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Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services, Now With A New Promotion! - Printable Version

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Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services, Now With A New Promotion! - weblacky - 11-02-2021

Hi All,
I’m pleased to announce I’m now offering Dallas DS1780 IC replacement services for Fuel mainboards, PIMMs, and graphics cards.

Prices are not set in stone (trades and volume/custom pricing are available), I’m flexible and understand this can be expensive.  Shipping costs aside (which buyer/client is 100% responsible for as an additional charge).  Standard pricing is $50 per DS1780E IC and there are three of these ICs to change out on a Fuel mainboard, there is also one additional IC on the PIMM module and another IC on the graphics cards.  I can replace those too, if needed, for the same unit pricing! But normally I only replaced the main board semiconductors unless troubleshooting indicates you also need the other two semiconductors in the CPU module and graphics card changed out.

Please read the entire description of the service as it may not be exactly what you expect. In order to keep prices low some steps are omitted. This can be a risk but I do stand behind my work and I will do what I can to make good on anything as a result of the repair. However right now the shipping cost back-and-forth is not much more than the service cost for most collectors. When you add the two up it starts to get pricey and that's where I put the limit. Since the buyer is paying shipping in both directions you are sometimes doing over $100 in shipping cost alone. I don't want to have to charge people $200 for the repair cost. I want it to be much cheaper than that. Right now the way I offer the service is cheaper and we've been successful using these technique for repairs. In the case of defective semiconductors in the repair or an error in my installation of the ICs, I will pay to have the board sent back to me and redo the repair free of charge.

However there is a trust involved in this. The repairs that I make should in never caused the board to not be able to power-on (POST to L1 standby idle). These are peripheral chips read by the L1 firmware. So it's assumed your board was in a bootable condition when I received it, the cost to verify your symptoms and functionality prior to servicing would radically increase the cost of the entire service. So I don't do it, I just begin my work immediately with what I receive.  

This is because normally I request logs and evidence that prove the mainboard has an environmental monitoring problem before I agree to service it. This is not a cure all service for all ailments, it cures a specific type of symptoms. I check if the symptoms are congruent with what is known by asking you for your logs and post information. This helps ensure that the mainboard posted in your computer before you shipped it.  This helps alleviate some of that risk.

To date I have had a 100% success rate with the mainboards that have come through repair because of this initial log and symptom scrutiny.

Please read my testimonials and decide for yourself if you'd like to proceed. If you're not comfortable and you wish additional testing at multiple stages of the repair process I can accommodate you but you will be charged an extra fee. That fee will appear in the estimate prior to agreement and shipment of your motherboard, to me to repair.

@@@@ UPDATE: ADDITIONAL OFFERING (7/21/2023) @@@@@:  
I have a limited-unit (limited time) deal with Kubaatyszko just for Fuel mainboard repair customers ONLY.  I have been permitted to have a one-time volume discount pricing on the single PCB board model design of the Fuel ATX PSU adapter designed by Kuba, currently this model:

https://forums.irixnet.org/thread-2784-post-29283.html

https://www.tindie.com/products/kubatyszko/sgi-fuel-atx-power-supply-converter-new-version/  

I'm the assembler of these adapters (I got them as bare PCB boards).  These adapters will be offered for Fuel mainboard DS1780 repair customers only to promote the fixing of mainboards and the usage of alternative power supplies to ensure the system's life.  These will be offered at a discount along with service, only, they may not be purchased independently, they are perk.


DS1780 Repair Service Description
The actual replacement takes a fair amount of prep to ensure a good quality repair without affecting the region of the mainboard being worked on.  

IC replacement service includes: Protecting and Masking off DS1780 ICs, removal of old ICs, cleaning IC pads, application of new ICs + soldering, post-install leg pressure testing, microscope inspection for errant connections, and a quick multimeter check for solder bridges as well.

I DO NOT INSTALL AND POWER ON YOUR MAINBOARDS FOR THIS SERVICE, AT THE STANDARD PRICING.  I only remove ICs, install new ICs, then clean and verify installation.  If you want me to test the mainboard after servicing, we'll need to add additional charges.  These can get very expensive, I keep prices down by NOT gutting a Fuel system and testing, I currently (standard pricing) just change the chips and ship it back to you.  

So far we have been successful, however I stand behind the repair, should it fail, I'll make it right.  But the only way to keep it cheap is to NOT install and run everyone's mainboard, else the price would have to increase by over 60%.  Which makes it unaffordable for many collectors.  So please understand, I assume your mainboard worked (powered on) but had ENV issues before you sent it to me.

I want to keep it affordable for SGI collectors so I'd prefer to handle issues on a case-by-case and trust each other, if someone takes advantage of this, it will force a cost increase for everyone which is likely to make it unaffordable for some collectors.  I don't want to do that.  

Likely, you’ll need replacement services once per device, in its lifetime, so if you have future DS1780 IC failures on a device I previously worked on I’ll do my best to help you out as a follow-up consult.

Be aware that even from my own adventures, IC replacement does not guarantee your problem is fixed, your problem may not even be those ICs and that won’t be my responsibility, I’m not offering troubleshooting services to verify you need new DS1780 IC(s), you’re asking me to replace all three DS1780 ICs as a service only (without evaluation).

If you’re in my area, you’re welcome to come in person (pre-arranged appointment only) and drop off the board (I can give you a large antistatic bag for local drop-off, if you need).  I cannot do a “while you wait” replacement service, but I can often do it within the next day, if I’m not otherwise backlogged. I am willing to drive the repaired board back to you if it’s within ~25 miles of me instead of shipping or meeting you within that distance. 

I’m located in Seattle, WA 98168, USA (to estimate your shipping costs).


Please do not send me boards without prior arrangement via PM or otherwise

I accept PayPal (you pay my PayPal fees), Zelle, US Postal Money Order, and Cash or Trade (in-person).  I will quote you the cost before you can send me your board. Once I have your mainboard I will put it in the queue and do the work as soon as possible. I expect payment after I announce that you're mainboard has been serviced. I will not ship your mainboard unless you pay me in full. You agreed to forfeit the ownership of your mainboard if you do not pay me after 90 days from date of work completion announcement. I will use both an email you provide and this forums direct messaging feature to inform you of this. I will also publicly announce it in the repair thread if all else fails.

The warranty situation on this is tricky. Obviously it shouldn't be worse than when it left your custody. But because Fuel power supplies can do a lot of damage it's hard for me to put a general warranty on this repair. A bad fuel power supply could easily damage the same chips again. So I will say that I closely track and ask that the recipients please be able to reassemble your system as soon as possible to check that the board is now in better working order. But I cannot be held responsible for the condition of your power supply or electrical damage to the board after you receive it.  I also do my best to ensure that your problem was related to these chips with a back-and-forth discussion before you even send the board in.

I'm not a storage depot and I'm not a parts dealer. Please be prepared to pay and please be prepared to reassemble your system in a timely manner to confirm functionality and success of the service. Also be aware that there are guidelines on this forum that we will need to follow (I will instruct you on those).  Afterwards it is expected that we leave each other feedback using the feedback system on this forum. These feedback comments are important as other users can see them and they make a big difference when participating in other transactions with other users. 

I also buy broken SGI PSUs and other broken parts, so inquire if you have anything to trade for services when you ask about the DS1780 Replacement service.


Cheers!

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - wavebits - 02-09-2022

weblacky

I'm happy to see this service is available. I have a Fuel motherboard with one or more bad sensors. I'll be sending you a pm.

Thanks.

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - weblacky - 02-09-2022

PM received. Exchanging information now. I’ll get you that PayPal invoice you requested.

Paypal invoice has now been sent!

Payment received, awaiting shipment.

Shipment came today, three DS1780 ICs have all been replaced and basic checks have been performed.  New shipping label created, shipment will take place tomorrow!

The board was packed and up and shipped out today.

Pictures from the board repair are now posted in this new album:

https://siliconimage.irixnet.org/index.php/User-Albums/weblacky/DS1780-Repair-Fuel-MB-1---wavebits

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - wavebits - 02-19-2022

weblacky

I received the Fuel motherboard back after your replacement of all three DS1780 sensor IC's. Thanks to your excellent packing it arrived safely. After it was re-installed, I performed some tests using a terminal emulator and looked at L1 env info. The frequent errors that were occurring on the I2C bus that was preventing power-up are completely gone. The board is now stable and operating normally. I need to now do a fresh install of Irix since the power supply failure that likely damaged the sensor chips also seems to have trashed the file system. But at least the hardware is up and running.

I really appreciate this excellent service. It was above and beyond. Your commutations before the repair and your great care and workmanship were outstanding. This seems to be a common problem on these motherboards from reading this and other forums. It's great to know competent help is out there to keep these great machines going. I certainly would recommend your service to anyone with a Fuel suffering from dreaded 'env disease'

--wavebits

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - weblacky - 02-19-2022

(02-19-2022, 03:39 AM)wavebits Wrote:  weblacky

I received the Fuel motherboard back after your replacement of all three DS1780 sensor IC's. Thanks to your excellent packing it arrived safely. After it was re-installed, I performed some tests using a terminal emulator and looked at L1 env info. The frequent errors that were occurring on the I2C bus that was preventing power-up are completely  gone. The board is now stable and operating normally. I need to now do a fresh install of Irix since the power supply failure that likely damaged the sensor chips also seems to have trashed the file system. But at least the hardware is up and running.

I really appreciate this excellent service. It was above and beyond. Your commutations before the repair and your great care and workmanship were outstanding. This seems to be a common problem on these motherboards from reading this and other forums. It's great to know competent help is out there to keep these great machines going. I certainly would recommend your service to anyone with a Fuel suffering from dreaded 'env disease'

--wavebits


Thank you Wavebits and wonderful to hear that the IC replacements solved your issues.  I've left you feedback via the feedback system.

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - blacksmith - 07-03-2023

Hello there,

After several PM's with Weblacky, I decided to ship to him my Fuel's motherboard for temperature sensors replacement. For other interested people from Canada (GTA) to Weblacky place the UPS price is not so bad, only 60 CAD. I don't know yet how much I will pay for customs.

Looking forward to have my Fuel working again...

Blacksmith.

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - vishnu - 07-03-2023

(07-03-2023, 05:37 PM)blacksmith Wrote:  Hello there,

After several PM's with Weblacky, I decided to ship to him my Fuel's motherboard for temperature sensors replacement. For other interested people from Canada (GTA) to Weblacky place the UPS price is not so bad, only 60 CAD. I don't know yet how much I will pay for customs.

Looking forward to have my Fuel working again...

Blacksmith.

You don't have to pay anything to customs:

https://canadacrossborderfreight.com/shipping-from-canada-to-u-s-for-repair/

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - weblacky - 07-03-2023

(07-03-2023, 07:05 PM)vishnu Wrote:  
(07-03-2023, 05:37 PM)blacksmith Wrote:  Hello there,

After several PM's with Weblacky, I decided to ship to him my Fuel's motherboard for temperature sensors replacement. For other interested people from Canada (GTA) to Weblacky place the UPS price is not so bad, only 60 CAD. I don't know yet how much I will pay for customs.

Looking forward to have my Fuel working again...

Blacksmith.

You don't have to pay anything to customs:

https://canadacrossborderfreight.com/shipping-from-canada-to-u-s-for-repair/

For large businesses you can do this...I cannot.  So you have to basically forgo insurance by declaring it under $20 CAD.  However, given that I've never seen any shipper payout for a lost/damaged item...insurance makes you feel good..but I've never seen it work.  In this case, you likely have to go without.  

To be able to file a TIB you have to actually PROVE export from the USA...which I cannot...so you can RE-IMPORT IT temporarily.  This system was setup to only work with a manufacturer that has direct sales records for clients and is big enough to spend money to file the "temporary Bond Exportation" so clients to export their broken items back to the country of origin/manufacturer.  That's not me.

weblacky - weblacky - 07-12-2023

(07-03-2023, 05:37 PM)blacksmith Wrote:  Hello there,

After several PM's with Weblacky, I decided to ship to him my Fuel's motherboard for temperature sensors replacement. For other interested people from Canada (GTA) to Weblacky place the UPS price is not so bad, only 60 CAD. I don't know yet how much I will pay for customs.

Looking forward to have my Fuel working again...

Blacksmith.

Hi Blacksmith,
your UPS package was received today. I will open it and inspect the board and begin repair procedures tomorrow.

Repair procedures have been completed, microscope visual inspection has been completed, and multimeter check for direct shorts and connection to test pads has been completed. I'm drafting an Email to send to blacksmith, shortly.

DM sent to Blacksmith to start continuation of transaction.

Blacksmith's board had a broken drive bay Fan header, it was replaced with a donor header from a PC server board.  I have photos of the board posted here: 

https://siliconimage.irixnet.org/index.php/User-Albums/weblacky/DS1780-Repair-Fuel-MB-5---Blacksmith

I didn't apparently take pictures with all the chips off, I was in a hurry so these don't show any blank spots waiting for new chips, just old and new.

This is a first generation Fuel board, which I've never seen in person. Nor have I ever seen pictures of one. This may be the first posted series of images of a first generation Fuel board on the Internet today given how much has been taken down now. Why is it important? Because there's two very different changes in the first board versus all the subsequent boards. 

1. There are tiny extra connectors in the front of every PCI-X slot on this board. These connectors look like they're supposed to provide some form of extra power or extra featureset that SGI maybe was planning to have fuel-only adapter boards but I guess canceled that. I've never seen this connector on any card and the stencil and pads for these connectors are in the later Fuel mainboard revisions but the connectors were left off. Check those out!

2. The L1 and PROM chips are in fact labeled. Now these may not be the end all and be all of all firmware chips on the board but they are in fact labeled with human readable text. On later boards there's simply a series of numbers and versions with no English description at all. This is important because we are eventually going to need to replace corrupted boards that have either suffered bit rot or have suffered flashing problems. These labels at least give us a partial view of what goes where. This information was obscured in later boards. Why?  Who knows...


I'm now taking steps to pack this back up and do the necessary work to get the international shipping arranged.

I've gotten all the UPS information and pre-paid for a label. I sent both a PM and email to blacksmith detailing shipping information for his approval in case there is a discrepancy. A PayPal invoice for the job has been sent to blacksmith's contact email.

Package is fully packed and ready to be handed over to UPS on Monday, unless any discrepancies are discovered we are a go for shipment.

Payment Received!  Package will be mailed out Monday! I will send tracking once mailed (though it's on the paperwork I've given to Blacksmith anyway).

RE: Dallas DS1780 IC Replacement Services. - blacksmith - 07-16-2023

Hi Weblaky,

Today I had the time to look at the pictures, they are impressive. Thank you for such great work. I look forward to start my Fuel again.