Jason, I love that you leave the warts in your repair videos!
@sharfazhameed63825 жыл бұрын
I am one Jason's tech fan n I can watch his hilarious tech video for hours with laughter n gain a knowledge
@georgeodriscollvideos77405 жыл бұрын
Great to see you back again Jason hope we see some more vids I know your a busy man keep up the great work and I hope the wife and kids are good
@sahaprashant15 жыл бұрын
Hey Jason nice to see you back! A small tip, something I find works for me....when I’ve cleaned the area on the pcb after removing the bad ic, I use a fine colouring brush to brush the area with just a ‘smidgen’ of solder. This, I find, prevents the flux bubbling and allows the ic to immediately settle down on the board and not fly away or move as the flux bubbles out from under. Keep the videos coming. God bless! Also, if you squeeze some solder paste between two folds of tissue, the excess flux is soaked up by the tissue and you have a relatively dry solder paste which you can use with a spatula.
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
Hey, I never thought of drying my paste that way. I always wind up letting it sit around and air dry. thanks!
@Richie_3083 жыл бұрын
I am finding your videos facinating. I have watched them all day today, and boy am I in trouble. Now to come up with my excuse why I've been abscent all day. Thanks....
@oharrellcoins55534 жыл бұрын
started my first ever refurb on a iphone se. you make it look so easy, only took me an hour to switch everything from One screen to the other lol. ilol never give up.
@JimNichols4 жыл бұрын
I watch this Chinese chic that repairs iPhones and she is like some cyborg, 0 hand tremor, lightning fast and crazy precise. She uses solder wick to deball the boards and ICs and her newest trick is to (I didn't believe it myself) replace the connector ends on the ribbon cables. She is a phenom, like a savant. You are some normal dude doing this repair work and have the integrity to call yourself out on crazy crap that you do or that happens while you repair your way to a living and that is just great man! Thanks for the videos I know the amount of time and effort that goes into these is phenomenal and I for one appreciate it.
@theduck30724 жыл бұрын
The joke about the clamp being exspensive made me laugh harder than it should have
@Madmid743 жыл бұрын
Just love how you're not cutting the "error scenes" :) Keep up the good work Jason! Thanks
@haniawad39982 жыл бұрын
Jason is the GOAT
@Wardiabdell Жыл бұрын
🎉 Nic work, can i know how much temperature 5:36 to remove ics?
@artman1025 жыл бұрын
Technically, if you have leaded solder on the board and place the chip with unleaded solder, the leaded solder will melt first and then instantly transfer lead to the unleaded balls and lower the final temperature to float the chip before any other component gets close to floating. But, your advice to not overheat the board should be followed.
@sahladeenodeogbola7787 Жыл бұрын
I need it
@unodos18215 жыл бұрын
Bro, those waffle experiments were my idea. It's been a while, good to see you.
@0ctivate Жыл бұрын
Hey Jason. I am wondering about the spacers/slugs inbetween the boards allowing you to clamp or put pressure when putting them back together. Do you know how to find these spacers/ what they are called? Ive looked quite a bit and was never able to find them. Most people do not mention them. Could you install new spacers on any iphone you are reballing? DO they still use them in the newer models with the higher temp solder in the sandwich?
@TonyHamlyn5 жыл бұрын
Love your little waffle cut-away/insets, great vid with a few laughs and very nice re-balling demonstration.
@kostasdallis21464 жыл бұрын
Hello.From the top there is a nut.If a hole has been opened at the point where the nut is screwed in and the balls with charger chip have been damaged, is it corrected?
@danielnight57175 жыл бұрын
24:19 What temperature you use in Hot Air to soldering ?
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure really. When I got this station, I adjusted it to where I was comfortable for various tasks & then saved the preset. It's set to 430C for the repairs in this video but I'm not sure if it's really that hot.
@Duddie822 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy watching your videos. I have been watching for a long time. I am using my PC right now. I watched lots of your videos from our LED TV. So I had to Subscribe and I chose All. Keep them coming!!
@obelix_19715 жыл бұрын
Hey Jason. Good to see you
@bairfamilyfarm13365 жыл бұрын
Been a long time! Good to see you again!
@NoSkills26605 жыл бұрын
I think I did see all your repairs.. I’m already replacing stuff for fun, but that was to easy but didn’t know anything about the logic board now it starts to make sense to me.. and how to find problems.. I’m going to do small training for it.. so I can do those repairs also.. you really did get me interested!! Keep up the good work 👌👌👌 Grtz from Belgium 🇧🇪
@sharfazhameed63825 жыл бұрын
Hi Jason, would u pls tell how much heat n air pressure do u use wen removing an ic? Also how much heat do u use on soldering gun wen re balling
@klevrepairs5 жыл бұрын
Jason my friend good to see you back. Great Video man. Thank You :)
@icare360waterproofnanotech95 жыл бұрын
Nice work I love this kind of trouble shooting thanks a lot friend
@mohammeddaas20025 жыл бұрын
We are missing you Thanks again for your video Don't go far away Keep in touch Repadatly as possible video a week
@hoaxs19395 жыл бұрын
When reballing. Remember, you always take your time the second time.
@bumboclat3 жыл бұрын
curious what the dimensions of these spacers are. or the diameter of these stencil holes.
@yonishicko70423 жыл бұрын
How much heat you work to separate the board ?
@stanleyjoseph8765 жыл бұрын
Good work 👍 I'm from INDIA and like to watch ur video its really helpful... Keep it up 😇
@jimalcott7605 жыл бұрын
Jason.., good to see you again. Keep making videos...
@msbilisim60955 жыл бұрын
hi how many degrees when dismantling temperature
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
hmmmmmm, I wish I could tell you. The heater I am using only has on/off setting. It melts very low & will melt way sooner than everything else. I believe it melts around 138C.
@msbilisim60955 жыл бұрын
@@ststele oh okey i understand my use heater quıck 861dw asked you to simulate your device thank you so much
@daaudiome5 жыл бұрын
@@ststele Jason I got the exact sae preheater as you got from mechanic, jess from ipad rehab says it's a crap of device. But I saw your video and you're using it pretty fine. Can you tell me the up and downs of this mechanic preheater..I saw when removing the upper board you lift it really fast not to disrupt the solder so you can sanwditch it again right?. but when you place it on top to resolder it again.. you need to put some clips that always happens? I haven't had the chance to test one X .. but let me know nice to see you around.. Oh bout the accident on stencil shit happens don't worry.
@smdsoldering2 жыл бұрын
Jason,Instead of viewing through ocular microscope I view through a LCD I find it's easier on the neck and eyes what are your thoughts does everybody out there use ocular viewing or to some people use the LCD screen also
@theangelofspace1555 жыл бұрын
What settings do you use for your hot air machine? Temp and air flow? Thanks.
@qureshibhaighulamrasoolqur9095 жыл бұрын
Good to see you back bro
@mikevaldezcode5 жыл бұрын
Any chance you can show how to hook up power supply to use with OBS?
@АндрейСеменов-й4у5 жыл бұрын
hello, thanks for your videos, please tell me the most delicate sting for hakko fx 951
@LaszloDemeter5 жыл бұрын
Glad to see you back! I personally hate reballing new small chips because the damn stencil moves from it's position all the time. I bought the 3D ones, but if I don't have 3D stencils, I let the lead-free balls. How you do make to get the stencils fixed in it's spot
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
In most cases, my Chipquik flux holds the IC down to the bench pretty good (right up until it's heated). For larger ICs, I place them on a napkin which seems to hold them in place pretty good. The small humps of solder on the pads help hold the stencil in place for re-balling.
@MattP795 жыл бұрын
*makes mental note to mute the mic on the Google Home before watching the next STS Video*
@beyonddeath1234 жыл бұрын
playing one more light by linkin park on youtube music, ok
@treckie72743 жыл бұрын
@@beyonddeath123 Mine played that too haha
@JasonPeng20225 жыл бұрын
Hi Jason, could you make a video to teach us how to maintain your iron tip? I always has trouble with oxidation on the iron tip. Thank you.
@pranabrock2185 жыл бұрын
Hello sir wich flex paste you used plz rplly
@annafan835 жыл бұрын
Just discovered your channel. Great stuff, fun to watch. I like your waffle analogy ^^
@rsuryase5 жыл бұрын
Can you tell me the brand and model of your desk?
@LukeSky74b4 жыл бұрын
Great video, nice skills, thanks for sharing!. What flux do you use?. CU!
@mailmesanu4 жыл бұрын
I like your work I never miss your video but fast time I comment your post
@ZainTT3 жыл бұрын
I checked your website and broken glass/screen repair wasn’t listed for the iPhone Xs. Unless I’m mistaken, is this accurate? If this is, may I ask why? Thanks ahead of time for your attention.
@justastulpe32655 жыл бұрын
hey man, nice video! Maybe you came across with problem on iPhone 7, when connect lightning cable shows battery charging but actually it`s not, also charging percentage jumps alot when lighting connected/disconnected. As well in the main battery menu wear level could not be identified, thought battery is genuine and only few month old. Would really appreciate for an answer. Thanks in advance
@OnYourSquare5 жыл бұрын
Sounds like battery data line issues. It can be the battery. If it happened after a hard drop or a screen replacement then it is most likely caused by a faulty or knocked off component near the battery terminal. I'd start by testing the unit with a new battery. It that does not do anything, then you'll most likely need board work.
@justastulpe32655 жыл бұрын
@@OnYourSquare yeah tried new battery and no luck :/ i know it`s something wrong with a board, just no idea where to start.... Thought maybe you came across something like that, was hoping to replace some IC and problem will go away
@OnYourSquare5 жыл бұрын
@@justastulpe3265 There is a resistor and a capacitor that on that battery data line. If the problem start after a screen replacement. It's a sure bet you knocked of one or both. Without them the CPU can not read the battery level and temp. and it will not charge it until it has that information.
@justastulpe32655 жыл бұрын
@@OnYourSquare did not change screen but it was taken off to look to the board under microscope. If you mean R2201 and C2201 then both of them are ok and intact. Also connection from central battery connection pin is good and not broken up to Q2102. Can Tigris chip cause this problem? Thanks
@OnYourSquare5 жыл бұрын
@@justastulpe3265 Q2102 May appear visually okay it may be damaged internally. 1.) Diode Mode test R2105. It is the resistor right next to Q2102. Red probe on ground, black probe on resistor. One side should read .463-ish the other should be .274-ish. 2.) If the readings are normal, remove Q2102. Then run a jumper from pin 2 to pin 3. That will ensure the battery status indicator line from the battery connector is directly connected to tigris. 3.) Put it back in the housing. Plug it up and retest the battery and charger. 4.) That should work but if not, your last result is to replace tigris. The battery indicator line goes into tigris, out a different line, then straight into the CPU.
@AntonioWengratt3 жыл бұрын
Man, its, beatifull to see you working. If you allow me, how many devices you can do in one day? Just curious, cause, your work is so detailed! If I'm supossed to do that, I think I'll take one entire day for every single fix (if someday I' would be able to fix something like you do)
@AnonymousRepair5 жыл бұрын
very nice repair , always good to see new video from you :)
@stevetech73354 жыл бұрын
Any idea where to find a replacement charging inductor for iphone X in the US?
@ststele4 жыл бұрын
I've been harvesting them off of donor boards so far. It seems to be a common fault. One or both of the inductors get blown. I think digikey should sell them in the US though.
@imranosman2105 жыл бұрын
Welocome back Jason. Missed you hilarious repair vids man.. welcome back made my day ur drum sticks😂😂😂
@supercrazymario4045 жыл бұрын
Do you ever replace the thermal paste in between the board layers to help improve performance and decrease thermal throttling since the iPhone X has pretty bad thermal dissipation to begin with having a stacked board, steel midframe and glass back?
@OnYourSquare5 жыл бұрын
Most electronics manufactures use Lead-free solder, which is inherently brittle. Coupled with the iPhone's tendency to bend, the larger and more complex the board becomes the more points of failure. Plus most shop use leaded solder, which has a lower melting point than Lead-free but it's also more durable.
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
Depending on the repair, I will try to not disturb it. I used to wipe it up for the sake of "floating" the boards back together but now I will actually "fluff" it up so that it will smoosh down again when the boards are pressed together. I usually only have to push lightly with a finger when re-joining the boards. I've never replaced it though.
@TimonRoelandt5 жыл бұрын
I have an iphone 7 with a slight bend around the sim card tray. It worked fine until I dropped it. It draws 0.60A from a genuine apple charger. It doesn't boot, doesn't show anything on the display and doesn't get recognized by itunes. What do you think went wrong here? Could it be tristar acting up?
@OnYourSquare5 жыл бұрын
.60maH is fairly low. It can be stuck in DFU mode but that normally draws .44maH. It may be caused by a full or partial short along VCC Main. Or a short from a line connected to a chip on the main line. You'd need to open it and take some measurements to narrow it down.
@zerodaydatarecoveryandfore15545 жыл бұрын
Hello Jason it's good to see you back. Love the what you have done to the place lol..except nothing seems to have changed...
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
We have a big change coming but I can't put a timestamp on it yet. For now I will just keep fixing (or trying to fix) devices all day every day.
@zerodaydatarecoveryandfore15545 жыл бұрын
Very much anxious about the big change coming ...I bet this will be a present to us the viewers of your channel..and last time you moved and changed your work place ....everything almost everything was put back exactly the way the were.
@pr0xZen3 жыл бұрын
_Nothing to see here, jump to __16:36__._ _"Now observe the technique we use when balling this chip _*_definitely_*_ for the very first time, making references to the failed former reballs by other technicians a really long time ago in other videos that haven't been uploaded so no point in looking for it. Don't look back, it just works. 80% of the time it works 100% of the time._
@rmosier47495 жыл бұрын
Been awhile sir! Great video!
@Alex-hn4we5 жыл бұрын
What caused the green lines on the display? Was it just a bad display or something after the repair that goes away?
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
Just one of my test screens. This one came from a liquid damaged phone but I think the green lines are more likely caused by physical damage? I'm not certain tho.
@Alex-hn4we5 жыл бұрын
@@ststele Good to know. I've recently started getting my own board repair business going here in Australia as far as I'm aware not many people can do it here, Paul Daniels being one of the only ones I know of.
@M.E635 жыл бұрын
Alexander Herberstein yh it’s physical damage bcuz I threw the phone at someone and it had green lines, and luckily no cracks so Apple replaced even though it was out of warranty, replaced under uk consumer law
@daaudiome5 жыл бұрын
Wouldn't be much better to wick the pads using hot air like a brush on top? also you're using heat gun at what temp to help when cleaning the pads?
@smdsoldering2 жыл бұрын
I find it holding the wick with hot tweezers is even better learn that one from Alex
@MrAlone724 жыл бұрын
How can I send you my phone to repair the same problem... my iPhone X gets on and stays on lightning cable.. doesn’t charge the battery at all... and shuts down itself after every 2,3 minutes... while on lightning cable... n without...
@randyr.parker26985 жыл бұрын
DANG! I thought the dwarfs from Disney had kidnapped you or something. Been missing your vids!
@nagoyaboya3 жыл бұрын
How would I know which IC part is faulty (U3300 or L3340 & L3341)? What should be the respective voltages for both circuits? Thanks!
@nagoyaboya3 жыл бұрын
kzbin.info/www/bejne/oICbfZJ4fKeqfsU in this video , he replaces the coils - when replacint the chips, would it be a good idea just do change them all at once?
@ststele3 жыл бұрын
Yes, I think that’s best. I’ve changed a bit since this video was recorded. I often replace the coils with the IC just to remove any doubts.
@nagoyaboya3 жыл бұрын
@@ststele gotcha! Actually, I'm thinking of just mailing it to you bc of your circuitry knowledge 😀
@kolo13675 жыл бұрын
what microscope to use?
@LaptopDisassembly5 жыл бұрын
About using a screw to lift the board.... In the video about " Separating an iPhone X PCB and putting it back together ;) " from 15.02.2019 i wrote about using one, but did not even got a like. :) ;)
@MrPnew15 жыл бұрын
That's life unfortunately. We most likely have all made good and inciteful comments about various things on various videos and they have not been noticed. Harden up dude, but I gave you a like now :)
@LaptopDisassembly5 жыл бұрын
@@MrPnew1 Well I wrote that in a little sarcastic style :). I don't take it seriously. But thanks for the thumb up. Have a Good day :)
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
I think I remember reading this comment but didn't take it seriously enough to realize just how helpful it would be. I'm also using this technique on the Xs, Xs Max & no doubt soon to be the elevens. I wish I would have gave the screw handle idea a try sooner but unfortunately, I had to drop a dozen or so more boards after burning my fingers. I'll pay more attention next time. Thanks for commenting :-)
@MrPnew15 жыл бұрын
@@LaptopDisassembly all good my reply was a tad tongue-in-cheek too :) It's Jason's fault he brings out my funny side 😆
@markjheantv55305 жыл бұрын
Hi sir can ask qstions? When I charge my iPhone.. The bar is not increase. Example 20% later 19 % what do you think the problem? Can' you help me.??
@OnYourSquare5 жыл бұрын
If it began do that after you had the screen replaced or it took a head hit or drop then it's most likely the battery data line components near the battery terminal. I'd test a new battery first, if it has the same results, you'll need board work.
@useramitraj-bh9vw6wy1m4 жыл бұрын
Hi bro bga ic working times smd air is low and hot range 350°c and solder past sarfec stancils spachula tools use and parfect reboll ic pls sorry i no English
@teddybless29044 жыл бұрын
I have the same problem bro but my iphone can not connect to my computer and my pc can not detect it and even now is not charging at all but it boot up when I plug in the charger but it can not charge after it turns on and cannot be detect by my pc even in recovery mood. Pls help bro what could be the fault?
@nhatbui97758 ай бұрын
What is use microscopes ?
@bahroz71734 жыл бұрын
your videos are perfect good job man never give up
@zx8401ztv5 жыл бұрын
Smashing repair, one happy owner :-D. Waffles, Tastes much better than an i-phone board. My mum always said that men never grow up, so it's a kids channel. Rather old kids :)
@rajadevanathan21103 жыл бұрын
Hi Jaison I would like to fix my iphone no power on, I can send the phone to fix, can i have the adress to post please thanks
@dwalther48565 жыл бұрын
This time Jason is not as perfect as usual, but I like that he publishes the video as is , without post processing :-)
@MrPnew15 жыл бұрын
Giving you a like now but I'll watch after work. Note to self - get popcorn on the way home :)
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
Hopefully I don't disappoint. This is one is sort of long and a bit more boring. :-)
@MrPnew15 жыл бұрын
@@ststele never boring Jason, you are a consummate showman, technician and educator. 11:40 good decision on the no to YT kids channel - too many hairy balls 😁 Psssst 8 x 8 = 64 / so easy to do I imagine
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
I really should just get out my iPhone X stencils. I'm pretty sure I have them around here somewhere but as long as this keeps working, I just keep doing it.
@benzimajoseph526 Жыл бұрын
Gud day sir, l really appreciate ur effort. Pls hw can get in touch with u. I very interested in learning iphone repair
@Rkmobile273 жыл бұрын
Sir my iphone x stuck on 42 amp after pressing power key whats the problem sir
@km7435245 жыл бұрын
hey jason its good to see you big fan fom iraq
@btelectronic995 жыл бұрын
Hi I like IPhone 7plus and you?
@GrimJordhen5 жыл бұрын
Minute 15:55 im rolling on the floor, the drum sound and the crap ahahahab man i love you
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
I couldn't believe I did that while recording. :D
@dracohendrix16685 жыл бұрын
Hey Jason could you make videos about repairing older versions of iPhones?
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
Woah, yes. Absolutely. This is a rare request. Many people gripe at me for posting new videos on older models. I like the older models though. (Except for iPhone 7. I don't like it too much...)
@dracohendrix16685 жыл бұрын
Awesome man! Repairing old models would be intriguing to watch! Happy to know that you're down for it. I really wonder how different the repair process is. The hardware of the older versions of the iPhone (5, 4, 3GS etc.) should be quite different from the ones of the newer versions. Can't wait to see you repairing them!
@zelopert12185 жыл бұрын
STS Telecom Do you use the same technology to recover data from older phones? Is it possible?
@SolidSnake0095 жыл бұрын
Hello Jason, I bought an iPhone 11 off eBay that requested for an update to activate, after the update collected and installed, I get cannot activate message and the IMEI is missing. Can this be fixed??
@sturflux23875 жыл бұрын
That reballing just got me .. 😂😂
@joesipaq5 жыл бұрын
Omg I love your content and thanks for the heads up on the spacers!!!!
@arie12935 жыл бұрын
When that IC blew off after all you just went through I might have cracked like the guy in the movie Real Genius. Maybe you did and edited that part out or calmly hit pause on the recording and then cracked LoL. It's easy to forget just how small this stuff is when watching it magnified in 1080p. The toothpick comparison was really telling.
@Simonj1103 жыл бұрын
I fell asleep watching to blinded by my lights... thanks man! xD xD
@anthonytidey20054 жыл бұрын
I diagree with the ban on children watching teck things as when I was less than 6 my mom's dad repaired radios ect not 5 or 3.3V but ac 240V and dc 350V approx down right lethal and othe engineering things , in the early 50's. It got me intrested in engineering especially physics and electronics. Love you channel the great degree of technical info and great detail. Thanks keep it up.
@mikyleboss14735 жыл бұрын
Where could I order iPhones boards complete and network and iCloud unlock just to build up into a iPhone ?
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
I’m sure there are better sources but when I need a whole board, I turn to eBay and go by seller reviews + item description.
@OnYourSquare5 жыл бұрын
Depending on your experience level, I'd start with damaged or iCloud Locked boards first. Their cheap and low risk.
@knottingleyphonerepair453 жыл бұрын
I had the exact same issue with the exact same device yesterday, I damaged a trace on the donor ic from an iPhone 8 as they're underfilled and the customer wouldn't wait for a replacement chip. so I'm expecting a bad review at some point soon.......Life!
@josephking65155 жыл бұрын
13:04 You are going to have to improve your fixing talk Jason. You appear to begin to waffle at this time. :) A person who never makes a mistake never learns anything. In this reballing lesson, many people have gained experience from your _tutorial_ . This was a clever thing to do because nobody watching this will ever make your deliberate mistake on their work.
@chuckledude19833 жыл бұрын
So obsessed with the word "balls" 😂
@babekehmedov603311 ай бұрын
Jason, you're not doing some things right, it might make things a little harder for you, but it's good that you found the problem.
@pldaniels5 жыл бұрын
I can't believe you revealed your $$$ secret about the iPhone X :-o
@ststele5 жыл бұрын
I learned about them a few weeks ago when Larry posted this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWelkJqmpbasga8 It's easy to not know they are there even if one is doing these repairs successfully.
@MrPnew15 жыл бұрын
@@ststele 8min32sec don't mention the spacers. Opps Larry let the cat out of the bag 😁
@billymasnabunaiya78314 жыл бұрын
Sir my iphone x can be a charger, but can't recovery mode what is the solution?
@peteremanuel96475 жыл бұрын
Do you work on Android phones and if you do would like to see more Android fix video as well
@rasoulkhajavi91364 жыл бұрын
Aren't those spacers of yours, magnets? I think tiny magnets can be used to hold the boards together
@onmywayforever31795 жыл бұрын
Can you make a video about data recovery with an iPhone model you haven't repaired in your videos yet?
@microsoldergeek5 жыл бұрын
bloopers on ic reball , nice one
@PlanB-37512 жыл бұрын
You need low melting point tomato sauce 😀👍 Cheers.
@cormacpyper5 жыл бұрын
Great video Jason thx !
@toto6toto4 жыл бұрын
🤣🤣🤣🤣 i laught after the drumroll. 🤣🤣🤣
@Vidya19395 жыл бұрын
Congretulation , nice job.tks for video
@danieleangelini62385 жыл бұрын
Great Jason!
@wingsapplefix33523 жыл бұрын
Your setup tour
@cryidis98185 жыл бұрын
Hey hey ur back 👋
@Jefedekicks5 жыл бұрын
15:14 I’m going to cut it right against these balls just cut them off nice and flat 😂
@nathanokun88013 жыл бұрын
Don't knock yourself for occasional stupidity. I am a retired Computer Engineer and programmer. I got a job once where a software fix patch put in by another programmer had been found to be intermittent and needed to be redone. I got the job. I fixed the main problem and then noticed that there was another problem in that he had written a conversion subroutine that took external numeric signals -- a course signal and a corrective fine-tune signal -- and changed them to a single combined fine-tuned value in the program using the values. It did not match the generic subroutine used for that conversion everywhere else. I tried to fix his conversion subroutine and spent about an hour trying to get it to run properly for all possible inputs. but it would not. I then realized that all I had to do was REPLACE his kluge with the generic one, which always worked perfectly, and to hell with his nonsense. I wasted an entire hour of my life on something that should have been obvious within a minute. Now THAT is stupid!