i think my favorite part about watching you is how you are still amazed when u fix something. You are a true artist. Not arrogant or cocky like some people. i truly enjoy watching your videos every morning before going to work. i fix cell phone screens and build pcs. Nothing nearly as small as you do. But the relaxation and satisfaction of watching you helps make my day that much better.
If this weren't a Switch Lite, you'd want to test the TV connection to make sure the hidden pads were soldered properly. The fact that it charges means that the CC2 pad was connected okay. If a USB controller works with the cable going either way, then it means the extra D+/D- pads were connected okay. The pads with the thick traces are redundant power and ground connections; they help distribute the charging current so that contacts are less likely to heat up and carbonize (like happens with a Lightning connector).
Actual art! A Beautiful repair! People often don't realize how tiny these parts are but you gave it a good perspective in this one with how little solder mask you needed to cover the pins. This one has me laughing at all the little quips as well. Amazing work!
Agree 100%, Alex. My NF scope has been an integral part of my business. All products that have been purchased through NF are utilized and have proven themselves over and over. Thank you for making this channel available and for providing the necessary, "quality", products/equipment. Have a restful Sunday, my friend!
Still new to the micro-soldering scene, just started a bit over a year ago, always been about tech repairs but this is new to me, loving it so far and your videos are a HUGE help from all sorts of devices (mainly the consoles and laptops because that's what I repair where I work) but I watch a lot of them anyway just for the general experience and knowledge. Keep the awesome videos coming, I'll stay tuned in!
It's not nearly enough to have all the nice tools Alex have - it still looks easy watching him doing it, and you can be sure that it will take you an incredible longer time than that to achieve something workable at best. You need good tools, but you also need a lot of hand control and support techniques to achieve what Alex shows in this video... Well done, Alex!
I started my job working soldering for satellite/spatial technology and this channel is a hidden gem for me. Thanks for the video you are fr an inspiration, not just the knowledge but the technique is really sharp
Watching your videos has inspired me. I recently successfully repaired my broken USB ports on my PC motherboard. 2 of the ports got damaged when my PC got pushed up against the wall. I managed to remove the old bent ports and solder in 2 new ports. I would never have attempted it without watching your vids. Now I kind of wish I had another similar thing to work on.
Your smile when you fix something reminds me when I fix "software" as a system engineer, this denote how much you love fix things. I feel you, I love you
Can never get enough of watching Northridge videos. Highly educational as well as entertaining. Insane soldering skills. I was in the trade for more than 40 years and would have been more than happy to have possessed 50% of his technique. I've retired now but am happy to "get my fix" by watching a small part of Alex's workday.
Well, the Amtech label lists an expiry date for the flux. So when I first started to use it, I was a bit wary about this. The flux I am currently using has expired more than a year ago. No worries at all. Works perfectly. I don’t use a lot, as I just do some hobby stuff.
*Indeed so. Flux is forever. Some adhesives, coatings and sealants (ACS) require refrigeration. I have 20 year old Dow silicone sealants and 3M epoxies that still meet in-use spec because they're stored
I had some 10 year expired weller flux that the oils had seperated out of in the case I just heated it all up with a heat gun and mixed it all back together still using that flux lmao
that's gotta be satisfying casually diagnosing and fixing complex problems like that. I'm thinking about teaching myself how to do electronic repair, i'd love to be able to fix my own hardware and be confident in doing so.
I ❤ the commentary bro: "Your mother calls...press & hold. A robber comes in...press & hold." 🤣🤣🤣 I love it all! In all seriousness, I wish I could come be your apprentice - no joke 🙂 You got some great skills! ✌️
Viewers: "Can you go over your tools?" NRF: "I go over my tools every day." Seriously, you have to wonder of those asking that question ever watched a video in whole.
Alex always smiles at end of fix job, and always says we did it, all us viewers ever did was watch , and yes probably learned something. But factually its Alex who did it.
Hi Alex, whenever you burn your finger just put heat sink compound, that is if the burn is superficial. I tried it several times and it works like magic
You do realise this is your fault, don't you? You make all these types of repairs look so easy that some people think they can do it themselves 🤣 I had to resolder most of the amplifier board on my Sony Theatre unit (dry joints) but I've been soldering for a few years so felt confident. Been working for three years so must have done it right.
On a Switch Lite, this was a waste of time. The Lite does not output Video to a docking station, the USB-C connector is only used for charging. As long as at least one row of pads/pins is intact, the console would still be able to charge. Worst outcome would be charging only when the plug is inserted the "right" way - 50/50 chance, no big deal.
My son has autism and loves his Nintendo switch. You'd be a superhero in his eyes if you ever saved his Nintendo switch saves and pictures. Keep up the great work and being a superhero even when you don't know you're being one.
Would it be harder to work (will waste more time ?) if you make a stand for the soldering iron, that get go in x,y,z coordinates like a 3D printer. Lets say if your hands are shaking or if you want to work on really small things?
my hands are shaking pretty bad sometimes, however after practicing it becomes easier and you can focus better. Creating a stand is not practical from multiple points of view (for example look at how pads are soldered, you couldn't do that with a machine).
It would be a lot harder to work as some times we not only need translation, but we also need rotation of the soldering iron (e.g to avoid touching nearby components). Not to mention this system would not work good in case we need to touch slightly then put the soldering tip away (e.g removing solder blob or accidentally touched the wrong component and need to put the iron away instantly).
You'd want a work environment where you can rest your hands on a solid surface rather than holding them in the air. Having clamps to hold the piece being worked on would also be important. At the same time, you'd need to be able to easily turn the piece around like you saw in this video. You could also possibly use a tool rest that will allow you to balance the soldering iron (for instance) on it while pivoting it to move it around. It will be a compromise between limiting the unwanted mobility of the tool while still allowing for the wanted mobility. In general, though, the trick is to do the necessary fine movements using just your fingers, not your hand or arm, which should be resting solidly.
you are a master. i'm not annoyed when u keep talking about your product in fact im witch i can come to your shop take a selfie with u and buy some of your products. (but i'm to far . Hamburg)
Working with these super small components is extremely difficult, and takes a level of skill that most including myself (even with the right tools) do not have.
You must keep Amtech flux out of the light as its made from vampires blood. That why it's bubbles and evaporates when the soldering iron touches it, it's like the sun hitting Dracula.
Alex where did you get that USB-C port for the Switch Lite? Or did you use the one for the regular switch and ground the excess lip off? I wish you sold both ports as some of us would rather pay the extra bucks to get the exact part. Cheers.
Another great video Alex, thank you. I wonder if you could expand on what settings you use on your hot air in various situations, but especially when there's ground plans to be soldered under the chip. I have the same Atten hot air gun, and have been practicing on surface mount practice boards. I fried them, but when i turn drown the heat then the solder doesn't melt. I do keep the nozzle moving. I tried chip resistors (0603), lots of flux, air at 30% and 450 deg F. Fried the board badly. Thanks!
He discusses in his other videos why he has fixed fees instead of time-based fees. You're paying for the experience, not the time. Just like you're paying Nintendo for their development costs (among other things), not just the bill-of-materials of the hardware.
I wish there were 100 new NF videos every week but what can you do. Maybe I will watch each video first with my eyes closed and then watch it again with eyes open.
Alex, i notice when you restore missing pads that you do not place the larger end of the pad strip on the missing pad, instead using the thin legs. Is there any particular reason or is it because its just worked for years?
*you can see that actual JOY in your face when you get the device working. Truly someone who loves what they do!!!!!!!*
Well after spending several hours, I'd be smiling too. lol
i think my favorite part about watching you is how you are still amazed when u fix something. You are a true artist. Not arrogant or cocky like some people. i truly enjoy watching your videos every morning before going to work. i fix cell phone screens and build pcs. Nothing nearly as small as you do. But the relaxation and satisfaction of watching you helps make my day that much better.
Thats why I liie him best 😻
Some of these jobs I wish we could see the customer's reaction when they receive their device back after an impossible fix
I agree honestly for people like us that watch these videos you could make it into a whole series really
I sent my Asus F15 FX506 15.6, it's a cpu related problem. No fix. My reaction 😮😢.
"It's just a charger port bro"
If this weren't a Switch Lite, you'd want to test the TV connection to make sure the hidden pads were soldered properly. The fact that it charges means that the CC2 pad was connected okay. If a USB controller works with the cable going either way, then it means the extra D+/D- pads were connected okay. The pads with the thick traces are redundant power and ground connections; they help distribute the charging current so that contacts are less likely to heat up and carbonize (like happens with a Lightning connector).
Actual art! A Beautiful repair! People often don't realize how tiny these parts are but you gave it a good perspective in this one with how little solder mask you needed to cover the pins. This one has me laughing at all the little quips as well. Amazing work!
Agree 100%, Alex. My NF scope has been an integral part of my business. All products that have been purchased through NF are utilized and have proven themselves over and over. Thank you for making this channel available and for providing the necessary, "quality", products/equipment. Have a restful Sunday, my friend!
Still new to the micro-soldering scene, just started a bit over a year ago, always been about tech repairs but this is new to me, loving it so far and your videos are a HUGE help from all sorts of devices (mainly the consoles and laptops because that's what I repair where I work) but I watch a lot of them anyway just for the general experience and knowledge.
Keep the awesome videos coming, I'll stay tuned in!
It's not nearly enough to have all the nice tools Alex have - it still looks easy watching him doing it, and you can be sure that it will take you an incredible longer time than that to achieve something workable at best. You need good tools, but you also need a lot of hand control and support techniques to achieve what Alex shows in this video...
Well done, Alex!
Very impressive work sir. A magician could not repair any better.
That’s awesome work what you did… Amazing…. Better than Factory is scientific fact 💯. 😊
I started my job working soldering for satellite/spatial technology and this channel is a hidden gem for me. Thanks for the video you are fr an inspiration, not just the knowledge but the technique is really sharp
Watching your videos has inspired me. I recently successfully repaired my broken USB ports on my PC motherboard. 2 of the ports got damaged when my PC got pushed up against the wall. I managed to remove the old bent ports and solder in 2 new ports. I would never have attempted it without watching your vids. Now I kind of wish I had another similar thing to work on.
You are my favorite person on the internet! I love watching you work. You are right. It truly is art! And you're very funny. 🤣🤣
Your smile when you fix something reminds me when I fix "software" as a system engineer, this denote how much you love fix things. I feel you, I love you
I'm very satisfied with all your products. I fired up the lot of them this week and they all work great. Microscope and the nf. mini pen are amazing.
Seeing Alex with a happy face when he got the 9volts shows how much he loves getting that fix.
At first instead of fix I saw flux.fix or Flux he lovesssss to do both
Can never get enough of watching Northridge videos. Highly educational as well as entertaining. Insane soldering skills. I was in the trade for more than 40 years and would have been more than happy to have possessed 50% of his technique. I've retired now but am happy to "get my fix" by watching a small part of Alex's workday.
Well, the Amtech label lists an expiry date for the flux. So when I first started to use it, I was a bit wary about this. The flux I am currently using has expired more than a year ago. No worries at all. Works perfectly. I don’t use a lot, as I just do some hobby stuff.
*Indeed so. Flux is forever. Some adhesives, coatings and sealants (ACS) require refrigeration. I have 20 year old Dow silicone sealants and 3M epoxies that still meet in-use spec because they're stored
3:36 Flux lasts forever. no need to store in the fridge. keep it in room temperature
I had some 10 year expired weller flux that the oils had seperated out of in the case I just heated it all up with a heat gun and mixed it all back together still using that flux lmao
That smile in the end only the ones that do what they like will understand ! Great job ! 👌
I love your obvious satisfaction at repairing these devices. Too many techs don't have your passion.
I just want to say thanks for all this information, I watch all your videos and learn something new every time.👏🙏
Really amazing to see how skilled you work on such tiny levels. As a modelbuilder I know how hard this stuff can be ! 👍
that's gotta be satisfying casually diagnosing and fixing complex problems like that.
I'm thinking about teaching myself how to do electronic repair, i'd love to be able to fix my own hardware and be confident in doing so.
I always keep the flux in the fridge, it simply tastes better when cold.
😂❤
Excellent video. Better than factory.. what yu did in that connector was ART...❤❤
I fixed my HomePod tonight THANKS TO YOU ALEX ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. A shorted diode
Excellent work. Those pad strips (in the right hands) are amazing. Oh and yes, definitely need an anti-glare light!
I went to tech school in the 80’s….circuits were not microscopic yet and tv’s still had tubes.
The best switch fix I've seen so far, love it and learnt something along the way
Thanks Alex for sharing your knowledge, I ordered some items from your store to show my support for your channel. Until you post again take care.
I love your charisma and your enthusiasm to your work! I'm so glad I subbed!
Love it Alex great commentary! And yet another great fix your skills are unmatched my friend 🏴
My purchases will be coming next year as I’m still building my workshop , microscope ,ring light ,to help with the detail
Your work is a beautiful fusion of art and technology. You have a unique ability to bring an artistic touch to even the most technical tasks.
I ❤ the commentary bro: "Your mother calls...press & hold. A robber comes in...press & hold." 🤣🤣🤣 I love it all!
In all seriousness, I wish I could come be your apprentice - no joke 🙂
You got some great skills! ✌️
Viewers: "Can you go over your tools?"
NRF: "I go over my tools every day."
Seriously, you have to wonder of those asking that question ever watched a video in whole.
Alex always smiles at end of fix job, and always says we did it, all us viewers ever did was watch , and yes probably learned something.
But factually its Alex who did it.
wow, the fact that u went the extra mile to repair
something the customer didnt ask for is great.
Getting harder to find new Switch Repair videos from you
I already watched em all 😂
Hi Alex, whenever you burn your finger just put heat sink compound, that is if the burn is superficial. I tried it several times and it works like magic
Fixes like this one must be a pain but we love the content and im sure the customer will be happy you decided to help.
Omfg! I just used my NF mini pen and I don't know how I survived with out!! Thank you for an awesome video and product!!
Teşekkürler usta kardeşim. Allah işlerini kolay kılsın.
Awesome skills as always 👍
nice attention to detail, didn't just bag it up after the connector repair and return to customer. I like it...
Absolutely love the microscope, but it's beyond my price *scope* ATM. One day maybe if they can be shipped to Australia, brilliant work!
Great works great manners on video and great sense of troubleshooting
Flux should be served at room temperature 😂
Thanks for the video Alex, have a peaceful Sunday.
You do realise this is your fault, don't you?
You make all these types of repairs look so easy that some people think they can do it themselves 🤣
I had to resolder most of the amplifier board on my Sony Theatre unit (dry joints) but I've been soldering for a few years so felt confident. Been working for three years so must have done it right.
Early morning to you Alex the family and to all watching at the time of this post. (Change to the time of day for you as needed for the greetings. 🙃)
thank you very much Alex, Aleykumselam in Turkey...
انا بستمتع بالعدة اللي تشتغل عليها قبل القطعة اللي تصلحها ❤❤❤
Wow a great work of art.
Nice job 😆 I'm curious if the first attempt did not fix it, would the 2nd attempt cost extra charges?
On a Switch Lite, this was a waste of time. The Lite does not output Video to a docking station, the USB-C connector is only used for charging. As long as at least one row of pads/pins is intact, the console would still be able to charge. Worst outcome would be charging only when the plug is inserted the "right" way - 50/50 chance, no big deal.
“Customer has just sent the motherboard” = “I learnt today I can’t solder”
You are an artist! Amazing work!
My son has autism and loves his Nintendo switch. You'd be a superhero in his eyes if you ever saved his Nintendo switch saves and pictures. Keep up the great work and being a superhero even when you don't know you're being one.
Give your son a hug or a nod from me (whatever works best for him).
Thanks for another brilliant video from England
Fixed like a boss 💪
Great job...once again Alex!!
Would it be harder to work (will waste more time ?) if you make a stand for the soldering iron, that get go in x,y,z coordinates like a 3D printer. Lets say if your hands are shaking or if you want to work on really small things?
my hands are shaking pretty bad sometimes, however after practicing it becomes easier and you can focus better. Creating a stand is not practical from multiple points of view (for example look at how pads are soldered, you couldn't do that with a machine).
It would be a lot harder to work as some times we not only need translation, but we also need rotation of the soldering iron (e.g to avoid touching nearby components). Not to mention this system would not work good in case we need to touch slightly then put the soldering tip away (e.g removing solder blob or accidentally touched the wrong component and need to put the iron away instantly).
You'd want a work environment where you can rest your hands on a solid surface rather than holding them in the air. Having clamps to hold the piece being worked on would also be important. At the same time, you'd need to be able to easily turn the piece around like you saw in this video. You could also possibly use a tool rest that will allow you to balance the soldering iron (for instance) on it while pivoting it to move it around. It will be a compromise between limiting the unwanted mobility of the tool while still allowing for the wanted mobility. In general, though, the trick is to do the necessary fine movements using just your fingers, not your hand or arm, which should be resting solidly.
you are a master. i'm not annoyed when u keep talking about your product in fact im witch i can come to your shop take a selfie with u and buy some of your products. (but i'm to far . Hamburg)
Working with these super small components is extremely difficult, and takes a level of skill that most including myself (even with the right tools) do not have.
we love Alex .. always amazing love from Gwadar
You must keep Amtech flux out of the light as its made from vampires blood. That why it's bubbles and evaporates when the soldering iron touches it, it's like the sun hitting Dracula.
Excellent great job it was a useful clip thank you Jizi
I always like the smile when "it works we did it"
Like always better than factory 😅, excelent job 👏👏👏👏
Another successful repair, well done, Sir.
انت مبدع ياصديقي ماشاء الله تبارك الله 👍👍👍
Another amazing job! Thank you for the informative videos.
Amazing work as always !
What did it cost to repair? After explaining how it would cost more than the replacing the device, I am really curious
I don’t know why I grit my teeth when I watch these tiny repairs.
Alex where did you get that USB-C port for the Switch Lite? Or did you use the one for the regular switch and ground the excess lip off? I wish you sold both ports as some of us would rather pay the extra bucks to get the exact part. Cheers.
looks like customer did an awesome job removing old soldering.. maybe those pad where already broken when customer removed the connector. who know.
@TechBitesAr maybe, no.. it's not me.
I'd guess that the customer cleaned well the pads that he saw, but wasn't aware of the hidden pads.
@@Mueller3D Possible, who know
Thank you for the information!
You are the Master of this Generation
pleasure watching every time
Another great video Alex, thank you. I wonder if you could expand on what settings you use on your hot air in various situations, but especially when there's ground plans to be soldered under the chip. I have the same Atten hot air gun, and have been practicing on surface mount practice boards. I fried them, but when i turn drown the heat then the solder doesn't melt. I do keep the nozzle moving. I tried chip resistors (0603), lots of flux, air at 30% and 450 deg F. Fried the board badly. Thanks!
Awesome Alex , new video… :)
Now I know that you're very skilled at what you do however why it could more than the console itself to fix if it took you 20 mins?
He discusses in his other videos why he has fixed fees instead of time-based fees. You're paying for the experience, not the time. Just like you're paying Nintendo for their development costs (among other things), not just the bill-of-materials of the hardware.
THANK YOU I JUST BOUGHT A SWITCH LITE WITH THE SAME EXACT SITUATON
Where can I buy NF-Hands and NF-Brains? In the store!
Love ❤ your work so much Alex 💌
The customer should join the video and indicate...and express his or her gratitude......its never an easy job
Good job as always.
MacGyver ain't got nothing on this dude. Nice fix!!
Alex , should I mix low melt solder on the USB port before removing it with the hot air gun.
Your amazing repair man wow ❤
You are a professional and use professional tools. For the hobbyist they are to costly unless they are used a lot.
Nice and clean repair congrats
I wish there were 100 new NF videos every week but what can you do. Maybe I will watch each video first with my eyes closed and then watch it again with eyes open.
I'm bought nf mini pen from you. how temperature are you using for soldering ?
Instead of asking, why don't you search in google for "soldeting temperature" and find out?
@EVGbios How temperature? U mean "what temperature" u moron?
Alex, i notice when you restore missing pads that you do not place the larger end of the pad strip on the missing pad, instead using the thin legs. Is there any particular reason or is it because its just worked for years?
hi there, what type of solder and flux you are using exactly, Sir? Thanks!
Amazing fix
Thank you for the video
1:04 atleast it was clean, nothing like a dirty hole
Another Perfect Job
after a long time that's a nice repair