This Entry Level Microsoldering Course is designed for aspiring electronics repair technicians seeking a structured, hands-on introduction to board-level repair. Students learn the foundational skills used in professional repair environments, beginning with soldering fundamentals including flux application, oxidation control, solder selection, and proper technique using industry-standard Hakko soldering stations, hot tweezers, and hot air rework stations. Multimeter basics and DC power supply operation are introduced early and applied throughout the course for safe, accurate electrical testing and diagnosis.
Core microsoldering skills include micro iron and micro tweezer technique for SMD component replacement, hot air rework for component removal and installation, and the identification, testing, and replacement of key electronic components including filters, diodes, capacitors, coils, and IC chips. Students gain practical experience with charge port replacement, USB-C and HDMI connector soldering, flex cable soldering, and FPC connector replacement — repairs that form the foundation of day-to-day mobile device repair work.
The course also introduces board-level diagnostics including short detection, full and partial short identification, power issue diagnosis, and charging fault repair. Students are introduced to schematic reading and board view software including ZXW, equipping them with the diagnostic tools used in professional repair facilities worldwide. Real-world repair scenarios cover power issues, charging faults, and liquid damage cleaning and repair, giving students direct experience with the most common fault types encountered in a working repair environment.
Who Should Enroll:
This course is ideal for individuals with basic repair experience in disassembling and repairing mobile devices. Prior soldering experience is not required, as the course begins with foundational soldering skills and progresses to advanced micro soldering techniques.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Fundamental Soldering Skills: Learn the essential principles of soldering, including the tools, materials, and techniques needed for precise and effective work.
- Micro Soldering Techniques: Develop advanced skills in micro soldering, focusing on fine-pitch components and complex circuit board repairs.
- Schematic Reading and Diagnostics: Understand how to read and interpret electronic schematics, and use diagnostic tools to identify and troubleshoot logic board issues.
- Common Repair Practices: Gain insights into repairing frequent problems encountered in repair shops, such as damaged connectors, faulty components, and broken traces.
- Hands-On Troubleshooting: Engage in real-world troubleshooting exercises on live devices with actual issues. Students are encouraged to bring their own faulty devices to diagnose and repair during the course.
- Versatile Repair Skills: Acquire techniques that can be applied to a wide range of issues beyond those covered in class, enhancing your ability to handle diverse repair scenarios.
Equipment & Tools Used in Class
Microscopes & Displays
- LCD TV with HD microscope cameras to display instructor microscope work
- Stereo boom microscope with adjustable magnification
Measurement & Diagnostic
- Multimeter
- ZXW
- Direct Current Power Supply
Hakko Soldering Equipment
- FM-203 Dual Port Soldering Station
- Hot Tweezers
- Micro Pencil
- FX-951 & FX-888d — available for comparison to other more expensive equipment
Additional Equipment
- Hot air stations
Repairs Taught & Topics Covered
Introduction to Soldering
- Flux
- Oxidation
- Proper equipment
- Types of solder
Micro Soldering
- Using a micro iron or micro tweezers to replace components
- Techniques to use hot air to replace components
Electrical Components — Identifying, Replacing & Testing
- Filters
- Diodes
- Capacitors
- Coils
- IC chips
Diagnostic Tools
- Multimeter basics
- Direct Current Power Supply — how to use, when and why
Backlight Repair
- Components in the backlight circuit and how they work together
- Rebuilding a backlight circuit
- Most common failures and how they vary
Short Detection
- Types of shorts
- Full shorts and partial shorts
BGA & Connector Work
- BGA chip removal and replacement
- Tristar replacement
- FPC connector replacement
- Charge port replacement
- Soldering flex cables
- Replacing connectors
Power & Charging
- Power issues — diagnosing & repairing
- Charging issues — diagnosing & repairing
Schematics & Board Views
- Reading and diagnosing schematics
- ZXW
- Available resources for board views and schematics
- Running jumpers and trace repair
Liquid Damage & Data Recovery
- Liquid damage cleaning and repair
- Water damage repair / data recovery primer