Hi guys. I don't know if I'm posting this in the right area but here goes...
I own a small business doing computer and mobile device repair. I've always done the simple stuff, such as LCD screen replacement, hard drive replacement, etc, but I've never been able to do PCB component-level repair. And I really want to. I've been interested in PCB repairs/rework for many years now and just never done anything substantial about it. Mostly because I wasn't sure how to go about it. It's not like they have a class down at the local college called "how to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair motherboard problems."
I have never been formally trained in soldering. I know how to do basic surface mount and very basic through-hole, but I'm sure I'm doing some things wrong. I really feel that I could benefit substantially from a beginner soldering class. But where can I go to get properly trained in basic soldering without paying through the nose?
I have looked up classes and training materials at the IPC website and...umm...no. Sorry but $2,200 for just one beginning class is not acceptable.
I also looked up some local soldering training centers that are approved by IPC and they will certify you, but each class costs over $1,000. Again, that is extremely expensive.
Are there any other options I can explore? Here's what I'm specifically looking for:
1. Proper SMD, TH, and BGA soldering techniques for less than $1,000.
2. IPC-610E and IPC 7711B/7721B soldering training (to these standards, but I don't necessarily need the certificate), preferably without having to pay $1,000 for each class.
3. This is likely to be the impossible one. Training in how to diagnose and troubleshoot PCB problems without the use of a schematic or any outside help. Just me, the PCB, and my soldering tools. Where would I begin? How do I know what the problem is? If a chip is bad, how do I know which one is the bad one? Once I find out which one is bad, how do I know where to get the replacement chip? What if the chip is not available? Can I replace it with another one? How do I know which ones will work?
4. Are there educational grants, scholarships, worker training grants, etc available for taking IPC certification training classes?
5. Should I consider getting an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology? Will this help me with all 4 items above? It would end up costing me about $6,000. I'd be applying for a lot of financial aid if I did that. By the way, I already have an Associate of Science degree in Engineering, Transfer degree. Graduated with that years ago, so I'd have to do some refreshing. Still got a lot of my old books on the shelf.
6. If I did get an EET degree, what types of jobs could I get besides working for myself doing PCB repairs? Is that degree in demand anymore?
Sorry for the long post. My post has mainly to do with motherboards so I put it here; not sure where else to put it. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I own a small business doing computer and mobile device repair. I've always done the simple stuff, such as LCD screen replacement, hard drive replacement, etc, but I've never been able to do PCB component-level repair. And I really want to. I've been interested in PCB repairs/rework for many years now and just never done anything substantial about it. Mostly because I wasn't sure how to go about it. It's not like they have a class down at the local college called "how to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair motherboard problems."
I have never been formally trained in soldering. I know how to do basic surface mount and very basic through-hole, but I'm sure I'm doing some things wrong. I really feel that I could benefit substantially from a beginner soldering class. But where can I go to get properly trained in basic soldering without paying through the nose?
I have looked up classes and training materials at the IPC website and...umm...no. Sorry but $2,200 for just one beginning class is not acceptable.
I also looked up some local soldering training centers that are approved by IPC and they will certify you, but each class costs over $1,000. Again, that is extremely expensive.
Are there any other options I can explore? Here's what I'm specifically looking for:
1. Proper SMD, TH, and BGA soldering techniques for less than $1,000.
2. IPC-610E and IPC 7711B/7721B soldering training (to these standards, but I don't necessarily need the certificate), preferably without having to pay $1,000 for each class.
3. This is likely to be the impossible one. Training in how to diagnose and troubleshoot PCB problems without the use of a schematic or any outside help. Just me, the PCB, and my soldering tools. Where would I begin? How do I know what the problem is? If a chip is bad, how do I know which one is the bad one? Once I find out which one is bad, how do I know where to get the replacement chip? What if the chip is not available? Can I replace it with another one? How do I know which ones will work?
4. Are there educational grants, scholarships, worker training grants, etc available for taking IPC certification training classes?
5. Should I consider getting an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology? Will this help me with all 4 items above? It would end up costing me about $6,000. I'd be applying for a lot of financial aid if I did that. By the way, I already have an Associate of Science degree in Engineering, Transfer degree. Graduated with that years ago, so I'd have to do some refreshing. Still got a lot of my old books on the shelf.
6. If I did get an EET degree, what types of jobs could I get besides working for myself doing PCB repairs? Is that degree in demand anymore?
Sorry for the long post. My post has mainly to do with motherboards so I put it here; not sure where else to put it. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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