Pentair Easytouch Button Not working

[Robbo]

Hello everyone I have a pentair easytouch panel that is over ten years old (see pic). The down arrow button has essentially stopped working. Of course as you scroll through menus and select an option, you then use the up and down buttons to adjust the settings so this button is essential. Any ideas on what I can do if anything? Is this repairable?

thanks in advance

 

[Jimrahbe]

Rob,

The actual buttons are part of the main card and sure look replaceable to me. Probable could swap an unused working button for the bad one. Well... maybe not.. See below

That said, let's see if Tom has any better ideas.. Calling @ogdento

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ogdento]

I would buy new buttons rather than try to pull one off... It's too easy to damage the board and the button, and a new part is like 45 cents

buy your replacements from a reputable electronics supplier rather than using @mazon cheapo parts (I've used cheap ones, and I will never again). I got these blue buttons from Mouser last time (C&K PTS645SM95SMTR92LFS):



A few tips:

• I hand soldered the replacements, which isn't what they recommend, but I don't have a reflow oven.
• If you're using a hot air gun to remove the old one, be sure to shield the other parts so you don't melt the other button actuators (the blue "stems" in the above photo).
• Clean off the pads with some solder wick before fixing the new button or it will be mis-aligned (think leaning tower of Pisa)
• The actuator length you want is 9.5mm

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tom,

I knew I pinged you for a good reason....

Jim R.

 

[Robbo]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I am fairly handy but I have very limited soldering experience so I’m a little worried about screwing this up. I have a cheap soldering iron. Any other guides or suggestions on how to do this? Suggested Youtube videos?

 

[ogdento]

I've never made any videos about it but there's lot of stuff on youtube about removing components. I kindof like the videos by Mr. SolderFix and Dave at eevblog. Here's a Mr SolderFix video on removing parts: