Laptop hardware problem (Need Pittsburgh Area help)

[Atomic Dog]

A few years back my wife picked up a laptop, Compaq Presario 2100. It served for about a year or so before it would not power up and or respond to any power cord. My notebook failed shortly after but being we had others we didn't worry about it too much and I just chucked the old ones into a drawer and forgot about them. I've been thinking about making a dedicated Ubuntu box (last one just crapped out) and remembered the Compaq that was cut down in it's prime.

Well I got curious and did some research, apparently that model had an issue with loose power connections on the motherboard. So I spent a few minutes and cracked it open. Sure enough the jack is loose.

I can get a new one on eBay for a few bucks, but I think all this needs is a quick tap with a soldering iron leading me to this question:

I have no skills with soldering on this level, just automotive wire and some plumbing. Is there anyone in the Pittsburgh area that is willing to solder this back on (should be a 5 minute job, already have it apart) for a small fee or ammo, or other? Or even ideas on who could do this would be great.

~Brian

[Atomic Dog]

Well, got the rest of the board off and the jack is, well, jacked up. Just ordered a new one, and with the rest of the stuff out of the way It looks like it's a straight shot!

[Kaos]

It should be easy, i did a similar job on my dads presario a few years back, at the time i had soldered some small things together in school but that was about it, you should be fine...just use a little at a time until it's the right amount..you can always add more.

[TaePo]

I studied Electrical Engrg Technology PSU.

I never put it to practical use but...

Power circuit soldering should give you better leeway as far as temp control. When you get close to chips, you have to watch temps so you do not damage the nearby chips.

Heat both sides adequately before solder application to prevent a 'cold' joint. This is similar to a loose connection, imagine solder bubble and but not contacting the two leads together.

Don't splatter on chips and motherboard!

Basic stuff. But I never developed my ckt soldering skills. Mine was to know about it but mainly design ckts and help Engineers, prototype and programming or power ckts etc.

I just wanted to warn you about soldering close to chips. When I say close, I mean on a lead to a microchip.

Let us know if you get 'er going again. (It's alive, it's alive!!!)

[lildobe]

Is there anyone in the Pittsburgh area that is willing to solder this back on (should be a 5 minute job, already have it apart) for a small fee or ammo, or other? Or even ideas on who could do this would be great.

I'll do it, if you bring a Pizza and 2-liters of Diet Coke

...

And I actually am serious about that *grins* I repair electronics all the time for myself - if you have the part on order, I should be able to install it quick enough

[Atomic Dog]

I'll do it, if you bring a Pizza and 2-liters of Diet Coke

...

And I actually am serious about that *grins* I repair electronics all the time for myself - if you have the part on order, I should be able to install it quick enough

We will be in touch!

(I'll let you know when it comes in)

[jb12string]

I thought having no practial experience was a prerequisite for being an engineer

[lildobe]

We will be in touch!

(I'll let you know when it comes in)

Sounds good! Just shoot me a PM, in case I loose track of this thread