HP 8903B Audio Analyzer PCB Pad Replacement

Visual inspection of my recently acquired HP 8903B Audio Analyzer revealed that the polymer pads on the bottom side of the main PCB were seriously deteriorated:

HP 8903B Deteriorated Pads Overview

HP 8903B Deteriorated Pads Closeup

HP8903B Deteriorated Pad Macro Lifted

Besides making an unsightly mess, this residue may form corrosive products which, over time, could damage the PCB.  Also, the pads no longer perform their bottom cover to PCB isolation function.  So all the old pads and residue had to be removed and new pads installed.  Lintless wipes, isopropyl alcohol, and nitrile gloves were the chosen tools.

HP 8903B partly cleaned PCB

HP8903B Board Cleaned and Pads Replaced Overview

HP8903B Board Cleaned and Pads Replaced Macro

The residue cleaned up completely, and new pads were installed. I won’t need to … Read More »