Task: Purchase Sockets to Make it Easy to Seat Chips on Atari 8-Bit Computer Circuit Boards
Needed: Web Browser
Time: 5-10 minutes
Introduction
I have been posting about tools and technology that can be used to assist with the repair of non-working Atari 8-bit computers. For example, I recently posted about purchasing an oscilloscope for checking chips for proper function and purchasing a desoldering iron and hot air rework station for removing bad chips from circuit boards that aren’t already socketed.
For those circuit boards that are not socketed, it is very helpful to install sockets to make it easy to get new chips in and to remove them later if they fail. There are three basic types of sockets that I am familiar with for use in 8-bit computers. The first and most common are the sockets with small metal clips embedded in the black plastic socket that accept and hold tight the pins of the chip. These are shown in the photo below on a board where I removed dead RAM chips and installed new sockets. These are also found on the socketed Atari 8-bit boards I have seen. The second, and preferred by some, have round holes in the black plastic that accept the pins. I have heard some refer to these as precision sockets. I have not yet used or compared this type of socket. The third type in the Zero Insertion Force or ZIF socket (see next photo below) that allows chips to be dropped in without any force and then locked down by a lever. These are great to have in a board you use for testing because getting chips in and out is very easy. The ZIFs seems ideal, but they are bigger and can be hard to fit on a board with resistors, capacitors, and other components nearby.
Instructions
Step one is to purchase the sockets you need. These are widely available on Amazon, for example. I purchased this set of 150 sockets for $10. Electronics providers such as Jameco also sell these for a reasonable price.
Step two is to solder in the socket you need! A common tip is to solder in opposing pins at the far ends of the socket first to make sure the socket is flush with the board before you solder all of the pins. This will make it easier to desolder and make adjustments if needed. The two opposing pins, if correct, will hold the socket while you finish the work. Also, note the notch orientation!
Comments
Desoldering chips and installing sockets is a bit of tedious work. However, sockets make working on the Atari in the future SO much easier, and it is well worth a little pain and suffering.