How to Replace a Bad Capacitor on an HDTV Converter Box
- 1). Unplug the HDTV converter box from the wall. Disconnect any cables attached to the box.
- 2). Remove the outer cover from the HDTV converter box to expose the circuit board inside. Locate the bad capacitor and make note of its rating and anode orientation. Unscrew and remove the circuit board with the bad capacitor soldered to it.
- 3). Turn the board over so the component-side is facing down. Identify the solder points holding the bad capacitor to the board.
- 4). Hold the tip of a hot soldering iron to one of the solder points until the solder begins to flow. Remove the liquid solder with a desoldering bulb or braid. Repeat this process for the other solder point.
- 5). Turn the board over and pull the leads of the bad capacitor out of the holes in the circuit board.
- 6). Bend the leads on a replacement capacitor so they will fit through the holes in the circuit board while allowing the capacitor to sit flat against the board. Fit the leads through the holes and bend them slightly to the sides to hold the capacitor in place. Make sure the anode-side of the capacitor is in the correct hole.
- 7). Turn the board over to expose the solder side. Use the tip of the soldering iron to heat the point where the lead passes through the board, maintaining equal contact with the board and the lead.
- 8). Touch a length of solder to the lead, opposite the soldering iron. When the solder flows, allow a small amount to bond to the lead and the board, then remove the solder, followed by the iron. Repeat this process on the other lead. Trim the excess wire off the leads with end cutters.
- 9). Allow the components and the board to cool completely. Check to make sure the soldered joints are smooth and free of holes or pits. Reassemble the HDTV converter box.
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