Crazy Repair on this expensive device. 24 broken traces. Anritsu Spectrum Analyzer MS2721B

Spectrum Analyzer MS2721B Broken connector with 24 missing pads restoration and repair.
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[@NorthridgeFix]

Check out Kevin's follow up video re-enforcing the connector, re-assembling and testing the unit kzbin.info/www/bejne/e33PioV6eM-qd9E

[@riva2443]

You are truly talented i wanted to ask you why don't you start with the UV mask first that way you can put the new pads down while the UV mask cures

[@yoops66]

42:21 I like your smile telling that. 😄

[@lauralgonzalez90]

Where do you get schematics for like game consoles? I'm looking to learn and repair my Nintendo switch and Xbox power button problem?

[@jasonthewiczman5442]

It's knowing circuitry boards traces - Solding - I have always liked fixing electronics- it's visual inspection - I learned about this as a hobby

[@fergulus2]

I'm a hardware engineer who designs boards like these for a living, and watching your videos has really helped me see manufacturing errors that we can solve at the connector and PCB level, so they would never get to a rework desk. I've been astounded by some of the repairs you've done when we would have written off a £5k motherboard completely for the same fault. I'm very impressed with your work and the equipment that you use to bring life to dead boards.

[@SpontaneityJD]

Your job is very impressive.. Wish I could understand boards that well

[@jcarrasquillopr]

Surface mount is amazing but I hate surface mount connectors because this same situation

[@emmanuelgarcia4483]

2222222

[@vmiguel1988]

Those traces are unnecessary thin, this all could be avoided with better connector and thicker traces

[@antoninodimalta9202]

Well you're a threat to him lmao

[@neonkev7866]

Hi Alex, this is Kevin (the customer for this board). Amazing work! I knew this would be a challenging repair, but I know you are also bold and not afraid to give it a shot. As someone who also does repair work, it is the challenges that make us better and more skilled. I can do a follow up video when I receive the board of installing it in the unit and trying it out!

[@infernus6278]

Please secure that connector with some hot glue or similar, slight movement and it will be ripped again

[@BrokenSymmetryBand]

beware there is not much holding that connector onto the PCB, careful if you remove the connector again, to not rip off those fine traces

[@windowsxpprofessional]

Can you tell me how small those pads are using a scale :)

[@JohnSmith-lf8kg]

Please do the video. I would like to see it working. 😊👍

[@neonkev7866]

I will definitely add some adhesive to ends of the connector so it does not move. Strange design choice by Anritsu since this connector is also mechanical and connects to the instrument front panel, which can take some impacts in normal use.

[@hctrbates]

Hi Alex, I'm a hardware engineer who currently works at Anritsu on these products and it was definitely surprised to see you resurrect this board. I used to actually oversee this exact product in manufacturing and if someone had shown me that damage we would have scrapped the board immediately! We did obsolete this product in the past couple years so you are right that you cant buy it directly anymore. We have 2 new products that replace it, our MS2090A flagship higher frequency Spectrum analyzer and the new MS2080A which just launched this past month (and I designed half of it!) Hector

[@GoonyMclinux]

I like the AM/FM demodulation on those, good idea.

[@CL-yp1bs]

Please add some anchor points on connectors like these. I know its not always possible to do through hole anchor points (although I would try to move some traces so you can) at least get some large surface mount anchor points.... just something... this connector has no anchor points for strain relief, all of the strain is on the pads.

[@mcshamus6849]

I just wanted to thank you for your videos. I was a chef for 20+ years until I nearly broke my back. A 42 year old crippled ex chef doesn't have many career options in this world, but mostly thanks to your videos I am now semi-competent at soldering repairs and actually making money.

[@Krmpfpks]

That’s great, you’re doing something good for the world - although it’s a tough job with many customers not knowing what goes into such a repair.

[@larkop6504]

Wish you the best of luck, I'm only starting that journey thanks to forced medication. As men we need purpose for our self respect. Hope it works out for you.

[@tbag6600]

Alex has to be one of the absolute best at this stuff. He makes it look so easy...makes me think I could do it myself. knowing damn well i would destroy whatever i touched.

[@robdom91]

I've never heard of any repair technician taking on such delicate work. Where I live, 100% of repair shops would tell me to throw that board far away with my eyes closed. You do some pretty amazing work! I would not believe it if I didn't see it with my own eyes.

[@charanko2971]

WOW! Nothing short of a master class. I don't think the factory could fix this.

[@davepowder4020]

I didn't realize that I'd be massively interested in a motherboard manual fix today. That wasn't on my list for Saturday activity. But here I am and I loved watching the whole thing!

[@predatortheme]

The fact you even went along on that clusterfuck is insane and shows real skill and patience.

[@Scardaddy]

24 pads, Alex you are a champion. Thank you for recording the video and all the effort it is awesome watching you work.

[@reallauradee]

This was rather hypnotizing. I'm supposed to be studying but I lost track of time watching you replacing traces. I love these videos, makes me want to learn how to do this.

[@ThisIS_Insane]

Lots of science involved along with that! 🤓😎🥸

[@tisme1105]

Saw the 19 missing pad video. This requires an even higher skill bar than that one. Sure you wanted to fix for the customer - but I think part of you did this for the challenge and the video. Epic work my friend.

[@BlazenWinchester]

Absolutely! The challenge is what drives electronic technicians to undertake the near impossible. Alex had a snarky smirk when he was successful with the SSD. He was very pleased with himself and rightly so. Some say we have huge ego's, others that have realized our experience understand that we know things. When tech's, like Alex speak, people should listen if they want to learn something.

[@Lougardeixion]

It will be interesting if the costumer could confirm here in the comments if the fix worked out. Amazing job Alex!

[@neonkev7866]

Sure, I will make a follow up video when I recieve the board.

[@moodyghannam5156]

@@neonkev7866 Was it your board?

[@COAG-]

yoo Brasileiro admirando belo conteúdo! felicidade! hauhsus esse Alex é demais

[@virgildeklerk]

I was watching this one and it is really amazing how freaking good you are working under a microscope. Wish you all the best for the shop and the business. Your experiance is worth so much so the customers better pay that money for the awesome job you do.

[@sefyuyussuf1981]

Me too i wish all the best to sir alex. Dv lotery is going on. If we are , northridgefix will be the 1st place to land. You are ronaldo of fix. Soccer fan knows what i am saying

[@bobert4522]

Insane repair, I've done things like these and learned very on in my hobby/semi-business that it just isn't worth the money for 99% of the things that people want repaired. Often times I just repair things at a standard rate because I'm bored and enjoy helping people out. Had a hot tub PCB I repaired for a client that was maybe worth $4-500 and required extensive tant re-capping. I did the whole thing for maybe $100 but it took several hours. In the end I made a friend and enjoyed learning the board. Of course if I wasn't doing this business on the side it would be a different story.

[@BlazenWinchester]

I agree. I did a friend a solid when I was younger starting out, charged him nothing, but my pay was experience, which in itself is the most valuable thing you can gain.

[@mortenwallinjensen]

Thats how it goes. You spend hours and days and get a bottle of wine.

[@himanshuagarwal7578]

You're really a brilliant person. Love from India 🇮🇳

[@An_Onion]

I recently did my first repair with the pad strips I bought from you back in like July. You make it look so effortless but I had to practice a lot before I could replace pads that small. You're a rock star, balls-to-the-wall soldering god, my dude.

[@BlazenWinchester]

Hes very skilled and def one of the top guys Ive watched. I'd like to know his back story how he grew up and got into electronics. Maybe he was a standup comedian before he got a bench.

[@alxandrjw]

I love that you approach things with a business sense and not just showcasing your skills.

[@BlazenWinchester]

I love his side jokes.

[@daveb7999]

Nice job Alex! Nice to see the follow-up video where Kevin shows it working as designed. Always great to see damaged equipment running again. Thanks for sharing the repair!

[@NeoGhk]

Knowledge is power, and you have the knowledge. Bringing a new life to a dead board. Excellent work man.

[@sharfazhameed6382]

Well done Alex. Beautiful job as always.

[@ztechrepairs]

WOW! Great job Alex. Your patience and skill are inspirational!

[@BlazenWinchester]

He is an inspiration, he does have a magic wand, actually many - they are the tools of his trade.

[@DaveNorthWest]

How did I get recommended this channel this is awesome! I seriously feel like a VIP geniuses videos for watching this

[@blugoose86]

Working with the pads I purchased from you, I was having difficulty removing them from the card. I just noticed for the first time that you added alcohol to the card first. Thanks, why didn't I think of that? Plus you make these trace and pad repairs look so easy. It's unbelievable how hard it is when you are first starting out. Patience and determination will prevail. I'm now twice as good today, as I was yesterday! Thanks Alex. You ARE the best!!

[@MrIsma75]

Indeed a crazy repair, brilliant work bro as always

[@stevenpompilha]

Your skills are amazing. I Always watch your videos. Watching and learning as always!

[@andrewlisenby9693]

Alex, from what I've seen, you're an honest man. Your skill is exceptional. I would trust you to repair my most prized electronic device.

[@johnwick7175]

You are an absolute madman for taking on this challenge. Great job. 😎

[@windowsxpprofessional]

So true about India's $2 price🤣 I was dying Outta laughter on that one. Everything is so cheap except for imported stuff.

[@Induratize2]

You know for a second I was like "Why isn't he zooming in on the traces" and then I realized he already was.

[@maverickhornet4057]

i like when alex making a joke while repairing, it make me smile while watching him. good job as always

[@BlazenWinchester]

Your typical stand up comedian with a soldering gun in his pocket.

[@williamkelley7654]

Your unapologetic tone is refreshing, it's nice to hear someone actually say what they mean. Awesome content!

[@720MotorWorks]

This repair was absolutely insane. I admire the kind of work you do, you are a soldering wizard

[@Lons88205]

I've been following your work on and off for a few years and the one thing that I'd like to see more of is a "size comparison" to something we "regular" people can compare it too. Because I don't think any of us can appreciate how small the area you are working on and how much you need a steady hand on! This is to actually see how hard your work is! Because, with all your equipment, this shit look easy! BUT I know for a fact, not everyone is cut out for it! I know, I've tried different types of welding....I just can't, my hands shake too much for different kinds of welding, Keep up the good work and keep posting videos! I wish you all the best! From Sweden!

[@Cleofizoid]

100% no shaking. It's amazing.

[@joshua199628]

Everytime i see a new vid uploaded from this channel, i somewhat get excited to see more precision repairs ! 😄

[@indreksillamaa-ix6fl]

You are the Wizard of OZ - doing the impossible job!It is incredeble to see how you are doing it, thank you for sharing this stuff with us!

[@arboclimber]

Yet another awesome informative video, I`m in awe of your skills and equipment, and for you to take time to spread your wisdom and knowledge is greatly received,. i have always been interested in electronics gadgets etc, i watched all your videos just to learn. i dont do repairs but its great to have your site to understand how things work. i wish you well for the future, keep up the great work.

[@bricewillous503]

Sometimes electronic is like watchmaking ! Impressive work, we can see both talent and experience in this video. Love it ! Keep going bro !

[@DarkTranquility77]

One of the best videos I've ever seen. What a fantastic job. Your a genius man.

[@argeeman]

You literally have golden hands! Alex. I hope Kevin will send you a video of the installation and show it to us

[@dondywondy]

I love watching these repairs but WOW the commentary is LEGENDARY! Also: You are definitely a MASTER at these microscopic repairs. I did not realize just how small those traces were until I saw the connector you were working on without magnification. Those traces must be smaller than a hair!

[@Aepek]

Great job on that connector & glad did for customer as not many places will do these kinds of repairs. Also extremely smart for customer to include that donor board, & if others would do the same in certain applications; things would be a bit better on jobs like this…..as it’s a difference of attempting repair vs NOPE not doing😉 Really liking new V2 microscope & when save up enough will definitely upgrade my current setup, as tired of using “binocular” microscope as get eye fatigue & migraines from neck cramping etc…. & like how explained why use display vs sitting over & looking thru microscope every day; & now agree w/ you! Thx & cheers✌🏻

[@BlazenWinchester]

I agree on the neck cramps. Upgrading the skill set and tools will always pay for itself.

[@resoursa]

Sooooo nice music used, we need more videos like this! Thank you Alex!

[@lantheman3858]

This repair was like watching a thriller movie. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

[@ladislavbeno6075]

I think that to clean the flux (17:59), it would be better to spray it with isopropyl (shower) than to clean it with a brush. (Flux will flow to places where it can be removed with a brush)

[@Vortagon84]

I wanted to say it too. Spray it with cleaning solution until flux dissolves.

[@dizzythakidd7350]

bro this guy said he is the best repair man out there and no one should do the stuff he does because he is more qualified then other guys lol so dont tell him how to do his job lamo

[@jonasduell9953]

put an clean room lintfree wipe on it, douse in IPA, tap from the top to soak up the dissolved flux... no need for spraying anything or just a quick IPA submersion and 10min on a 50°C hotplate

[@blackrifle6736]

@@jonasduell9953 *Nailed it. Cheers!*

[@blackrifle6736]

@@dizzythakidd7350 *Simp or wise ass? Either way, hold your advice until you've done about a thousand of these in an ISO Lab across ~20 years.*

[@giedrius6726]

New record off fixing broken 24 traces amazing job alex

[@leosamer1118]

تحياتي لك احلى ابو شباب متابعه معك من 3 سنين تحيه لك من فلسطين غزه

[@nixxonnor]

That repair looked like a pretty quick fix. It didn't take long at all :)

[@BlazenWinchester]

your right, it actually did not. The challenge was in the skill required to know what needed done and done efficiently.

[@vladimirpopoviclipovac9689]

Would it be practical, maybe to advise the customer to add some kind of adhesive to the sides of the connector, to further rip-proof it, since it is holding on a fewer pads?

[@bootstrapjesse]

That's awesome man. Watched from beginning to end! Thanks.

[@jamesmaddox40]

Awesome to see traces to put back on the board. I used to make these circuit boards for Siemens, General Electric in 1985 in Lynchburg, Virginia and to watch the repairs is such a joy.

[@leibfriedwolfgang9155]

It's a amazing job 🤯! Sometimes it will be nice to put a ruler to show the the real size,I think a lot of people can't imagine how small the conductor tracks really are. Sincerely, Wolfgang

[@BlazenWinchester]

a microminiature millimeter ruler laying on an smd board would indicate size. The smaller components are 1/8watt and maybe smaller and are around 1/8" long. To the naked eye, the traces looks like hairs.

[@craigescapeddetroit5198]

Bravo. Great job, greater skills, and a fantastic attitude with good humor.

[@victornjiru5726]

Amazing work❤️with love from Kenya🇰🇪

[@Xydail]

For that stuff I would use Circuitworks Epoxy Overcoat. Its a lot more expensive as UV solder mask but you can actually repair ripped pads for mechanical stability.

[@chrisdehart2889]

Yeah, and good luck repairing that fix ever again. But I will agree that the plug needs some mechanical support.

[@devanshudwivedi5875]

Electronics engineering student here. Yeah those spectrum analysers don't come cheap. Primary reason for them being expensive is that most of them are made to order and don't come out of the box. They are also very precise which is a requirement when testing the frequency response of a circuit.

[@BlazenWinchester]

thus the small traces to prevent transmission of noise interfering with the RF input and calculations.

[@EgemenErdogan]

Thanks to all your knowledge, and wisdom. Greetings from Turkey.

[@tweaker1968]

That is some next level surgery... Nice work!

[@SubjectiveFunny]

Worked with spectrum analyzers when I was a telecoms engineers. Those things can cost tens of thousands...

[@IndependentRepair]

I am from India.I can understand USA is expensive.also why people throw the electronic in usa insted of repair because repair will expensive.

[@anandsaravanan8732]

10yrs of expertise in a single video. 💯

[@earlygamer9106]

That’s some crazy precision work over there 💯💯💯

[@Druid_Plow]

With so many repairs, I would have been adding the uv mask after every 3-4 pads. May take a little longer, but it will make the overall process just a little bit easier, taking away some of the risk to cause further damage.

[@BryantAvant]

Customer is going to have to be super careful plugging it back in. That was a delicate connector when it had all the original pads.

[@trym2121]

Probably one time plug. The second it need to be replugged, that's gonna be a mission impossible level job

[@dizzythakidd7350]

why ?

[@vicrod74]

Amazing work Alex! Recovering those pads is not easy. My salute to you for showing us those challenges.

[@randomlyselecteduser]

This fix gave me heartburn. lol Good job!

[@8546Ken]

I would like to see how well the connector remained attached when the cable was plugged in. I worked at one company where we did some intricate reworks done with many #32 wires. We had women who were skilled at doing it.

[@wouterjanssens]

That's a hell of a repair. It's strange they didn't lock the connector better in place in production, like extra support or some glue maybe? A connector should be able to take some force.

[@campkohler9131]

Totally agree! It is far better to prevent the problem in the first place. Maybe there should be a standard that requires the different kinds of components withstand the forces that they must stand up to in their intended environment instead of just hoping that everyone involved with the product will be extra careful forever. Sure they will

[@BlazenWinchester]

@@campkohler9131 right, some connectors have silicone around them for stability.

[@stephennidds565]

Incredible work Sir. I wish you ever success in the future. I look forward to watching many more videos from you 🙏

[@Byteme34]

This video is bear licensed and UV approved. I love it, phenomenal craftmanship. 🐻😎🕶🔌

[@TerryLawrence001]

Anritsu MS2721B Spectrum Analyzers 3GHz - 13GHz - Price: $18,445 (New) or $5,200 - Used

[@XBOT2.0]

39:52 in 2$ you will get fixed your device but the man always forget to put the total screw on the device and this happens every time

[@magorzatat96]

This worked incredibly well! I can finally play it thanks

[@overkillx7]

You are a straight GANGSTER man. AmAZING work!!!

[@campkohler9131]

Instead of soldering in some problem cases, perhaps another technique would be to use conductive epoxy to connect to traces. If CE were to be placed on a very narrow trace, the bare board surrounding the trace would increase the area of adhesion and the likelihood of a robust connection increased. Once wires were attached to the CE, you would have a flying lead of sorts that could lead to the actual component instead of mounting the component directly to the board as originally designed. This might be ugly, but having the component (connector, etc.) on a robust (clear epoxy covered?) flying lead might be more easier to work with than some tenuous solder joints to the board. So, if there is no other mechanical restriction, such as the connector is used as an interboard connection, maybe a flying lead "mounting" could be an option. The question in my mind is do they make a CE that will adhere to board traces and pads and, say, vias? I don't know. This idea is just a theoretical technique.

[@dark_mode]

41:54 Yeah to Israel and Ukraine

[@sivaromar4371]

Great repair Alex keep up the good work!

[@MuZ1777]

The best at work is all I can say, You are gifted my friend, and on this vid --- LOVE the music background lol...... Im a musician and it brought a smile on my face when the music started....... Keep up the Fantastical Good Excellent Caring Patience Tedious Work that your doing, it is very much so appreciated.... it must be a joy to send a needed repair and then see it repaired on youtube. Great platform.

[@prue420]

Why not look at the donor board and see what's wrong with that one, maybe a easier fix.

[@nigelfewster]

Without knowing the fault on the donor board and being unable to test it you would be working blind. The customer also only requested the connector be transferred so you would be undertaking work that was not requested so you can’t charge for that. Time is money you can’t do work you aren’t being paid for you will go out of business.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Thanks for the video and the tip on the replaceable circuit traces. I've always used extremely thin wire, but those traces appeared to have more surface contact area.. After the connector was soldered on I'd probably glue the connector to the circuit board to make it less likely to be torn off again.

[@gizmosk2996]

That funny paradox when your microscope has better picture than your normal camera... :)

[@SimjetAU]

Alex....dude you are a legend. I can not believe that you just rescued a unrescuable job

[@adobo1976]

You have incredible skill and I have much respect for the work you do.

[@ziaddassoum]

That's a Robotic Surgery ! Well done Alex, superb work as always.

[@fredericomacias5547]

WOW, you don't disapoint! Keep doing as your best!

[@tuyau2poil802]

Whaou ! j'adore ta façon de parler, et ta franchise !!!! bravo

[@LumpyFPV]

That was insane, awesome video my man.

[@Tugolandia]

I'm addicted to these videos. So great!!!!

[@John-McAfee]

You and Louis Rossmann are top notch lads.

[@kevinm3751]

The UV light story reminds me of a fool that complained on a welding video I was watching and told the guy he was going to sue him for exposing him to the welding when they filmed him welding a part and this moron actually thought the light coming through his monitor was some how the same intensity as the actual weld light. Blows me away but yes they do walk among us!

[@JohnSmith-lf8kg]

The videos of solar eclipse as well. 😂

[@frazer26]

I just finished watching Chernobyl and now iv 6 fingers on both hands

[@BlazenWinchester]

@@frazer26 Quit that or Alex will make fun of you in a future video.

[@chongtak]

When you showed us the UV light, I paused the video, zoomed and enjoyed free UV for a sun tan. Thank you Alex.

[@dcgraphics3543]

crazy repair indeed,. Im from Philippines if i was the one who do the job, i'll charge the customer maybe 10-20USD or 600 to 1200PHP, that's a hell of a job..

[@sangam413]

Really your crazy man....now word for your work ...happy to watch your videos..

[@richiebob2015]

One of the best video's i have watched from yous, learned alot :)

[@justanotheerampart]

These reconstruction pad videos are my favourite by far.

[@demeto.1749]

In Germany we have Coke PET bottles with „100% Recycled“ label, you should become the same label for Electronics 👍 Respect for your work !

[@thehobe2111]

Very interesting work and video. I used to work under the microscope as an Analog Design engineer analyzing IC chip functions and repairs to the designs. You have to have very steady hands for this work.

[@bigmike8073]

Your videos are so satisfying. Thank you

[@frank101ization]

I repair in England, I found a spray works wonders for cleaning delicate areas like that, good work