Socketing

[deffroe]

I'm thinking of socketing my 130XE sometime over the summer

The soldering isn't a problem but socketing is something I've never done before.

 

So I'd just like to ask.

 

For the system chips(6502, Pokey etc) are they 0.6"?

 

What size would I need for the RAM chips?

 

And would I stop at the main system chips and RAM or would anyone recommend something extra?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Phil

[+DrVenkman]

I'm thinking of socketing my 130XE sometime over the summer

The soldering isn't a problem but socketing is something I've never done before.

 

So I'd just like to ask.

 

For the system chips(6502, Pokey etc) are they 0.6"?

 

What size would I need for the RAM chips?

 

And would I stop at the main system chips and RAM or would anyone recommend something extra?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Phil

 

I don't recall the sizes off-hand, but if you stick a ruler or tape measure over one of the chips and then look at socket part listings, you'll figure it out quick.

 

Also, DO socket the MMU as well as 6502C, POKEY, ANTIC, GTIA and PIA. That's a lot work, and frankly a bit risky with the lower-quality boards Atari Corp. used for the XE line. Good luck!

[deffroe]

Thanks for the quick response! I think... That last sentence worried me a little.

 

So is it worth doing or better to leave it all as soldered?

 

Cheers

 

Phil.

[thgill]

What he is saying is that the boards in the XE machines are known for being lower quality. It's really easy to pull up traces and otherwise damage them without the correct tools.

 

I used a Hakko 808 vacuum desoldering gun to desolder the chips in my 130xe when I socketed it for a U1mb install. Worked great and only took a few moments per chip to desolder.

 

The key is heat and speed. The more you fiddle with desoldering wick and manual solder suckers, the more you risk damaging the board. Some sort of vacuum based desoldering tool makes quick work of it.

Edited June 10, 2017 by thgill

[Rybags]

Should all be standard pin spacing of 1/10" or 2.54mm.

 

IMO probably not worth the bother unless you need it for upgrade mods or you have a dud IC which needs replacing. XE aren't exactly the best build quality and easy to mess up.

 

But if nothing's socketed it might be worth your while in anticipation of future upgrades...

 

Pokey, to allow stereo upgrade. GTIA, to allow video upgrades. Antic (machined socket) to allow for VBXE. MMU to allow for Ultimate 1 Meg Ram/OS upgrade. OS socket to allow for multi-OS upgrades.

RAM - if it's a 2 or 4 chip system then maybe worth socketing in anticipation of Ram failures.

[Roydea6]

You might look into replacing the socket for the CD4050 if your inclined to add the UAV upgrade for better S-video and composite.

[DavidMil]

Were you planning on replacing all the chips you desoldered or were you going to try to reuse them?

 

DavidMil

[shoestring]

I think the quality of the XE mainboard is quite good actually. I've socketed a 130xe mainboard without issues.

Try working on some of these arcade PCBs and you'll see what I mean

Edited June 11, 2017 by shoestring

[deffroe]

Not planning to replace any chips. Veerrryyy slowly trying to repair the mylar with conducting silver and thought that while the

machine is open I might considering doing it.

 

Managed to get Option keys working so was able to do a self test. RAM passed successfully and sound and the display is stable

so I am no longer worried that there is something wrong with it other than the mylar.

 

 

Were you planning on replacing all the chips you desoldered or were you going to try to reuse them?

 

DavidMil

[shoestring]

Don't know how extensive the damage is. I've used adhesive copper tape which works really well also. I cut the tape into thin strips then patch the area.