Cracked filter wheel

[MattJenko]

I managed to hear the cracking sound of doom tonight when slewing to a star low on the South meridian. The USB connector got caught against the tripod and before I could react, there was an ugly crack and the filter wheel went dead.

Taking it indoors, I had a look inside and could see the USB housing had sheared away from the circuit board at one side. I pushed it back into place and it works again, but it is now resting on the connections rather than be soldered to them.

I haven't soldered anything since I was a teenager! How hard can it be?

Long shot - is anyone going to Kelling that has a soldering iron I could borrow to completely ruin it ?

[RobertI]

Hi Matt,

I have a soldering iron you can borrow or we can have a go together, I am no expert but have done a bit on some of my gear and it's still ok. PM me if you are interested.

Rob

[MattJenko]

Just an update to this. I bought a little gas powered soldering iron and it was a simple case of getting it hot and pushing the existing solder for the USB connector housing back onto the circuit board. It took a little while for the main solder around the casing itself, but the little connectors of the front were quite straightforward. The filter wheel as a whole works now without me needing to wiggle the USB cable and without the need for wedged cardboard, so a big relief. I doubt it is as good as new, but it has survived a couple of outings now, and confidence is slowly coming back

[RobertI]

Well done Matt, another skill to add the portfolio!