Faulty CPU Board. Can it be Repaired? Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[bobbydur]

Hi, I have a faulty printer CPU board.
I connected an incorrect thermal printhead and I think it has damaged the CPU board as nothing works anymore, even the display does not come on. I have checked all other boards on a working printer, they are ok. So it is definately the CPU. Are there any diagnostics I can carry out? Can it be fixed?
Do you require any further info off me, e.g. pics?
Please help, it will be so expensive to buy a replacement.
Thanks, Bobby

[ericmark]

With surface mount components it is very hard to change any parts. I would think it unlikely that you can repair successfully and board with surface mount components however it is possible.

If mounted through holes a solder sucker can de-solder and they can be replaced easier then surface mount but this still leaves you with the problem of finding out which component has failed.

The use of PIC's further complicates matters as these all have same number but need a program entering into the chip.

So unless one can get detailed data sheets on the printer saying what parts are what and with test point readings then the chances of success are low.

The only real way is to get an exchange board. Yes of course it can be repaired but in real terms unlikely you can do that repair more likely it will need returning to manufacturer. Even then the cost of diagnosing the problem likely means old one would be scrapped and you would be sent a new board.