DIY or BUY - BGA Rework Station | Frankie will MELT your "spheres" off!

[@ericmoses8281]

Imagine being Felix walking through the super market having fixed one of the most persistent manufacturing defects of our generation and nobody around him has any idea. And now he's out here building his own BGA machine in the most difficult way possible. Legend.

[@SockyNoob]

Felix. More like Flexing. This BGA station is an absolute flex.

[@noawe_]

Words cannot describe the respect that I and many others have gained for you. This project was crazy and the patience and thouroughness you showed throughout it are on levels i could only envy. Great work!

[@RachelWolfe]

I continue to love the socks off everything you make! Keep the cringe, it helps keep things light when you have to deliver jargon to us that I'm sure you know will go right over the heads of many people. Looking forward to seeing more, as always. Look after yourself 💜

[@_Lassic_]

This dude literally came out of left field. Like, where did he come from? Not to mention, with as many views as he has, he's probably gotten a paycheck from KZbin already.

[@lillyclarity9699]

​@@_Lassic_psx-place forums

[@dunghoIe]

Babe wake up, RIP Felix just posted a new video!

[@morganpg]

Your videos are the only 1 hr+ videos i can watch multiple times without getting bored

[@lis6502]

was on daily meeting, now we're teamwise watching new Felix

[@TheoHiggins]

In a very short time you've managed to become the channel I look forward to uploads from the most Keep up the good work!

[@RachelWolfe]

Same here.

[@TheGlitchyMario]

same

[@beff5058]

this channel is going to be big if he keeps putting the work in

[@seesikopter]

same lol

[@lever1209]

ive stuck around since the first upload and lemmi tell ya, its all because you are doing the dirty digging that no one else does, you rip and tear until it is done, sometimes literally, you demystified one of the biggest issues with the ps3 in the long term and inspired me to start collecting them to fix on my own, thanks

[@SockyNoob]

Cute moth

[@Morelze]

You have the most interesting videos about soldering and electronics, you perfectly show the emotional state. You should make training videos, I think you have a talent for it. 👍 Although I don’t have and never had a PS3, I had ideas like yours, you brought me down to earth and showed me that I still need to grow to this level

[@theri0n]

I love your videos so much and I appreciate all the time work and effort you put in your experiences and documentation.

[@pbjandahighfive]

I respect your ability to persevere immensely. I think what you lost in time and money on this you more than made up in experience and understanding.

[@lis6502]

> THIS IS NOT A TUTORIAL. DO NOT DO THIS! This is tutorian on NOT how to do this - as infomative and needed piece of documentary as these successfull ones. Appreciated Felix, appreciated

[@Kato0909]

Kudos for checking your fire extinguishers, and having multiple short circuit protections on mains. The thing that protects You from being zapped to death by mains voltage is GFCI or RCD. As I see the are not mandatory in US, but it would be good to have additional protection in workshop.

[@SockyNoob]

GFCI is mandatory in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. Circuit breakers are required in all buildings. What the US lacks is a mandate on circuit breakers that protect things beyond what's directly connected to the wall.

[@randallbro6749]

Absolute engineering. Felix you're too good to not get paid for this quality of work

[@6reen6uy]

Seem quite young to be so skilled at engineering while also being a massive gamer. Nice work man, I’m sure better men than I are as impressed.

[@whiskywaters]

WOOOO YEAHHH BABY THATS WHAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THATS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT

[@LKComputes]

the editing style is pure gold. i love it.

[@hadesmcc]

It was pretty cool to watch you go through the whole process, even if time condensed. Thanks for making this video. RIP to that popcorned board. It gave it's life for science!

[@TheGlitchyMario]

these videos aernt cringe. They not only keep me engaged, but in most cases, actually enhance them by representing what is happening. I cant wait to see what you do next!

[@derbrot2428]

I love your videos, especially the little storytelling in every vid! Keep it up!

[@algizmo7079]

Man has been trying to make his... hammer work better for him for ooo 1.5m years, while his buddy looked on and said "just use a bigger one!" RIP Felix shows how far we have come with both approaches. The release of each video is an event for me. Love seeing the adventure unfold.

[@beff5058]

dude, keep this up, this channel is going to be big in the next year.

[@Lawthugg]

You sir are like a mad scientist, keep the cringe, it makes everything authentic. Love seeing trial and error and not just the final result.

[@alialhelou1651]

WOW a new video from decade

[@neverendingstudent]

The end financial calculus may have weighed in favor of buying instead of making, but the stressful, painful, and incredibly valuable experience you earned sticking with that build... hard to put a price tag there. Amazing job sir. Beyond that, thank you so much for putting the further effort to make sure we got to ride along with you for that journey. I value this hour of my life spent getting a glimpse into your design and test iteration towards your desired working frankentool. Oh, and you have a new subscriber. From one tech to another, respect.

[@Xorat]

I had so many of your problems as well. I bought an ir 6500 and I felt you on every step of learning! So encouraging seeing you going through this process for me to continue with bga work! Keep on going with the videos with your pace! Love the videos and keep em coming!

[@Een_Thijs]

I really enjoy your videos RIP-Felix. The last 1 minute and 30 seconds were also really enjoyable!!!

[@jam8489]

This man is truly skilled and insightful in would not think twice leaving my ps3 in his care

[@radeonfreak]

I'll be very honest, you're good at story telling and that's good for youtube. I'm looking forward to your next content!

[@HellBreaker]

this was very insightful. im looking forward the upcoming videos to add more context into this journey and hope to learn more. please keep them coming

[@RetroFix]

Good lord that was a lot of building, nice job figuring that all out. Pretty impressive stuff. That also had to be many hours of editing. Your efforts were noticed. Great job!

[@Deep_wolf]

What a madman. Thumbs up to your work, sir!

[@StillTheVoid]

Can't wait until this monster comes back alive. Here's hoping for the PS3 Redux coming soon. 🍻🍻

[@Justgreen89925]

1 entire hour GLUED to the screen! Awesome content man

[@seesikopter]

I must admit i love watching your videos they're something i probably will never do but in the end i really like seeing them

[@didenkoaa]

Thanks for the video! Once I had to decide between building a reballing station or buying that so I bought it due to lack of time. So I can see how many efforts that might take meanwhile how interesting it could be. Looking forward for the next video!

[@Sydney268]

Nice work, I made one of these too! You have your top heater way too far from the chip - wants to be as close as you can get it!

[@anthonydenn4345]

Just goes to show, the Chinese really know how to squeeze every last cent out of their stations. Nice project though. You really went the extra mile on it. It's a real eye opening-er on the amount of time and work needed to D.I.Y your own station. If I need a BGA rework station in the future, after watching this, I'll stick to buying it 😉

[@SockyNoob]

Same. I'll never attempt this lol. Gotta give Yihua credit for significantly bringing down costs on soldering equipment without sacrificing quality or safety (other than their weak ass desoldering vacuums).

[@adamthiry868]

This was an AWESOME video man. Loved every second. All the funny edits were on point.

[@Shadi8694]

"flawless" victory. Thank you for taking us on this journey.

[@BADUH9]

A dream comin true. Pure respect bro!!

[@WacKEDmaN]

holy popcorn batman! nice one Felix!

[@Josh.Davidson]

Great job Felix.

[@iurizinhodoti6611]

I'm from Brazil, learning too much with you and wondering about the quality of your videos. Thanks for all.

[@vas729]

If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.

[@jb2590]

Awesome! I've been waiting on this the be released👍

[@craigslaunwhite579]

I love watching the legend continuation.

[@computerbooter1566]

WOW Felix, that was a crazy amount of time and effort, props to you!! Very enjoyable watching the process and glad you were able to finally get it up and running. Awesome video editing too, maybe one day I will learn how to cut my videos down and make videos people would enjoy watching. Thank you for all your hard work and support, and friendship

[@lilressler]

Awesome video. Thanks for the hard work and effort

[@andyo1872]

Hey Felix, I also did DIY PCB BGA heater station by myself. My setup only have one medium size ceramic heater.

[@oztheglitch]

small explanation of what is a bga in the beginning would have been great edit: just googled it (half-assed) it is re-heat machine. probably works in order to remove embedded chips on a circuit board (like gpu on ps3)

[@Space_Reptile]

RE: tangent at the end; this is a great video, just keep doing what you feel like doing the memes add a but of flair and "humanity" to it all, its less of a lecture and more of a "tag along"

[@djlancematthew]

Heck yes! I need to turn on notifications for this channel….😮

[@tomh.648]

33:25 -- LOL! Oh, the oh-so-common "extra screw". Hell, its more like "extra PARTS" for me, at times, haha. You're clearly quite skilled, man. I've been incredibly fascinated & entertained by your videos. They've been educational, & your subtle humor at times is perfectly done.

[@AndreNYH]

Keep up the good work in you don’t care about what other people are saying do whatever you want to do in your videos it’s yours to make and just have fun

[@Egress.]

ITS HERE!!!

[@NewRetroRepair]

Great video Felix, I can tell you put a lot of effort in on this one. I like the way your unit looks. Some feedback: I don't know if you did or not, but it didn't look like you properly earthed the metallic parts of your unit like the top heater housing, the bottom heater housing and the like. If you haven't, you should check all of the metal parts that could end up live in a failure scenario with a multimeter, check that it has a path to earth. The last thing you want is that unit to be live and for it to use you as a path to ground. On a related note, those Puhui preheating plates are dangerous "out of the factory", they aren't properly earthed. They're so bad that the UK has put them on a dangerous item list lol.

[@ripfelix3020]

Yeah, I made sure to check all that. It's in the unaired (yet) stuff. This was the manacured version.

[@huiko12]

Thanks for uploading! Benn waiting for quite a while for you update on you PS3 adventure. Thank youj for your hard work

[@mattyinnit9009]

I love your channel! Keep up the good work!

[@chelsona2574]

cool project dude, keep em coming!

[@mugenmaniac1598]

You have come so far from what I see. Even though I started watching your channel just 2 weeks ago hahaha. I am looking forward to this video. There was literally a 6 minute advertisement. But that's okay. I am using it as a time limit to make this message. It should be telling you. That I put my attention in this message. And I am influenced to ask my brother how to do reverse engineering on my Dad's broken A01-E01.

[@nickst2797]

Thank you for another excellent video. I have three short questions if you wouldn't mind. 1. Which slim models have the 40mm RSX needed for the swap? In your original video, you state {CXD-5300, 5301, 5302}. However, looking at the ps3 dev wiki, the 40nm models are {CECH-21xx, CECH-25xx, CECH-30xx, CECH-40xx}. So how can we identify if a particular PS3 slim is the one we want? 2. Can you find slim models that are damaged but with intact RSX in the market? I cannot buy a working slim model to do the swap, that would be a waste, because the slim can have CFW as well. Is it common to find these models on sale with a usual defect (with working RSX)? 3. Is the OS support fixed for 40nm RXS, or is someone working towards it? What is the PS3 had CFW before the swap of the RSX? Could you have a high CFW (with OtherOS) and have the 40nm RSX?

[@ripfelix3020]

Ethically speaking, I dont like the idea of killing a working console to steal it's GPU. Even Dr. Frankenstein didn't. He harvested from the dead to revive the dead. OTOH, it does improve the odds of getting a working one. Since 65nm and 40nm RSX appear to be reliable, the chances a dead slim died because of dead GPU is small. But I don't have much data on what kills slims. People way under report issues with them. Either because they're reliable, cheap to replace and they don't bother, or difficult to troubleshoot without service manuals. 21xx and many (not all) 25xx are fully jail-breakable. So I don't really like the idea of killing them to steal their GPU. 30xx aren't and have a 40nm. 40xx can have either the 40nm or 28nm. It's been reported that 40xxA and 40xxB tend to have the 40nm more often than 28nm, and 40xxC tend to have 28nm. But it seems to be a bit of a gamble. Taking them from these models might eliviate any guilt you have about killing them for their GPU, what I call "Technomancy." But the can still have HEN installed and that does most of what people want CFW for anyway. As for OtherOS support, you can't downgrade to 3.15 to get native OtherOS support. Not with a 40nm RSX. You'll get an RSX ROM Abort GLOD. But there is an option with CfW to install OtherOS in higher FW. So it's not really needed.

[@nickst2797]

@@ripfelix3020 Thank you very much for your immediate and insightful comment! Well, my YLOD ps3 had Kmeaww 3.55 CFW. In case of a 40nm RSX installation, will the OtherOS work? With this CFW or with even higher CFW revisions?

[@ripfelix3020]

I'm not an expert on what all you can do with CFW, my interest maily ends on offloading my discs to the HDD and using webMan mod dynamic fan control.

[@theartofbored]

This was really fun to watch, great video!

[@awesomeminecrafter8676]

I feel you could make a smaller and generally better bga machine with the experience you've gotten. I've been making my own machines and small devices like this for a few years because it's been my major. I was wondering if you lay anything out in CAD before you start building? Like electrical and mechanical layouts just to help you along. There's also a good few books on electrical standards on everything from wire size for different currents to what fuze size you should use to protect stuff. Nema has a few useful ones but I can't remember which off the top of my head. Getting your toes wet with PCB design might help you clean up all the wires too with some adapter boards, if not also just help you in general with console repair. I've just started doing pcb design myself so I can't be super sure. Good luck though and I look forward to seeing what else you come up with!

[@damienparker3541]

Never give to the extreme, love it

[@m1k4c]

It really looks awesome. Totally opposite of my dream station (that has just two knobs and preferably no display), but still awesome. I'm ashamed to admit, my first project used dead receiver, pid controller and bunch of hot plates wired in parallel, screwed on top of the receiver. It had no front panel :D

[@taunull]

I love this channel

[@nkls287]

Great Video. Was fun to watch

[@herbertpocket8855]

Badass

[@QsTechService1]

Great job very interesting Definitely looks like a project I thought about building one many years never did because I know it was going to be a big project you verify that haha good video keep the videos coming

[@DuckReconMajor]

your channel is so good

[@eticetic7262]

I like your videos very much because you are going in the core or the problem i am going same root on ps4. Also you working regular job and this is the hoby and let it stay like that and will be more comprehensive like it is as you sad you are now chasing algorithms WISH YOU GREAT SUCCESS IN FUTURE REGARDS

[@SockyNoob]

You're way braver than I am. I'll touch DC powered items any day, but not mains. If it's AC-powered, I want something already manufactured. And no, I will not attempt this! I'll gladly save the money to buy a proper rework station one day.

[@XtergoBlue]

I come here for the wacky cringe last minute editing stuff perfection for us on this corner of KZbin.

[@MITSI1991]

Had a few of my ps3s, a B01 and E01 killed a few weeks ago from a bad delid job. Since then ive been wanting to look into a Frankie system and so on. I got ahold of a few YLOD consoles that havent been opened and are intact. Errors read mostly RSX failures. More research I do the better.

[@ripfelix3020]

Yeah, delidding can wreck the console if you don't know what UR doing. Always advisable to practice on a donor board or send it to someone with a proven track record.

[@SockyNoob]

This video shows why BGA, hot air, and soldering combination stations cost so damn much. A lot goes into them and there's a lot of stuff that needs to be shrunken down. I'm not sure why hot air and desoldering vacuums can't be in one unit though. I imagine they're literally the same except the fan blows in the opposite direction. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

[@MartinKlason]

My nr 1 "soon to be youtuber" period.

[@weaselbox6746]

this just popped up on my screen! go felix! : o D

[@tuff_lover]

bruh i was about to leave me house, i see a notification...you...

[@tigerwoods2814]

Mann you changed My Live with your Videos,i cant say if its Better ,But i Neeeed a Frankenstein

[@adamthiry868]

Thanks!

[@MrReeceyburger123]

Your videos are brilliant mate. Would love for you todo a ps4 blod explanation like the ps3 one 😝

[@lis6502]

1:01:52, no sir, it's YOUR fault i've made it so far without skipping :D amazing material, srsly, these shitty 15 mins success stories where dude cramps 3 months of falls and rises into pink, fluffy, family-friendly content on "oh look, it's THAT simple". I'd rather look at over an hour long materials showing me dead ends, traps, pitfalls and red herrings, all the journey of Dunning-Kruger's mountains. So sorry bro, you WILL have my sub, comment and like, don't care if you want to be ytber or no :D

[@sonsoanonimo9728]

Good job

[@eduardoK995]

Any chance you'll ever make a video showing your process of doing a reball/frankie using your budget setup? Just wondering because I recently picked up a cheap 853D. Or have you perhaps done a write up on a forum somewhere I can read 😄

[@ripfelix3020]

In short, yes. I'm working on a video that will use it, but it's not about the BGA station. That's actually a relitivly short section. I work at a slow pace based on whatever interestes me at any one time. I dont sell frankies, I make them for my own use. So far anyway. I've only made one since completing that station and while it worked well, the 40nm artifacted in game and needs replaced. That video is in limbo until then and I havent decided on s format for it. Have been working on other projects in the meantime and it got sidelined. I'm juggling somthing like 20 projects at the same time and not finishing any of them...lol. Only so much time with a full time job. And some days I just feel like veging instead of burning my eyes up on another video. I'm sure I could grow the channel if I were to work at it like it were my job, but it doesn't pay the bills and what does takes the better part of my energy. ATM, I'm focusing on what I like about the hobby. Doing the modding, soldering, following the scene, gathering data. Posting on psx place, etc. And that reignites my passion for it. But I do need to get organized and focus on finishing projects.

[@Sampsonay]

That delam tho

[@saviourmensah893]

😍

[@TOMelectronicsfix]

good job

[@sammyso79]

great work!!!

[@OverNine9ousend]

Felix, how does one get to point to look at things the way you do? Exceptional video

[@zurielheros8872]

Another night without sleep oh yeah xD

[@mirahno3436]

where did you find the info necessary to learn ps3 board repair? i have a ps3 myself, watched a couple of your videos on your journey throughout these 4 years, and it motivated me a bit. i diagnosed a fault with the 12v line on the board, but since i don't know much myself, i'm not sure where to go from there. i want to try this myself to learn something new. do you have any resources for this?

[@ripfelix3020]

Yes, but prepare yourself for forum link inceptions... www.psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-204#post-301356

[@XxXHiradorXxX]

First of all, thank you so much for everything you’re doing for the PS3 community, you’re awesome! I wanted to ask, what do you suggest to buy? I haven’t found a “buying guide” on the internet, like a Low/Mid/high price range research. I’m looking for a good solution to start with, like an IR6500 by ACHI but I don’t know if it could handle the job properly (what do you think?). So in practice, What would you suggest for a mid range (let’s say €300 to €600) and a small range (€100 to €300) BGA station?

[@ripfelix3020]

The 6500 cannot rework a PS3, it's lower heater is too small. You need at least the ACHI SC IR PRO. That's the cheapest capable solution. Next step up is a 3 zone hot air rework station like the LY R690. That's better, because hot air heats above and below the chip evenly and it's convective, instead of radiant heat. Beyond that it gets expensive. In the multi-thousands of dollars range. The give you BGA inspection cameras and split mirrors, flux trays and automatic placment...for alot more complexity and expense than it's worth IMO. Not unless you're doing these on mass and need tiny time saves that add up over time.

[@XxXHiradorXxX]

@@ripfelix3020 thank you very much!

[@CyberDunk2077]

Hey, this video was really good. Watched it start to finish. You should make more videos for sure! I ordered some of the tantalizer pcb from OSH Park and am just trying to source the correct capacitors for them. I know it says 7343 Tantalum’s or aluminium polymer decoupling capacitors, but what value are the 0805 MLCC caps? And which in your opinion are the best for this application? I know you are probably busy making another epic KZbin video so might not get the chance to answer, so I will open these questions to anyone who might know? Keep up the good work, and I will look forward to the next video. Also that video was not cringe it was funny, can’t please everyone I guess.

[@ripfelix3020]

The reccomended MLCC values are listed here, but the examples are just examples. You'll need to shop around for good buys. www.psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-217#post-313627

[@CyberDunk2077]

@@ripfelix3020Thanks!

[@Martin-L08.669]

the youtube kids animation style is legendary

[@Nick456-o9b]

Fantastic video! When the chip was ready to be lifted, I saw you used a Vacuum Suction Pen to remove the RSX. Where can I get the same one? I have looked on the internet, and most have bad reviews. I would love to know. Thanks in advance.

[@ripfelix3020]

It's probably the same one that has bad reviews. IDR it was some cheap thing on amazon. It needs to be clean, and the IHS needs to be clean, and you need to lift and put down fairly soon or it can drop. I'm not a huge fan of that this style either, but it works and was cheap. I'm not complaining. Also, thank you for saying you like the video. I think it was my best work, but the viewership didnt validate it. But it was the 1st vid my dad could finish. So that made it worth it!

[@Nick456-o9b]

@@ripfelix3020 Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me. I really appreciate it. I am surprised that your video hasn't got more views; it is well-constructed and highly informative. I am truly grateful for all of your efforts. Just one last question, if you don't mind answering. I have heard that people set the preheater on the reflow station to 180C. Is this the temperature you get your boards to before turning on the top heater? Thanks for all of your responses. Your work has inspired me to give it a try. Have a great night!

[@ripfelix3020]

It depends on the board. I've bumped it up to 190 or 200 even. Most of the work should be done by the preheater. There are no definite numbers I can tell you. Even if you had the same model of preheater, the temps could differ for you. It just requires trial and error. Profile development is the hardest part. That and learning all the little tricks. BGA rework is a beast.

[@Nick456-o9b]

@@ripfelix3020 Hello again! I have another question, and I apologize for bothering you so frequently. You are the only person who responds to my comments, and I greatly appreciate that. My question is related to a heat profile when doing rework on PlayStation 3 motherboards. I used your settings and had some issues. However, I modified them and would like to know what you think about my changes. I am using an ACHI IR PRO SC. To start with, I let the board get to 160°C before I let the top heater kick in. Once it preheats to 160°C, I start the top heater. The top heater starts at 170°C and goes all the way to 225°C. I have set the time it holds between all of these temperatures to two minutes. It seems to take a little over a minute to go up by 10°C. I want it to go up and sit for a few seconds so the motherboard can catch up. For example, to go from 170°C to 180°C it takes two minutes. From 180 to 190 it would take two minutes. It will continue to follow this until it reaches 225. I am wondering if you think this sounds like a good profile. My intention is to let the board catch up and not rush things. I would appreciate it if you could let me know your thoughts. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this and respond.

[@realcomputergenius]

Love the video but why use IR? you should use hot air because silver bga's reflect IR making them harder to heat and probably burning up the non reflecting stuff around it. This would explain the delamination.

[@frankwhite2072]

I had forgotten about Max's chonk friend.

[@taylordudek9772]

bruh the 'woah something literally jumped off had me dying' i laugh because what happened too you in that reflow wouldve been my first attempt

[@JooshMaGoosh]

Next project, PSbox 360?