loose mic connector Flex 3000

Pat Garrett

I messed up. While arranging my desk I picked up my Flex to shift it and had some pressure on the mic connector. When I got it in place I noticed the mic cable was loose. Apparently I pulled the mic jack off the board inside the flex. It still works if get the connector in just the right spot.

I am a pretty good hand with soldering iron, with years of technical experience. Is repairing this connector something I should try myself? I say yes, what say you? Has anyone been inside their Flex?

Scott AC8DE

I've opened mine several times.  It's just a board mount connector, as you are aware.  I guess it depends on if it is just the connector or if you tore a path on the board.  And it depends on how good you are with a fine tipped, well controlled iron.  Controlling he heat accurately and being quick so you don't do damage is the key.

It's your call my friend.  But if you question your ability to do this at all, I would send it to Flex.   I'm not sure that learning on your Flex is a good idea.  You don't want to cook a trace on the board and have to replace the board, which in effect, means replacing the rig.

But if you do decide to move forward, inspect the connector carefully.  You may need to replace it completely if you bent its pins, which I suspect you did.  You could bend them back, but it's going to be weakened.  And if you have to replace it, it will mean desoldering first, adding more risk of board damage.

Tread lightly.

Pat Garrett

Thanks for the info. It was just what I was looking for.

Do you know if it is a thru hole or surface mount connector?

Kuby, N6JSX

If you need to ask these questions then you do not have the skills/experience to properly fix it.
Send it in for a verified/tested factory repair.

Pat Garrett

Yeah...

Bill -VA3WTB

It is worth sending to get it fixed. If you damage something then your in trouble, I agree with Kuby

Tim - W4TME

I recommend submitting a HelpDesk support ticket so we can issue you an RMA to have it repaired.  We will fix the mic connector and fully check out and recalibrate the radio to make it good as new.

Ken - NM9P

Don't feel too bad.  Many of us have had to pay what Dave Ramsey calls the "**** tax!"
I accidentally put a short in the 9 pin ACCY connector on my 1500 and fried the audio output chip.
FLEX's technical and repair service was quick, thorough, and reasonably priced.  Good guys all around.  

Ken - NM9P

Pat Garrett

Yeah it sucks. I bought this radio used and have only had it a week or so. I took it apart and it has been repaired in the past with, judging from the white residue, super glue. Apparently the jack came loose and they just glued the body back to the board before any traces pulled loose.

I don't have the equipment to build a couple of new traces that small or to resolder the 1 SMT component (C182). 

Ken - NM9P

When you get it back, I would suggest designing a mike cord strain relief anchor... like a plastic cable clip secured by one of the case screws that will take the strain off of the mike connector.

Pat Garrett

Good thought!

Pat Garrett

Well, I have an RMA and the radio will be on it's way to Texas in a couple of hours. This is better left to the professionals.  I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for all of your advice.

Pat Garrett

Flex received my radio on Tuesday. I got an email the same day from a Katie saying it was in the queue to be looked at. Two week lead time...

Pat Garrett

And then this morning I got an email saying the work was done, connector repaired, and a full calibration was performed.

Awesome!

Pat Garrett

Katie just called me. We arranged payment and she is shipping the radio. She said I should have it within 3 days. Great service!

I haven't seen the bill yet but the amount suggests the one hour bench fee plus an hour labor.

Bill-W9OL

Are you the guy who shot Billy the Kid?

(bet you get that a lot) You would have to be 140 years old. LOL
But, are you in the family?

Pat Garrett

I have heard that a time or two... lol!

One group of Garrett's moved to VA, KY area and then on to Texas. The sheriff was in that group. My branch stayed in VA and KY.