Really surprised to her me being shouted out! Pleased my blog post on my site helped you in some way mate! It’s always been Vince that I’ve helped lol. So pleased you got it to work again and I’ve learnt something too here. As said on your previous video these are highly desirable Trafalgar led watches so wear it with pride!
For future reference, you can take a DMM and in diode mode, test the three legs to determine which leg is the Emitter, Base and collector AND whether it is an NPN or PNP transistor. Than any transistor of the same configuration (leg positions), and size, and NPN or PNP which ever you determined from the DMM tests, will work as a replacement...
"than any transistor of the same configuration ... will work as a replacement..." I don't think it's wise to just take any transistor that fits, given that different transistors have different forward voltages and require different base-currents to turn on and provide different resistance when turned on or off. If the controller is not designed to supply the amount of current that it takes to turn on the transistor then it might pop internally and the watch is lost forever. If the watch is designed for a transistor that has a particular Collector-Emitter resistance then adding a different transistor might overload the led's or not turn them on at all. There is a reason why there are so many different typesd of transistors and it's not becuuse they are all interchangeable at will.
@@vinny142 I totally understand all that and have been in circuit design and applied for many decades. The vast majority of transistors, being PNP and NPN have very similar characteristics for general use. It is only when you get to fringe areas does any of the unusual characteristic come into play. Since these games, watches and such are of low voltages and needs, I stand by my statements 100%...
The display is a multiplexed common cathode, it only has pins for one 8 segement, if you were to wire in a '4' signal then every segement would say '4', so each segment also has a separate cathode. The transistors are used to select each segment so they can be activated, this happens rapidly across each segment. They are strobed so fast you dont notice there is only one segment on at a time.
Most likely the reason the bad transistor came apart was because it had experienced an internal short, overheated, and cracked. As soon as I saw that, I knew you had found the culprit.
Hi Stez, you have inspired me and you have save me about £60. I decided to fix a posh mouse, that went udders up, for my pc instead of throwing it away and thus having to replace it. I watched a "how to" video on how to dissasemble it. Gave it a very good clean as it had years of fluf and muc in it. Put it back together and now it works as good as new. Thanks mate and keep up the good work. Love the raps!!!
Just a tip for the future. You basically could have used any transistor (as long as you get an npn or pnp depending on what’s in there). The current wouldn’t be more than 50mA because all it does is just sink the current of the segment to the ground in order for the segment to light up. And seeing the video you see it’s even multiplex, as one segment is only briefly on than the next, so the amount of time the current flows is very short. This goes for most transistors in digital electronics. They just operate as switches and usually nog very high-frequencies. In a high power or high frequency but application the types matter. But dor low frequency switching- and inverting signals most will work.
Well done Steve 👏 How you managed to see that tiny transistor let alone desolder and resolver it back again I will never know. Really great to see you do that watch. Then the satisfaction of it working in the end was great. Nice. Look forward to seeing what you do next 👍
Great fix! As for removing the transistor, a trick you can use when hot air would be a problem is to bend a wire into U shape and solder it to each leg. Once its on every solder point, you can heat the wire to melt all the solder at once.
Well done for persevering. Love your videos. Please keep them coming. For some reason it is very entertaining watching someone fix random stuff and you are quite funny and entertaining. Double thumbs up!
Hey Steve, great fix. This is quite common with older calculators from the early 1970s (those before calculator on a single chip), although unlike your watch, not uncommon for this to be poor solder joints rather than a failed component, at least in my experience. I wish I had your skills with the really tiny stuff. I tend to stick with through hole components. As you may be able to tell, I just love those old displays.
I would wear that watch for sure. Got myself an adonstar microscope with 10 inch screen this week and I dont know why I got one sooner. Such a game changer when it comes to repairs.
Awesome Steve! I love watches of all forms so I’m happy that you were able to give this vintage watch a new life. Also kudos to you for sticking with it and figuring out the problem.
If you touch a U-shaped copper wire to the foot of the component and melt the solder in this way, all the feet will melt. That way, you can remove the component without damaging it.
I've been binge watching this channel for the last 2 days, I have no idea what you are doing btw, I'm trying to learn how to solder stuff, love it Stez :)
Hey Steve! New fan here! Loved to see this little gem working properly again. That display is an absolute beauty, even more looking at it through the microscope!
That was a very good repair. Any general purpose NPN SOT23 and it is guaranteed, every single one would work, every one! There is no parameter that would be outside the safe working of any tranny and blah blah etc. Imagine that though. A SOT23 in a watch from the first half of the 1970s which is mind blowing to me.
you do a great job, but de glad you have a bulletproof module because a litronix one wouldnt last 5 seconds in your hands. those are extremely delicate. keep the good work 👍
I came across your channel a couple of weeks ago. Brilliant stuff, really enjoying it. So much so it got me thinking how do I learn the basics? Any pointers to his to get started, tools needed etc? Thanks
You yourself might be able to do it idk... But if not I'd try to find someone that could give it a really good buffing and give it a mirror polish. I'm trying to find me one. Im in love with it!!!
Well done Steve that’s another feather 🪶 in your hat and I do like the watch as others have said how the hell you see these small electronics parts and take them out and replace them 👍👏👏
Well, it's about time.
Really surprised to her me being shouted out! Pleased my blog post on my site helped you in some way mate! It’s always been Vince that I’ve helped lol.
So pleased you got it to work again and I’ve learnt something too here.
As said on your previous video these are highly desirable Trafalgar led watches so wear it with pride!
5:30 absolutely loved the upbeat 80s vibe whilst destroying the component 😂😂
There's just something about retro music to get one pumped up for fixing things
Also a mention of the source would be amazing!
@@guyh3403 "Lupus Nocte - Arcadewave"
@@guyh3403I agree. Only because I want the music for myself. On loop. It would make my day go so much smoother.
For future reference, you can take a DMM and in diode mode, test the three legs to determine which leg is the Emitter, Base and collector AND whether it is an NPN or PNP transistor. Than any transistor of the same configuration (leg positions), and size, and NPN or PNP which ever you determined from the DMM tests, will work as a replacement...
To the top with this knowledge
"than any transistor of the same configuration ... will work as a replacement..."
I don't think it's wise to just take any transistor that fits, given that different transistors have different forward voltages and require different base-currents to turn on and provide different resistance when turned on or off. If the controller is not designed to supply the amount of current that it takes to turn on the transistor then it might pop internally and the watch is lost forever. If the watch is designed for a transistor that has a particular Collector-Emitter resistance then adding a different transistor might overload the led's or not turn them on at all.
There is a reason why there are so many different typesd of transistors and it's not becuuse they are all interchangeable at will.
@@vinny142 I totally understand all that and have been in circuit design and applied for many decades. The vast majority of transistors, being PNP and NPN have very similar characteristics for general use. It is only when you get to fringe areas does any of the unusual characteristic come into play. Since these games, watches and such are of low voltages and needs, I stand by my statements 100%...
The salt on your hands aids in causing corrosion, I never handle batteries with my fingers
The display is a multiplexed common cathode, it only has pins for one 8 segement, if you were to wire in a '4' signal then every segement would say '4', so each segment also has a separate cathode. The transistors are used to select each segment so they can be activated, this happens rapidly across each segment. They are strobed so fast you dont notice there is only one segment on at a time.
You can actually see the strobe on camera though, since the one being powered is slightly brighter than the ones fading out.
Yup, what he said 🤷
Smart mf 🙌🏿🔥
you said it before me
Correct. And since the transistor works only as an on/off switch, any general purpose, SOT23 NPN transistor with the correct pinout should work there.
That was an amazing repair, Steve, on something so small.
Most likely the reason the bad transistor came apart was because it had experienced an internal short, overheated, and cracked. As soon as I saw that, I knew you had found the culprit.
Dude!
Ok next project. Bring Dave back to life.
Hi Stez, you have inspired me and you have save me about £60. I decided to fix a posh mouse, that went udders up, for my pc instead of throwing it away and thus having to replace it. I watched a "how to" video on how to dissasemble it. Gave it a very good clean as it had years of fluf and muc in it. Put it back together and now it works as good as new. Thanks mate and keep up the good work. Love the raps!!!
Nice fix. The watch looks great. Enjoy!
Back of the net! Brilliant stuff 👍🏼
Just a tip for the future.
You basically could have used any transistor (as long as you get an npn or pnp depending on what’s in there). The current wouldn’t be more than 50mA because all it does is just sink the current of the segment to the ground in order for the segment to light up. And seeing the video you see it’s even multiplex, as one segment is only briefly on than the next, so the amount of time the current flows is very short.
This goes for most transistors in digital electronics. They just operate as switches and usually nog very high-frequencies. In a high power or high frequency but application the types matter. But dor low frequency switching- and inverting signals most will work.
Wow, wish I was that accurate with soldering! Good fault finding to immediately see what was wrong.
Please do more digital watch videos. I truly enjoy these as a digital watch guy.
Well done Steve 👏 How you managed to see that tiny transistor let alone desolder and resolver it back again I will never know. Really great to see you do that watch. Then the satisfaction of it working in the end was great. Nice. Look forward to seeing what you do next 👍
Well done ! As a watch lover I appreciate a lot those two episodes !
Keep it real !
Thanks MGN! I really enjoyed working in this too. Definitely gonna keep my eyes peeled for more! 👍
8:10
“Allllll by myyyyyseeeeellllf!”🎵🎶
Great fix! As for removing the transistor, a trick you can use when hot air would be a problem is to bend a wire into U shape and solder it to each leg. Once its on every solder point, you can heat the wire to melt all the solder at once.
Well done for persevering. Love your videos. Please keep them coming. For some reason it is very entertaining watching someone fix random stuff and you are quite funny and entertaining. Double thumbs up!
Hey Steve, great fix. This is quite common with older calculators from the early 1970s (those before calculator on a single chip), although unlike your watch, not uncommon for this to be poor solder joints rather than a failed component, at least in my experience. I wish I had your skills with the really tiny stuff. I tend to stick with through hole components.
As you may be able to tell, I just love those old displays.
im impressed by the soldering as well as the fault finding!
Give yourself a diy gold star for doing it yourself. What a great nugget video. Luv it 😅😊
I have been doing electronic repair professionally.. but i do learn new thing.. i never use smd catalog.. now i know these thing exist.. thank you
I would wear that watch for sure.
Got myself an adonstar microscope with 10 inch screen this week and I dont know why I got one sooner.
Such a game changer when it comes to repairs.
Nice work on deducing the problem, sourcing the correct part and getting it sorted.
Good to see you re visit to fix your 70's led watch there Steve thats quite impressive work you did on the tiny transistor - Nice 👍
Awesome Steve! I love watches of all forms so I’m happy that you were able to give this vintage watch a new life. Also kudos to you for sticking with it and figuring out the problem.
Finally a not stupid. I love it!!! Brilliant fix. Love your videos. Rock on STEVE!!!
5:10 I don't think you caused that. I believe it was already cracked. Great fix!
If you touch a U-shaped copper wire to the foot of the component and melt the solder in this way, all the feet will melt. That way, you can remove the component without damaging it.
Always find this channel interesting with the paranormal activity happening in the background.
That’s great. I’m glad you were able to fix it!!!
Oh no you didn't. Great detective and replacement work. An inspiration to all of us diy'ers. Good job thanks
I shared your joy on the final press - thanks for that.
Absolutely fantastic work!
I like all your videos, but for whatever reason, this one hit an absolute new high for me! Enjoy ya stylish new watch! Awesome!!
I'm absolutely smitten with that watch. I'm not a watch person at all. But that's such a style....
Awesome fix Steve! So glad you fixed it. Great video.
FANTASTIC...`i'm an old school Hip Hop bloke with experience of electronics, love your channel
Great work ! I was so pleased when it all came to life
what realy blows myt mind is that my country has semi conductor production and assembly capabilities in the 70s.
Great fix
I've been binge watching this channel for the last 2 days, I have no idea what you are doing btw, I'm trying to learn how to solder stuff, love it Stez :)
Good job on fixing it!...again, How come that old solder was so hard to melt?
Built to last in them days ;)
Hey Steve! New fan here! Loved to see this little gem working properly again. That display is an absolute beauty, even more looking at it through the microscope!
EXCELLENT WORK!!!!
I get so excited when we win! GET IN! thanks for all the great content!
Well done. So glad to see it working. Well done steve x
Nicely done...again Steve!
My wife's just asked why I'm watching this again but didn't have the heart to tell her the watch was still faulty. I've got you ✊
Awesome fix Steve!! I love me some low melt solder!! Best stuff ever!! 🐺😁
Nice one Steve, keep them coming 😀
Watching you & "Mend it Mark" is absolutely brilliant 👍
Love your videos matey. I’ve been poorly recently and they’ve been a tonic 👍
That was a very good repair. Any general purpose NPN SOT23 and it is guaranteed, every single one would work, every one! There is no parameter that would be outside the safe working of any tranny and blah blah etc. Imagine that though. A SOT23 in a watch from the first half of the 1970s which is mind blowing to me.
Steve... try cleaning the tip of your solder iron better next time to avoid polluting the circuit board with crap from the solder iron tip.
Well done mate!
Great job, both times; I was cheering for you .
Brings back lots of memories these watches.
Really good job!
Love the videos without any rap whatsoever. Thanks!!!!
Another brilliant video! I look forward to your weekly videos!
Three cheers for Dave!
Great work!
Well done!
Nice one Steve.
Well done
Nice work 👍
you do a great job, but de glad you have a bulletproof module because a litronix one wouldnt last 5 seconds in your hands. those are extremely delicate.
keep the good work 👍
I’m on here for the 80s style music during solder fix ups. I want it.
Excellent, well done!
I think this has been your best video so far
Well done 👍
That was very rewarding to see 🙌
Incredible!! Well done!
Cracking job mate!
For surface mount components, liquid flux and hot air are your best bet for removing components
Not so sure that would have been a good idea so close to those 70's LEDs, you see how fine the bond wires were.
Cheers Steve
Nice job.
Very cool watch though you should look into some "red rouge" jewelers polish to get it looking pristine.
It took the licking and kept ticking..... StezStixLix Well done mate !!
😁 thanks RC!
The old Timex saying.
a beautiful bit of classic digital wrist jewellery :)
Super work...
I came across your channel a couple of weeks ago. Brilliant stuff, really enjoying it. So much so it got me thinking how do I learn the basics? Any pointers to his to get started, tools needed etc? Thanks
Get in there!
Amazing!
I loved it!
Superb work a credit to you.
Wonderful job and well done in securing those transistors - were they NPN pr PNP in the finish?
You yourself might be able to do it idk... But if not I'd try to find someone that could give it a really good buffing and give it a mirror polish. I'm trying to find me one. Im in love with it!!!
I enjoyed the first video so I definitely look forward to this!
Hey that was a super fun one once again! Love this channel 😀
*GET IN THERE!*
nice fix
You should polish that bad boy Stez. Nice fix!
Well done Steve that’s another feather 🪶 in your hat and I do like the watch as others have said how the hell you see these small electronics parts and take them out and replace them 👍👏👏
Nice one
Love the music choice - feels very era appropriate.
Great vid mate. May I ask what solder and flux you are using?
You're soldering iron tip needs some love
Why am I so invested in this
I just realized your Patreon list is... worms references!?