Piicodev Ultrasonic Sensor detachment

Hi,

Following the unfortunate incident of my computer bag being trampled on with a Piicodev Ultrasonic sensor inside, the female headers were ripped off the PCB. The sensor itself is fine and can easily be pulled out of the headers, so it is in theory an easy fix; purchase a new row of headers and resolder them to the PCB. However, I am no expert in soldering, let alone small surface mounting jobs, and I would appreciate any guidance anybody would be able to provide.

See the image below:

Cheers.

1 Like

Something like this could be used, just bend the pins to the correct sides and trim them if necessary. Bending the pin once should be ok, more than once they can break.

The remains of the pins on the PCB will have to be carefully removed. You might get them to lift off with a solder blob or soder-wick braid.

Using a magnifying head set would be a good idea to see close up. I bought one of these years ago and it has proved very successful. The light is more of a gimmick because it is not bright enough.

https://www.jaycar.com.au/led-headband-magnifier/p/QM3511

Once the pads are nice an clean, I would apply solder to them, just small amount and then solder to the pins of the connector.
Once all 4 are done place the connector on the board and touch the soldering iron to the connector pin and pad, one second should be enough for the solder to melt and bond together. Something that can hold the PCB still would be a good idea.
This is not the ideal way to do it but you need about 4 hands to hold it all together properly. The best way is to apply the iron then a little solder as the connector is sitting on the pad.

A temperature controlled soldering iron with the smallest tip you can find is best for this work. Better still would be a surface mounting solder station if you can get access to one and know how to use it.
The trick with soldering is time, only heat as long as you need, too much heat can destroy things, too little makes a poor joint. When you see the solder flow nicely it is time to remove the iron and hold the parts without moving them for a few seconds while the solder sets.

I have a jig that could hold both parts together; then I can use the iron and solder easily.
But it cost about $400.

Of course you just could buy a new sensor but where is the fun in that.

Regards
Jim

2 Likes

RIP! :anguished:

@James46717 has you covered here - but one thing I would like to point out is that there may be a pad that has lifted which could complicate the repair

image

In this light, it looks like the Echo pin pad has been lifted. If that’s the case, you can try scraping some of the solder mask off the trace and soldering to that instead.

3 Likes

I think it will be less risky if you just buy a new one…

1 Like