed miserable with a common Flu, your vid helped me feel a little better! 🤧Thanks😎
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion..
Idk how I landed on your channel but you’re awesome. Thanks for explaining everything and not assuming the viewer knows all the terminology. Subbed!!!
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Thanks for this one! I have a Pro Jr. and it is a nice small tube amp. Lots of info here.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
Wow you do a complete, neat, thorough job. It is very impressive. I am a (crappy) guitar and bass player. One reason I am not so good is I am more into the amps than playing. I worked as a chemical engineer for 33 years but lately have been getting interested in electronics and soldering. I am old now and know enough to watch you instead of trying anything from the engineering angle. Too bad I am too old to start over haha. You obviously know your stuff! Thanks
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
Thanks for this videos. Somehow they are relaxing...!
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Always the right tool for the job and no B.S.
Thanx Teach
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The pro-Junior is a fab little amp...50s Princeton style..sounded great at this end!
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
I love the way you check the plate dissipation, it takes out the influence of the screen dissipation, much more accurate.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
I don’t often see videos about PCB apps, and the buzz is that they can’t easily be worked on.
This was very informative! Thanks so much.
@@marksieber8140 , well-designed PCB amps can be easy to work on ---- but Fender uses fragile PCB's with thin copper foil pads and traces that are easily debonded from the board if you linger on them for too long with the soldering iron. The pair of large, hot-running, ceramic power-supply resistors which are mounted flat to the board will debond the copper foils all by themselves, without any help from an inexperienced repair tech.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
I am contemplating on buying one of these , thanks for the insight on these amps and what to do to upgrade. Tone is there.
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What a great little amp.... Speaker upgrade is almost a must on these Fender amps.
A speaker upgrade in these amps is truly one of the biggest upgrades!
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@@FazioElectricThere’s s scam bot pretending to be you in the comments.
Great vid! I always thought it would be great to build a Pro Jr into a 12” cab. I might have to try someday.
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Great tips for the jr. Cool bias will extend its life. Good skills!
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
Nice work… If you’re going to the trouble of lifting the board and upgrading the filter caps I usually suggest the client to replace the input jack to a switch craft jack.
I just did this on a hot rod deluxe, I don’t know why it slipped my mind this time! Thanks :)
@@FazioElectric You know low dollar amps, it’s not worth it to put in all the bells and whistles. Bells and whistles: replace 1N4004/4006s with 1N4007 or better, elevate the components of the low V DC PS, reduce value of input BP caps reduce farting, move heater wires to tube sockets, variable bias pot. At that, it’s exceeded the value of the small PJr amp! So yeah, you’ve gotta pass on certain reliability upgrades.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion..
Great Channel! And wonderful job walking us through! Cheers!
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Thanks so much for doing the videos like this. Even I could follow. So interesting.
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I have this exact amp and love it. Thank you for a great informative video!
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That Blues Junior sounds great!!!
Its a pro junior.. similar circuit but no reverb.
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cool thanks foe the video. Neat to see some of your work on a PCB. Less daunting than I thought. Thinking about trying my hand at replacing tube sockets on my Mesa F-30...zap
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You made me feel like I could do that work on my own Pro Junior up until the mathematical part. Ha!
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Great video with lots of information. Thanks for sharing.
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Nice tips, Colleen. I really like using de-soldering wick on fragile components, so am glad to see that it worked well for you. Fun to see a lapsteel hanging on the wall.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Very cool on your attack of the repair. Fast, correct, though and you even play guitar. ❤ it.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
That was really educational. I have a Pro Junior. Great little amp. But, I will never try this because my soldering skills have a lot to be desired. Still cool to learn.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Nice. I had the Fromel supreme mod done to mine a few years ago and reduced the gain a touch. I just mic it at shows and it's plenty big sounding around 1 o'clock, just use the old guy clean channel, aka your guitar's volume knob, for cleans.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
I enjoyed your new approach ( my definition) of performing repairs.I liked the wicking method as opposed to the sokder sucker.
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Tons of great information and a really cool repair ! Thanks !!!
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I have one these amps. It's a beast running through a 2 12.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
I’ve had to replace several of the volume and tone potentiometers which had been broken off on these amps. Not only do these amps sound good but they will surprisingly take your head off standing across one at full volume.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
My most favorite amp ever.....but definitely upgrade that speaker!
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Your an awesome tech Colleen
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One of my favorite amps. I have the woody version with solid wood cab
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I always wonder what this level of service costs. By the way, great job on the amp and the video. Thank you.
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Love my pro junior ❤
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Great video, I learned a few things.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Many amp manufacturers like to slam EL84s with crazy hot bias which destroys tubes. Not sure why this is but between the crazy bias and modern QC and manufacturing EL84s just don't live very long compared to old NOS tubes.
Good job and great sounds on this amp
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
this amp through an open back 15" just sounds huge and amazing definitely needs a master volume though crazy loud
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
I had a Pro jr years ago and sold it. It was a one dimensional angry box that only sounded good when it was too loud. My band mates called it a piranha! Probably should have modded it by putting the chassis in a bigger cab, but that was then. Small but violent
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
THANKS for showing using braid to desolder turrets!
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
The original PJ came with a jenson reproduction blue alnico speaker that was designed for the flagship tweed bassman reissue, and is a great speaker. I have always run amp full out, and kept the bias hot-it is a first year model, and wouldnt change a thing.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Brilliant. Gorgeous. Vintage electronics connoisseur-where are my heart meds?❤😂
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Hipnotizing 😀 great job 👏
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excellent video!
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Excellent job. 👍💯
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Colleen is awesome!!!🤙
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Putting a flat tip under the fuse and giving it a little twist is much better than the way I've been doing it!
Better to do this underneath the fuse's metal end-cap; prying from underneath the glass can break it, or may stress and weaken the fuse element's connection to the inside of the cap.
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Awesome video
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love these videos!!!!!!
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4:08 That’s great advice. I learned it the hard way, unfortunately.
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@ ^lol, scam bot
I think the layout on the pro jnr iv is different, they have addressed the bias.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Good to know the tricks on fixing these modern PCB Fenders too. Thank you Colleen, I was always worried about lifting the traces. What temperature do you keep your soldering iron on for PCB vs old school?
I just completed a few months ago on my channel an overhaul of an old 1982 PCB amp (Polytone mini S12L ; similar to mini brute with added reverb and tremolo). No traces lifted and it sounds really good now.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion..
Damn I want that AC Powerite that thing is badass.
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You do very good job to Fender amps. How about Marshalls?
My favorite amp
I use to love mine until I got a Princeton.
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Enjoyed your video. Do you have any on how you got into this work
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Great video.
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Sounds great
i gutted the pcb on my pro jr and build a matchless spitfire on turret board inside it 😄
@@smithcustomguitarco that’s awesome!
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love the channel, new sub. What is the grease for when you replaced the caps?
It looked like glue to help secure them.
Silicone glue
silicone adhesive.
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Nice work
. t h i s l i f e i s u s e l e s s
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Good show.
Hey Colleen. I've been looking to pick up a Pro Jr for songwriting jams and little cafe gigs etc.
Fender have obviously released a lot of versions over the years including the current Pro Jr IV model. Do you happen to have any opinion on what models are more/less desirable through the evolution?
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
I love those small amps :D
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I like to have the plastic input jack changed out too, detached from the pcb. If they get accidentally stressed they might damage the pcb.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
Put a 5751 in there- we always referred to those amps as the thunder chicken- it can hold its own next to amps 10x’s it’s size
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion
Colleen, what do you think of replacing that plastic input jack. If it ain’t broke? Or would you consider doing it preemptively?
They always seem to get cross threaded sooner or later.
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion.
What brand of adhesive are you using for the filter caps? Great video, by the way!
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Hi Colleen, can the L.E.D. on these amps be changed out to a jewel light?
I'm not an expert on amps, but LEDs typically run at a lower voltage than jewel lights (2V vs. around 6V I think). So I don't think a simple direct swap would work.
vintage jmi vox ac-30 repair vid next please. kind request.
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thanks!
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Hi Colleen !!! Amazing video but no AI translate this time 😢 easier than reading.
Greeting from Bordeaux, France 🍷🎸🎶
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How did you get into repairing amplifiers?
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Hello, I have a Pro Junior that has a heavy distorted sound at super low volume. Would that be a sign of the capacitors failing?
Where’d you get that Jerics shirt?
It’s the skate shop from my hometown in Illinois! I’ve had that sweatshirt since I was a teenager haha
Too cool! I live there and used to work at Jeric’s for few years.
Right on! I miss those days
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I really enjoy your channel. You are a very good amp tech and you explain what you are doing very clearly. If you don’t mind my asking, Where did you obtain your training in this profession ? Thank You !
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@
Hi. I went to your website and read your bio. Very nice. Keep up the great work.
PS. Your custom amp cabinets are a work of art. I’d be afraid to take one to a gig.
😍
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Those amps are really cheaply made. I did the Fromel mods to this amp also. Great person to work with BTW.
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Just hearing Collen 'purr' as she works is the best ASMR!
Bro WHAT
where do you get that silicon?
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What about solid state amps ?Crate gx 130 c ?
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Board mounted input jack is a failure waiting to happen. Mr Rigoni replaced the input jack in my blues jr.
I just did that for a Blues Deluxe!
@@FazioElectric Mr Rigoni was the icon of music in Waukegan. He had the repair shop from the 50s to his recent death. I my blues jr needs his loving touch again. Lol.
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As the result at the end of video it was necessary to show what the sound was and what it became afterwards.
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Ah yes ,the rare red badge black tolex Pro Jr.! I cant even find a badge to replace my black one.
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Personally I'd pull that PCB and ultraphonix it
I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion