Desoldering firmware

Hi Everyone

This is my first post.

I would like to desolder and create back up copies of some firmware that is soldered to the board. The form factor is PLCC. I am worried about the data integrity with all the heat. Does anyone have some tips for me?

Has anyone used Chip Quik?

I have a hot air nozzle but I have limited experience with it still.

Thanks for reading-Patrick

 

I have used Chip Quik with lead/tin solder. It helps. I believe it is just a bismuth solder that makes a lower melting alloy with lead/tin. It has been a few years since I used it. I suspect it will work with lead-free solder, but that is something I would check before trying it, assuming your chip may be soldered with lead-free solder.

Are you sure you can read the chip once it is removed from the board?

John

 

Thanks for your reply John

NO! actually I am not sure if it can be read, I am scared! ;-)

I have a job to fix nearly 1000 boards but I believe some of the chips that are in question are firmware.

Has anyone tried this?