i think my favorite part about watching you is how you are still amazed when u fix something. You are a true artist. Not arrogant or cocky like some people. i truly enjoy watching your videos every morning before going to work. i fix cell phone screens and build pcs. Nothing nearly as small as you do. But the relaxation and satisfaction of watching you helps make my day that much better.
Actual art! A Beautiful repair! People often don't realize how tiny these parts are but you gave it a good perspective in this one with how little solder mask you needed to cover the pins. This one has me laughing at all the little quips as well. Amazing work!
It's not nearly enough to have all the nice tools Alex have - it still looks easy watching him doing it, and you can be sure that it will take you an incredible longer time than that to achieve something workable at best. You need good tools, but you also need a lot of hand control and support techniques to achieve what Alex shows in this video... Well done, Alex!
Agree 100%, Alex. My NF scope has been an integral part of my business. All products that have been purchased through NF are utilized and have proven themselves over and over. Thank you for making this channel available and for providing the necessary, "quality", products/equipment. Have a restful Sunday, my friend!
If this weren't a Switch Lite, you'd want to test the TV connection to make sure the hidden pads were soldered properly. The fact that it charges means that the CC2 pad was connected okay. If a USB controller works with the cable going either way, then it means the extra D+/D- pads were connected okay. The pads with the thick traces are redundant power and ground connections; they help distribute the charging current so that contacts are less likely to heat up and carbonize (like happens with a Lightning connector).
Still new to the micro-soldering scene, just started a bit over a year ago, always been about tech repairs but this is new to me, loving it so far and your videos are a HUGE help from all sorts of devices (mainly the consoles and laptops because that's what I repair where I work) but I watch a lot of them anyway just for the general experience and knowledge. Keep the awesome videos coming, I'll stay tuned in!
I started my job working soldering for satellite/spatial technology and this channel is a hidden gem for me. Thanks for the video you are fr an inspiration, not just the knowledge but the technique is really sharp
I ❤ the commentary bro: "Your mother calls...press & hold. A robber comes in...press & hold." 🤣🤣🤣 I love it all! In all seriousness, I wish I could come be your apprentice - no joke 🙂 You got some great skills! ✌️
Your smile when you fix something reminds me when I fix "software" as a system engineer, this denote how much you love fix things. I feel you, I love you
Watching your videos has inspired me. I recently successfully repaired my broken USB ports on my PC motherboard. 2 of the ports got damaged when my PC got pushed up against the wall. I managed to remove the old bent ports and solder in 2 new ports. I would never have attempted it without watching your vids. Now I kind of wish I had another similar thing to work on.
that's gotta be satisfying casually diagnosing and fixing complex problems like that. I'm thinking about teaching myself how to do electronic repair, i'd love to be able to fix my own hardware and be confident in doing so.
Can never get enough of watching Northridge videos. Highly educational as well as entertaining. Insane soldering skills. I was in the trade for more than 40 years and would have been more than happy to have possessed 50% of his technique. I've retired now but am happy to "get my fix" by watching a small part of Alex's workday.
Alex always smiles at end of fix job, and always says we did it, all us viewers ever did was watch , and yes probably learned something. But factually its Alex who did it.
Alex where did you get that USB-C port for the Switch Lite? Or did you use the one for the regular switch and ground the excess lip off? I wish you sold both ports as some of us would rather pay the extra bucks to get the exact part. Cheers.
Well, the Amtech label lists an expiry date for the flux. So when I first started to use it, I was a bit wary about this. The flux I am currently using has expired more than a year ago. No worries at all. Works perfectly. I don’t use a lot, as I just do some hobby stuff.
*Indeed so. Flux is forever. Some adhesives, coatings and sealants (ACS) require refrigeration. I have 20 year old Dow silicone sealants and 3M epoxies that still meet in-use spec because they're stored
I had some 10 year expired weller flux that the oils had seperated out of in the case I just heated it all up with a heat gun and mixed it all back together still using that flux lmao
Hi Alex, whenever you burn your finger just put heat sink compound, that is if the burn is superficial. I tried it several times and it works like magic
Alex, i notice when you restore missing pads that you do not place the larger end of the pad strip on the missing pad, instead using the thin legs. Is there any particular reason or is it because its just worked for years?
Would it be harder to work (will waste more time ?) if you make a stand for the soldering iron, that get go in x,y,z coordinates like a 3D printer. Lets say if your hands are shaking or if you want to work on really small things?
my hands are shaking pretty bad sometimes, however after practicing it becomes easier and you can focus better. Creating a stand is not practical from multiple points of view (for example look at how pads are soldered, you couldn't do that with a machine).
It would be a lot harder to work as some times we not only need translation, but we also need rotation of the soldering iron (e.g to avoid touching nearby components). Not to mention this system would not work good in case we need to touch slightly then put the soldering tip away (e.g removing solder blob or accidentally touched the wrong component and need to put the iron away instantly).
You'd want a work environment where you can rest your hands on a solid surface rather than holding them in the air. Having clamps to hold the piece being worked on would also be important. At the same time, you'd need to be able to easily turn the piece around like you saw in this video. You could also possibly use a tool rest that will allow you to balance the soldering iron (for instance) on it while pivoting it to move it around. It will be a compromise between limiting the unwanted mobility of the tool while still allowing for the wanted mobility. In general, though, the trick is to do the necessary fine movements using just your fingers, not your hand or arm, which should be resting solidly.
Viewers: "Can you go over your tools?" NRF: "I go over my tools every day." Seriously, you have to wonder of those asking that question ever watched a video in whole.
He discusses in his other videos why he has fixed fees instead of time-based fees. You're paying for the experience, not the time. Just like you're paying Nintendo for their development costs (among other things), not just the bill-of-materials of the hardware.
On a Switch Lite, this was a waste of time. The Lite does not output Video to a docking station, the USB-C connector is only used for charging. As long as at least one row of pads/pins is intact, the console would still be able to charge. Worst outcome would be charging only when the plug is inserted the "right" way - 50/50 chance, no big deal.
My son has autism and loves his Nintendo switch. You'd be a superhero in his eyes if you ever saved his Nintendo switch saves and pictures. Keep up the great work and being a superhero even when you don't know you're being one.
you are a master. i'm not annoyed when u keep talking about your product in fact im witch i can come to your shop take a selfie with u and buy some of your products. (but i'm to far . Hamburg)
You do realise this is your fault, don't you? You make all these types of repairs look so easy that some people think they can do it themselves 🤣 I had to resolder most of the amplifier board on my Sony Theatre unit (dry joints) but I've been soldering for a few years so felt confident. Been working for three years so must have done it right.
Another great video Alex, thank you. I wonder if you could expand on what settings you use on your hot air in various situations, but especially when there's ground plans to be soldered under the chip. I have the same Atten hot air gun, and have been practicing on surface mount practice boards. I fried them, but when i turn drown the heat then the solder doesn't melt. I do keep the nozzle moving. I tried chip resistors (0603), lots of flux, air at 30% and 450 deg F. Fried the board badly. Thanks!
You must keep Amtech flux out of the light as its made from vampires blood. That why it's bubbles and evaporates when the soldering iron touches it, it's like the sun hitting Dracula.
I know this is along time ago however i have a switch lite missing top pad 2nd from left and top 4th from left they have no via but arnt no connect? online is says vbus2? and something else can i jump them anywhere?
Working with these super small components is extremely difficult, and takes a level of skill that most including myself (even with the right tools) do not have.
Hello, I have a question about the Asus Zephyrus G14. It features an RTX 3050TI and an AMD Ryzen 9 5000 series. The problem is that the laptop has a black screen and turns on immediately after connecting the power adapter without me pressing the power button. Also, I can't turn it off when it's connected to the power cable, a boot loop happens and the screen still stays black but the keyboard light comes on. When I disconnect the power, I can turn the device on and turn it back on from the button. The keyboard backlight is on and I can hear the fan smells but the screen remains black. I really hope that you give me some tips on how I can fix the problem. Do yo think this Is a mosfet problem? Good day😊
My own hot air device blows tiny components away at default lowest fan speed or refuses to melt my target component until I burn every thing up. Do you discuss with your own boards what you want out?
If you can't lower the speed enough, and you're not holding the nozzle too closely, then you might need to add a resistor (or variable resistor) to your unit to lower the fan speed more. (I'm not sure how well this will work if the fan is PWM controlled, though.) If components are getting overheated before the solder melts, then perhaps you need a board heater to warm the board so that less heating is needed from the heat gun. This is especially true for thicker boards, like GPUs. For thinner 2-layer boards, it should not usually be necessary.
*you can see that actual JOY in your face when you get the device working. Truly someone who loves what they do!!!!!!!*
Well after spending several hours, I'd be smiling too. lol
Some of these jobs I wish we could see the customer's reaction when they receive their device back after an impossible fix
I agree honestly for people like us that watch these videos you could make it into a whole series really
I sent my Asus F15 FX506 15.6, it's a cpu related problem. No fix. My reaction 😮😢.
"It's just a charger port bro"
i think my favorite part about watching you is how you are still amazed when u fix something. You are a true artist. Not arrogant or cocky like some people. i truly enjoy watching your videos every morning before going to work. i fix cell phone screens and build pcs. Nothing nearly as small as you do. But the relaxation and satisfaction of watching you helps make my day that much better.
Thats why I liie him best 😻
Actual art! A Beautiful repair! People often don't realize how tiny these parts are but you gave it a good perspective in this one with how little solder mask you needed to cover the pins. This one has me laughing at all the little quips as well. Amazing work!
Very impressive work sir. A magician could not repair any better.
It's not nearly enough to have all the nice tools Alex have - it still looks easy watching him doing it, and you can be sure that it will take you an incredible longer time than that to achieve something workable at best. You need good tools, but you also need a lot of hand control and support techniques to achieve what Alex shows in this video...
Well done, Alex!
Agree 100%, Alex. My NF scope has been an integral part of my business. All products that have been purchased through NF are utilized and have proven themselves over and over. Thank you for making this channel available and for providing the necessary, "quality", products/equipment. Have a restful Sunday, my friend!
If this weren't a Switch Lite, you'd want to test the TV connection to make sure the hidden pads were soldered properly. The fact that it charges means that the CC2 pad was connected okay. If a USB controller works with the cable going either way, then it means the extra D+/D- pads were connected okay. The pads with the thick traces are redundant power and ground connections; they help distribute the charging current so that contacts are less likely to heat up and carbonize (like happens with a Lightning connector).
Still new to the micro-soldering scene, just started a bit over a year ago, always been about tech repairs but this is new to me, loving it so far and your videos are a HUGE help from all sorts of devices (mainly the consoles and laptops because that's what I repair where I work) but I watch a lot of them anyway just for the general experience and knowledge.
Keep the awesome videos coming, I'll stay tuned in!
Seeing Alex with a happy face when he got the 9volts shows how much he loves getting that fix.
At first instead of fix I saw flux.fix or Flux he lovesssss to do both
I started my job working soldering for satellite/spatial technology and this channel is a hidden gem for me. Thanks for the video you are fr an inspiration, not just the knowledge but the technique is really sharp
I ❤ the commentary bro: "Your mother calls...press & hold. A robber comes in...press & hold." 🤣🤣🤣 I love it all!
In all seriousness, I wish I could come be your apprentice - no joke 🙂
You got some great skills! ✌️
Your smile when you fix something reminds me when I fix "software" as a system engineer, this denote how much you love fix things. I feel you, I love you
wow, the fact that u went the extra mile to repair
something the customer didnt ask for is great.
You are my favorite person on the internet! I love watching you work. You are right. It truly is art! And you're very funny. 🤣🤣
Watching your videos has inspired me. I recently successfully repaired my broken USB ports on my PC motherboard. 2 of the ports got damaged when my PC got pushed up against the wall. I managed to remove the old bent ports and solder in 2 new ports. I would never have attempted it without watching your vids. Now I kind of wish I had another similar thing to work on.
That smile in the end only the ones that do what they like will understand ! Great job ! 👌
I love your obvious satisfaction at repairing these devices. Too many techs don't have your passion.
I'm very satisfied with all your products. I fired up the lot of them this week and they all work great. Microscope and the nf. mini pen are amazing.
Getting harder to find new Switch Repair videos from you
I already watched em all 😂
Thanks Alex for sharing your knowledge, I ordered some items from your store to show my support for your channel. Until you post again take care.
Flux should be served at room temperature 😂
Thanks for the video Alex, have a peaceful Sunday.
that's gotta be satisfying casually diagnosing and fixing complex problems like that.
I'm thinking about teaching myself how to do electronic repair, i'd love to be able to fix my own hardware and be confident in doing so.
That’s awesome work what you did… Amazing…. Better than Factory is scientific fact 💯. 😊
Fixes like this one must be a pain but we love the content and im sure the customer will be happy you decided to help.
I just want to say thanks for all this information, I watch all your videos and learn something new every time.👏🙏
Can never get enough of watching Northridge videos. Highly educational as well as entertaining. Insane soldering skills. I was in the trade for more than 40 years and would have been more than happy to have possessed 50% of his technique. I've retired now but am happy to "get my fix" by watching a small part of Alex's workday.
I went to tech school in the 80’s….circuits were not microscopic yet and tv’s still had tubes.
Excellent work. Those pad strips (in the right hands) are amazing. Oh and yes, definitely need an anti-glare light!
Really amazing to see how skilled you work on such tiny levels. As a modelbuilder I know how hard this stuff can be ! 👍
Excellent video. Better than factory.. what yu did in that connector was ART...❤❤
The best switch fix I've seen so far, love it and learnt something along the way
I fixed my HomePod tonight THANKS TO YOU ALEX ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. A shorted diode
Your work is a beautiful fusion of art and technology. You have a unique ability to bring an artistic touch to even the most technical tasks.
Love it Alex great commentary! And yet another great fix your skills are unmatched my friend 🏴
My purchases will be coming next year as I’m still building my workshop , microscope ,ring light ,to help with the detail
Alex always smiles at end of fix job, and always says we did it, all us viewers ever did was watch , and yes probably learned something.
But factually its Alex who did it.
Great job...once again Alex!!
انا بستمتع بالعدة اللي تشتغل عليها قبل القطعة اللي تصلحها ❤❤❤
Alex where did you get that USB-C port for the Switch Lite? Or did you use the one for the regular switch and ground the excess lip off? I wish you sold both ports as some of us would rather pay the extra bucks to get the exact part. Cheers.
Great works great manners on video and great sense of troubleshooting
Well, the Amtech label lists an expiry date for the flux. So when I first started to use it, I was a bit wary about this. The flux I am currently using has expired more than a year ago. No worries at all. Works perfectly. I don’t use a lot, as I just do some hobby stuff.
*Indeed so. Flux is forever. Some adhesives, coatings and sealants (ACS) require refrigeration. I have 20 year old Dow silicone sealants and 3M epoxies that still meet in-use spec because they're stored
3:36 Flux lasts forever. no need to store in the fridge. keep it in room temperature
I had some 10 year expired weller flux that the oils had seperated out of in the case I just heated it all up with a heat gun and mixed it all back together still using that flux lmao
I always keep the flux in the fridge, it simply tastes better when cold.
😂❤
Omfg! I just used my NF mini pen and I don't know how I survived with out!! Thank you for an awesome video and product!!
You are an artist! Amazing work!
Thanks for another brilliant video from England
nice attention to detail, didn't just bag it up after the connector repair and return to customer. I like it...
Awesome skills as always 👍
Hi Alex, whenever you burn your finger just put heat sink compound, that is if the burn is superficial. I tried it several times and it works like magic
Absolutely love the microscope, but it's beyond my price *scope* ATM. One day maybe if they can be shipped to Australia, brilliant work!
Alex , should I mix low melt solder on the USB port before removing it with the hot air gun.
Alex, i notice when you restore missing pads that you do not place the larger end of the pad strip on the missing pad, instead using the thin legs. Is there any particular reason or is it because its just worked for years?
What did it cost to repair? After explaining how it would cost more than the replacing the device, I am really curious
I always like the smile when "it works we did it"
“Customer has just sent the motherboard” = “I learnt today I can’t solder”
we love Alex .. always amazing love from Gwadar
Would it be harder to work (will waste more time ?) if you make a stand for the soldering iron, that get go in x,y,z coordinates like a 3D printer. Lets say if your hands are shaking or if you want to work on really small things?
my hands are shaking pretty bad sometimes, however after practicing it becomes easier and you can focus better. Creating a stand is not practical from multiple points of view (for example look at how pads are soldered, you couldn't do that with a machine).
It would be a lot harder to work as some times we not only need translation, but we also need rotation of the soldering iron (e.g to avoid touching nearby components). Not to mention this system would not work good in case we need to touch slightly then put the soldering tip away (e.g removing solder blob or accidentally touched the wrong component and need to put the iron away instantly).
You'd want a work environment where you can rest your hands on a solid surface rather than holding them in the air. Having clamps to hold the piece being worked on would also be important. At the same time, you'd need to be able to easily turn the piece around like you saw in this video. You could also possibly use a tool rest that will allow you to balance the soldering iron (for instance) on it while pivoting it to move it around. It will be a compromise between limiting the unwanted mobility of the tool while still allowing for the wanted mobility. In general, though, the trick is to do the necessary fine movements using just your fingers, not your hand or arm, which should be resting solidly.
Nice job 😆 I'm curious if the first attempt did not fix it, would the 2nd attempt cost extra charges?
I don’t know why I grit my teeth when I watch these tiny repairs.
Early morning to you Alex the family and to all watching at the time of this post. (Change to the time of day for you as needed for the greetings. 🙃)
Excellent great job it was a useful clip thank you Jizi
Thank you for the information!
Teşekkürler usta kardeşim. Allah işlerini kolay kılsın.
hi there, what type of solder and flux you are using exactly, Sir? Thanks!
Viewers: "Can you go over your tools?"
NRF: "I go over my tools every day."
Seriously, you have to wonder of those asking that question ever watched a video in whole.
Wow a great work of art.
I was wondering about the pads you replaced that were well underneath the connector. How could you verify the integrity of those connections?
Amazing work as always !
Another amazing job! Thank you for the informative videos.
Now I know that you're very skilled at what you do however why it could more than the console itself to fix if it took you 20 mins?
He discusses in his other videos why he has fixed fees instead of time-based fees. You're paying for the experience, not the time. Just like you're paying Nintendo for their development costs (among other things), not just the bill-of-materials of the hardware.
On a Switch Lite, this was a waste of time. The Lite does not output Video to a docking station, the USB-C connector is only used for charging. As long as at least one row of pads/pins is intact, the console would still be able to charge. Worst outcome would be charging only when the plug is inserted the "right" way - 50/50 chance, no big deal.
My son has autism and loves his Nintendo switch. You'd be a superhero in his eyes if you ever saved his Nintendo switch saves and pictures. Keep up the great work and being a superhero even when you don't know you're being one.
Give your son a hug or a nod from me (whatever works best for him).
I'm bought nf mini pen from you. how temperature are you using for soldering ?
Instead of asking, why don't you search in google for "soldeting temperature" and find out?
@EVGbios How temperature? U mean "what temperature" u moron?
Здравствуйте, подскажите что за тряпочка которую вы прикладываете к плате с кисточкой , чем она пропитанна?
Like always better than factory 😅, excelent job 👏👏👏👏
you are a master. i'm not annoyed when u keep talking about your product in fact im witch i can come to your shop take a selfie with u and buy some of your products. (but i'm to far . Hamburg)
You do realise this is your fault, don't you?
You make all these types of repairs look so easy that some people think they can do it themselves 🤣
I had to resolder most of the amplifier board on my Sony Theatre unit (dry joints) but I've been soldering for a few years so felt confident. Been working for three years so must have done it right.
Fixed like a boss 💪
Another great video Alex, thank you. I wonder if you could expand on what settings you use on your hot air in various situations, but especially when there's ground plans to be soldered under the chip. I have the same Atten hot air gun, and have been practicing on surface mount practice boards. I fried them, but when i turn drown the heat then the solder doesn't melt. I do keep the nozzle moving. I tried chip resistors (0603), lots of flux, air at 30% and 450 deg F. Fried the board badly. Thanks!
Awesome Alex , new video… :)
انت مبدع ياصديقي ماشاء الله تبارك الله 👍👍👍
You must keep Amtech flux out of the light as its made from vampires blood. That why it's bubbles and evaporates when the soldering iron touches it, it's like the sun hitting Dracula.
Another successful repair, well done, Sir.
How do you not melt the plastic?
I know this is along time ago however i have a switch lite missing top pad 2nd from left and top 4th from left they have no via but arnt no connect? online is says vbus2? and something else can i jump them anywhere?
thank you very much Alex, Aleykumselam in Turkey...
Working with these super small components is extremely difficult, and takes a level of skill that most including myself (even with the right tools) do not have.
pleasure watching every time
You are the Master of this Generation
Why does it have an expiration date on it?
THANK YOU I JUST BOUGHT A SWITCH LITE WITH THE SAME EXACT SITUATON
I wonder where you can learn how to do all this properly..
Hello,
I have a question about the Asus Zephyrus G14. It features an RTX 3050TI and an AMD Ryzen 9 5000 series. The problem is that the laptop has a black screen and turns on immediately after connecting the power adapter without me pressing the power button. Also, I can't turn it off when it's connected to the power cable, a boot loop happens and the screen still stays black but the keyboard light comes on. When I disconnect the power, I can turn the device on and turn it back on from the button. The keyboard backlight is on and I can hear the fan smells but the screen remains black.
I really hope that you give me some tips on how I can fix the problem.
Do yo think this Is a mosfet problem?
Good day😊
Your amazing repair man wow ❤
Good job as always.
looks like customer did an awesome job removing old soldering.. maybe those pad where already broken when customer removed the connector. who know.
@TechBitesAr maybe, no.. it's not me.
I'd guess that the customer cleaned well the pads that he saw, but wasn't aware of the hidden pads.
@@Mueller3D Possible, who know
I've done this with the PS4 HDMI, ripped the pads completely off, I didn't have the patience and I don't think my heat gun was hot enough.
My own hot air device blows tiny components away at default lowest fan speed or refuses to melt my target component until I burn every thing up. Do you discuss with your own boards what you want out?
If you can't lower the speed enough, and you're not holding the nozzle too closely, then you might need to add a resistor (or variable resistor) to your unit to lower the fan speed more. (I'm not sure how well this will work if the fan is PWM controlled, though.) If components are getting overheated before the solder melts, then perhaps you need a board heater to warm the board so that less heating is needed from the heat gun. This is especially true for thicker boards, like GPUs. For thinner 2-layer boards, it should not usually be necessary.
Where can I buy NF-Hands and NF-Brains? In the store!
Love ❤ your work so much Alex 💌
Hello, I am new to using air soldering iron. When removing the sockets, the plastic melts. What can we do about it?
heat from the underside.
Nice and clean repair congrats