What do I need in order to re-cap a floppy drive?

[haxername]

So I picked up a IBM PS/2 Model 90 at the swap meet, which was my goal. Unfortunately, it seems as if the floppy drive is no bueno. The amazing fellows on the IRC chat advised me to re-cap the floppy drive.

I found a diagram showing what to replace but I don't think I know all the tools/processes.

What tools do I need (aside from soldering iron). Any chemicals? Vinegar (if so how do I use it).


Basically I want to do this the right way and could use all the advice I could get

Edit: Should this have been posted in the vintage hardware section? (I tried to move it but can't delete)

 

[ldkraemer]

What is the Manufacture of the Floppy Drive? IBM?? Tandon? 5.25"?

Larry

 

[haxername]

What is the Manufacture of the Floppy Drive? IBM?? Tandon? 5.25"?

Larry

Right, I assumed it would be the default one in the system but the previous owner kitted it out. I'll check as soon as I am home

 

[Chuck(G)]

It's a PS/2 3.5" drive using SMT. here's a 2 hour(!) video of someone doing it.

 

[VeryVon]

If it's ALPS as featured in the video above, MAC84 was kind enough to include capacitors required here.

I also enjoy "Branchus Creations" videos on the subject, like this one: Recapping Tutorial - how to replace old, leaky surface mount electrolytic capacitors check his website, he lists out the equipment he uses.

 

[haxername]

If it's ALPS as featured in the video above, MAC84 was kind enough to include capacitors required here.

I also enjoy "Branchus Creations" videos on the subject, like this one: Recapping Tutorial - how to replace old, leaky surface mount electrolytic capacitors check his website, he lists out the equipment he uses.

I had the resource where he lists what capacitors. The list of equipment is exactly what I was looking for!!! Thanks!

 

[Chuck(G)]

I hope you have extras to practice on--the success rate on recapping the Alps drives seems to be pretty low.

 

[hornbetw]

I've been soldering for ~45 years, 35 as part of my job as an electronics tech. I've never heard of using vinegar when soldering or cleaning up after soldering.

Tom

 

[T-R-A]

I've been soldering for ~45 years, 35 as part of my job as an electronics tech. I've never heard of using vinegar when soldering or cleaning up after soldering.

Tom

Same here (except only 33 years as my technicians job). There's no use for vinegar in soldering or cleaning up. Perhaps the OP was thinking of isopropyl alcohol?

For someone new to soldering... you can never practice too much.

 

[Timo W.]

I've never heard of using vinegar when soldering or cleaning up after soldering.

I guess he meant for cleaning up before soldering. But the electrolyte leaked by caps will solve in water, so vinegar is only needed if there is corrosion. Otherwise, water and IPA is enough for cleaning.

 

[haxername]

I guess he meant for cleaning up before soldering. But the electrolyte leaked by caps will solve in water, so vinegar is only needed if there is corrosion. Otherwise, water and IPA is enough for cleaning.

Ok perfect

Same here (except only 33 years as my technicians job). There's no use for vinegar in soldering or cleaning up. Perhaps the OP was thinking of isopropyl alcohol?

For someone new to soldering... you can never practice too much.

I heard it in some context and wanted to know if it was relevant thanks

I've done a lot of soldering before but I will 100% practice a lot before I attempt it on these machines

 

[jscipione]

The IBM PS/2 floppies are notoriously unreliable and the connector is proprietary making it a pain to replace. If you decide to give up on the recapping, TechSelect sells an adapter for $17 that allows you to connect a regular old floppy drive to your PS/2.

IBM PS/2 to Standard Floppy Adapter - TexElec

Has your old IBM PS/2 ‘planar’ floppy drive stopped functioning? Would you like to use a standard floppy drive, or better yet, a Gotek or HxC floppy emulator? If so, then we have the solution for you! This adapter will allow you to connect a standard 3.5″ floppy drive to your PS/2. Some PS/2...

texelec.com

 

[jscipione]

If you decide that you really do want to repair the PS/2 floppy drive here’s the best YouTube video I’ve seen on how to replace the capacitors on the floppy drive (which is probably the issue):

 

[haxername]

The IBM PS/2 floppies are notoriously unreliable and the connector is proprietary making it a pain to replace. If you decide to give up on the recapping, TechSelect sells an adapter for $17 that allows you to connect a regular old floppy drive to your PS/2.

IBM PS/2 to Standard Floppy Adapter - TexElec

Has your old IBM PS/2 ‘planar’ floppy drive stopped functioning? Would you like to use a standard floppy drive, or better yet, a Gotek or HxC floppy emulator? If so, then we have the solution for you! This adapter will allow you to connect a standard 3.5″ floppy drive to your PS/2. Some PS/2...

texelec.com

I already ordered that, but unfortunately that plug is not available on the Model 90. And as far as I am aware there is no way to use it in my system :/

Its for the slide in drives, Model 90 just has cables

 

[GiGaBiTe]

For tools and materials, I'd recommend a good 60-90W soldering iron with a wedge tip like this:

Aven 17400-N93 Replacement Soldering Tips, 2 pieces | eBay

When Aven was founded in 1983, their objective focused on the importing and wholesaling of specialty tools. Manufacturer: AVEN. In 1997, Aven underwent its first progression, shifting from traditional workbench tools to industrial electronics supplies.

www.ebay.com

This tip is designed for a heater-in-tip soldering iron, but it works fine in the older style ones with a captive screw holding the tip in the barrel, like old Weller irons. I use the slightly bigger N94 tip in my 60W Weller soldering station. It's so much better to use than the chisel or needle tips in my experience.

You'll also need desoldering braid and liquid flux to clean up SMD pads. Any cheap desoldering braid should be fine, and flux anything that's not MG Chemical.

For through-hole soldering, I'd recommend a desoldering gun station if you have the money because they make the job so much easier. You can get by with one of those crappy spring loaded units, but those have a high risk of ripping damaged pads and traces from their violent vacuum action. The ZD-915 and ZD-985 are "cheaper" options for desoldering stations and work well enough. I'd recommend using Aven tips in them though because the normally included tips are really thin and tend to implode after prolonged use.

As for cleaners, IPA if you have no other choice. It doesn't really clean flux and junk off of PCBs, more just smears it around and makes a bigger mess. I'd recommend CRC Lectra Clean:

CRC 19 oz. Lectra Clean Heavy-Duty Degreaser 02018-6 - The Home Depot

To increase operating efficiency, use the CRC Lectra Clean 19 oz. Heavy-Duty Degreaser to remove grease, oil, tar, adhesives, dirt, grime, corrosion or sludge from your machinery. With no flash or fire

www.homedepot.com

This stuff cuts through flux and leaked cap goo easily without the harsh fumes.

 

[Dwight Elvey]

If you decide that you really do want to repair the PS/2 floppy drive here’s the best YouTube video I’ve seen on how to replace the capacitors on the floppy drive (which is probably the issue):

My God, what a hack! This person doesn't work with a clean tip and no flux. He damaged to board and then had the guts to post of video of his hack job. Of course, if he had a power rail short, replacing a capacitor is likely the right thing to do. I'd have connected a bench supply to determine which capacitor was the problem by the burn finger method ( ouch ).
If not, it may be a waste of time.
Are you sure the failure is a capacitor failure or are you just shot gunning it?

 

[jafir]

I already ordered that, but unfortunately that plug is not available on the Model 90. And as far as I am aware there is no way to use it in my system :/

Its for the slide in drives, Model 90 just has cables

There is another style:

IBM PS/1 PS/2 34 pin floppy disk drive adapter converter for Gotek 720 1.44 2.88 | eBay

These models of IBM computers have the power provided over the 34 pin connector, which will fry a "modern" floppy drive. P70 (Use a floppy drive less than 140mm in length with the faceplate removed).

www.ebay.com

 

[haxername]

There is another style:

IBM PS/1 PS/2 34 pin floppy disk drive adapter converter for Gotek 720 1.44 2.88 | eBay

These models of IBM computers have the power provided over the 34 pin connector, which will fry a "modern" floppy drive. P70 (Use a floppy drive less than 140mm in length with the faceplate removed).

www.ebay.com

I had actually just found that yesterday after searching the forum, can't believe I didn't see it before.

Ill try to build it myself and see how it goes!
Thanks

 

[haxername]

For tools and materials, I'd recommend a good 60-90W soldering iron with a wedge tip like this:

Aven 17400-N93 Replacement Soldering Tips, 2 pieces | eBay

When Aven was founded in 1983, their objective focused on the importing and wholesaling of specialty tools. Manufacturer: AVEN. In 1997, Aven underwent its first progression, shifting from traditional workbench tools to industrial electronics supplies.

www.ebay.com

Ok great I actually have a tip like that.

You'll also need desoldering braid and liquid flux to clean up SMD pads. Any cheap desoldering braid should be fine, and flux anything that's not MG Chemical.

For through-hole soldering, I'd recommend a desoldering gun station if you have the money because they make the job so much easier. You can get by with one of those crappy spring loaded units, but those have a high risk of ripping damaged pads and traces from their violent vacuum action. The ZD-915 and ZD-985 are "cheaper" options for desoldering stations and work well enough. I'd recommend using Aven tips in them though because the normally included tips are really thin and tend to implode after prolonged use.

Yea unfortunatly, my de soldering spring unit jerked around my hand and almost damaged some boards.

This stuff cuts through flux and leaked cap goo easily without the harsh fumes.

Amazing thanks!