tool for extracting BIOS chip ?

[Bill Schaible]

Where can I get tools for extracting and inserting PLCC type Intel 82802
BIOS chip in a MOBO socket?

 

[Paul]

Where can I get tools for extracting and inserting PLCC type Intel 82802
BIOS chip in a MOBO socket?

Extract with this tool. Pull up evenly so the chip leaves the
socket on all sides, at the same instant.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062619&cp

It is also possible to extract, with a sharp pointed instrument.
You pry up on diagonal corners of the chip, and try to pull
the chip out evenly. By not rocking the chip (pulling out
crooked), you are avoiding bending of the socket contacts.

Insertion is done with your thumb. You press evenly, so the chip
goes in square. I have never seen a fancy tool for insertion.

Before removing the device, make a diagram of the alignment marks
on the top of the IC and the top of the socket. The socket may
have a small triangle stamped in the plastic. The IC may have a
circular indent, in the vicinity of the triangle on the socket.
Reproduce that alignment when putting a chip back, and make
sure the chip is face-up.

The style of the Radio Shack tool above, is the cadillac of
extractors. There is another extractor, which is a simple
band of metal, with a vinyl plastic coating on the handle.
The metal band is sort of horse shoe shaped.

The business end of both tools, has metal lips that go
underneath the corners of the chip. The lip is what allows
the user to pull upwards and bring the chip out of the socket.
When using a sharpened tool, like something shaped like an
awl, you are scraping against the side of the chip, and
not getting underneath. So, naturally, there will be more
damage to the chip in a case like that. I've probably
inserted and removed a couple hundred of these chips, using
the sharpened pointed object, but the extractor does make
it pretty easy. Here is a side view, of a proper extraction
tool, with the lip on each side getting underneath the
chip. That is why the diagonal corners of the chip socket,
have two air gaps - to leave room for the tool to get
underneath the chip.

| +-------------------------+ |
| | Flash EEPROM | |
| +-------------------------+ |
+------- -------+

After a chip has been pulled and reinserted five times,
the fit into the socket will be a lot easier.

In ideal circumstances, you want the PCB to be supported
mechanically, when pulling or pushing on the socket. The
electronics I was working on, was not a motherboard, but
a similar form factor. I would put the board on a workbench,
and make sure the board would not get bent while working
on the socket.

HTH,
Paul

 

[milleron]

Extract with this tool. Pull up evenly so the chip leaves the
socket on all sides, at the same instant.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062619&cp

It is also possible to extract, with a sharp pointed instrument.
You pry up on diagonal corners of the chip, and try to pull
the chip out evenly. By not rocking the chip (pulling out
crooked), you are avoiding bending of the socket contacts.

Insertion is done with your thumb. You press evenly, so the chip
goes in square. I have never seen a fancy tool for insertion.

Before removing the device, make a diagram of the alignment marks
on the top of the IC and the top of the socket. The socket may
have a small triangle stamped in the plastic. The IC may have a
circular indent, in the vicinity of the triangle on the socket.
Reproduce that alignment when putting a chip back, and make
sure the chip is face-up.

The style of the Radio Shack tool above, is the cadillac of
extractors. There is another extractor, which is a simple
band of metal, with a vinyl plastic coating on the handle.
The metal band is sort of horse shoe shaped.

The business end of both tools, has metal lips that go
underneath the corners of the chip. The lip is what allows
the user to pull upwards and bring the chip out of the socket.
When using a sharpened tool, like something shaped like an
awl, you are scraping against the side of the chip, and
not getting underneath. So, naturally, there will be more
damage to the chip in a case like that. I've probably
inserted and removed a couple hundred of these chips, using
the sharpened pointed object, but the extractor does make
it pretty easy. Here is a side view, of a proper extraction
tool, with the lip on each side getting underneath the
chip. That is why the diagonal corners of the chip socket,
have two air gaps - to leave room for the tool to get
underneath the chip.

| +-------------------------+ |
| | Flash EEPROM | |
| +-------------------------+ |
+------- -------+

After a chip has been pulled and reinserted five times,
the fit into the socket will be a lot easier.

In ideal circumstances, you want the PCB to be supported
mechanically, when pulling or pushing on the socket. The
electronics I was working on, was not a motherboard, but
a similar form factor. I would put the board on a workbench,
and make sure the board would not get bent while working
on the socket.

HTH,
Paul

I've used the Radio Shack extractor Paul mentions. Mine didn't come
with instructions, and it's use wasn't completely intuitive. Once I
figured out just how to use it, it worked almost like magic. At first
it looks like something that you grab the chip with and then extract
it by forcefully pulling the extractor away from the socket, but
that's not how it works. You basically have to put the plastic legs
down on the socket with the metal prongs positioned at the corners.
Then, without exerting much downward pressure, as you apply inward
pressure to the sides of the device, the prongs descend, grab the
EPROM, and extract it in a continuous motion.
(Parenthetically, Radio Shack charges over $10, but this same
extractor came packaged with my BIOS Savior and was included in the
price of $24. Not a bad deal.)

Ron

 

[Bill Schaible]

Paul,

Thank you for the info and the time you spent writing. I just got back from
the used computer warehouse where I looked through a pile of old mainboards
to see the different physical kinds of BIOS chips. Also, I've been visiting
a website called Wim's BIOS to read about tinkering. I've been planning to
build a new PC and one of my requirements is that it have a socketed BIOS so
I can tinker with BIOS Savior. I don't find any Intel MOBOs with sockets.
I've decided on ASUS P4P800SE - I've built several PCs with ASUS boards in
the past. Another guy here, Ron, pointed out I can get the chip tool free
with BIOS Savior - which is something I'd forgot about.

What line of work did you have where you replaced hundreds of EPROMS ?

Bill S.

 

[Bill Schaible]

Yes! BIOS Savior. That's my plan. I'd forgot they include the chip
extractor in the package.

Thanks for writing. Bill S.