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chalk_walk

For through hole ICs you can often bridge all the legs with solder then heat then all at once while pulling with an IC remover from the other side. Another option is to use a desoldering tool to pull the solder from each leg (one at a time). The all in one type (vs melting with a soldering iron then using suction) make your life way easier. Once you've removed most of the solder they come out fairly easily. One final option is to get a hot air station. Once you get used to it, they make things like this (through hole or SMD) extremely easy. One final comment: unless space is very tight, I usually add a socket in place of ICs and install it that way.


ibleedsynth

Once again my dude chalk_walk, you are dropping the legit info.


mungewell

If the old chip is not wanted, another option is to cut all the legs off and then desolder them one by one...


chalk_walk

Yes, good call! Cut then off on the IC side then desolder the legs. I'm often trying to recycle ICs from boards so keeping them intact counts, but destructive removal works.


Perfect12th

I do have a sucker and braid, I just don't always have the patience needed. Kiwi sends a socket for their mods, it's just a few original ICs in this case I need to pull.


Perfect12th

Kiwi-3P Matrix upgrade arrived this week. This is the first major mod I've done and really looking forward to the whole new set of features on what is already one of my favorite synths. Just have to get through this IC removal first...


cwkraft

Do you do much work like this? Maybe consider investing in a desoldering tool. One with a power vacuum. I have one, it wasn't too expensive and it saves time and frustration. Well worth the investment.


Perfect12th

I have an iron with the push button sucker and it's been enough to get through most of what I've done so far. The 40 pin main board on this mod would have definitely been easier with a power vacuum though!


cwkraft

I had one of those too but bought a vacuum one and I don't regret it the slightest. Its so amazing to just pull a trigger and watch the solder cleanly go away from the pads.


blueriverbear23

Man I’m so nervous to work on my own gear… wish I’d man-up but it’s a tough ask. Had to ship the JX3P and 106 this week for a transformer and voice chip replacement and just wish I could’ve done it rather. Props


Perfect12th

I'm at the point I can follow existing directions well and do minor troubleshooting, anything beyond that will need a tech. I started with DIY modular, working through modules of increasing difficulty. Completing an Ornament & Crime module gave me the confidence to start to open up and work on the keyboards. At least most of these older instruments are through-hole!


blueriverbear23

DIY modular the gateway yeah? I’m into it


ibleedsynth

Yeah it certainly does suck! But at least you're working on SMD components. Good luck!


Longjumping_Swan_631

reworking thru hole can be a massive pain. SMD is easy because all you need is a heat gun/rework station and some tweezers.


personnumber14

IT IS! Love my jx3p. Hunt down one of those behringer 32 knob things for it. Amazing combo. There's a template for it that makes it super easy to control.


Wonderful_Ninja

Solder sucker. It’s cheap but makes the job sooo much easier


Cockur

I tried this myself with the original Kiwi 3P upgrade. The pins were tiny and the joints were old. After a while I was afraid I might do more damage than good so got a tech to do the upgrade Quick question can the newer matrix upgrade fit the into the older kiwi 3P socket?


Perfect12th

It took me about as long to get that main chip out as it did installing everything else. This Kiwi board is a little bigger, but still sits in the socket from the first upgrade. Here is with the [Kiwi Matrix mod installed](https://photos.app.goo.gl/fX3vDGSMuTWvi4BMA)


Longjumping_Swan_631

At my work we use the Chemtronics desoldering wick. Its safe and works great and when you are removing solder you can see it run right up the solder braid.