Removing the RF module from the moteino

[malik]

Any suggestions on physically removing the rf module from some of the Moteinos. Hot gun will displace some of tiny parts on RF module itself. So far I can only think of using solder wick. As always your suggestions are welcome.

[TomWS]

I wouldn't bother.  A new board is inexpensive and the probability of damaging the existing one is too great.  Is the radio damaged?  If so, toss it.  If not and you need another version/freq then keep the old one for another project.

Tom

[Felix]

You will need two wide (16mm+) chisel tips on a dual soldering station. I bought such tips for my metcal station specifically for tasks like this, probably out of reach for general hobby use, they set me back $160 or more for the tips if I recall correctly.

Otherwise you could try to very carefully lift the module from the fewer pads side, and as you melt the solder, insert a thin piece of aluminum (say from a soda can). Then move to next pads. Once a side is free, add generous solder to your tip and try to move back/forth on the many-pads side, to melt the solder on all the pads, and slide the module off gradually. It's a very delicate operation and I've messed up myself many times, before I decided the $160 is worth spending on chisel tips.

[luisr320]

You could cover the radio with some Kepton tape (maybe 2 or 3 layers) and use the hot air. The telephone repair gang do it all the time. But my vote is also to get a new board.

[Felix]

Thanks luisr320 

Yes hot air can do the trick as well. I would recommend cutting a sheet of soda-can aluminum, and cut a hole a bit larger than the radio module.
That shields the heat and concentrates it on the module only.
You have to be careful, not to apply too much heat, or you can do a lot of damage, you can end up lifting Moteino pads, or delaminating the FR4 PCB.
Anyway expect the radio module to be throw-away after this.