The recapping to end all recapping begins. In this video the first of three WDL-330Ps gets the capacitors swapped back to surface mount, the way it should have been in the first place!

Some of you might remember what I did to these poor old hard drives a few years ago. Instead of replacing the original surface-mount electrolytic capacitors with the same type, I installed radial capacitors with their little legs poking out everywhere. They worked for what I was trying to achieve at the time, but looking at them now, it’s not exactly the repair I’d like to leave behind.

I’ve finally got some lovely new Panasonic surface-mount capacitors from element14, so it’s time to put things right. I’ve also got some new Hakko heated tweezers to try out, although I’m beginning to suspect that learning how to use them while filming might have been a questionable decision.

First things first, I forgot to wet the sponge. Naturally! With that sorted, it’s time to make a note of which capacitor goes where. I’ve got 47 uF and 100 uF replacements to install, and the old components are still sitting there reminding me of my previous adventures with the soldering iron.

The new capacitors have markings that take a little getting used to, so I spend some time checking the values and voltage ratings before starting. Better to write everything down now than discover later that I’ve fitted something in the wrong place.

Out come the old radial capacitors. A little heat on the solder joints, some solder braid to clean the pads, and thankfully things begin to look considerably more respectable. I’m being careful not to lift any of the pads this time, because I’ve already had more than enough practice repairing damaged tracks on old hardware.

The new capacitors are a bit more entertaining. They’re polarised, so the marked negative side needs to face the correct way. I’ve also decided to try securing one end with a little solder first, then attaching the other side once the component is sitting properly.

This is where the expensive heated tweezers are supposed to make everything easier. Trouble is, I’m not entirely sure how I’m meant to feed the solder in while holding the things. After a bit of fiddling, I decide the ordinary soldering iron might be a better option for actually installing these capacitors.

So much for all that expensive equipment! At least the tweezers might prove useful for desoldering something later.

I start with a little solder on one pad, position the capacitor and gently heat it until it settles into place. Once that end is secured, I can work on the other connection and check that the solder has flowed properly. The first one ends up a little crooked, but the technique gets easier as I go.

The camera isn’t being particularly helpful either. Between the low light, black components and the lens refusing to focus where I want it, you’re probably getting a wonderful view of everything except the actual soldering. Technology is magnificent, isn’t it?

Eventually all three capacitors are fitted. They look considerably tidier than the radial replacements, and the board is much closer to how it was originally assembled.

Now comes the important part: testing it.

Unfortunately, that’s going to have to happen later. The TeraDrive Model 3 still needs work, and I’m waiting for some other components to arrive before I can get everything back together for proper testing. I’ve got capacitors, integrated circuits and transistors in various stages of arrival, although the postal system seems determined to deliver everything separately.

So the first spare WDL-330P has its new capacitors installed, but I’m not claiming a working hard drive just yet. There are still two more drives to go, not to mention the floppy drives.

On to the next one!

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