FRAO - recovery help plz?

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mikewire

Noob Account
Jan 11, 2005
2
0
Guys and Gals,

I installed my X3 this weekend (no help with this site and forum being down :mad: )...but anyway I installed the PCB rebuild kit and FRAG...but is did boot to the M$ dash - so then I tried again using wires instead of the rebuild and now all I get is a FRAO (flashing green and orange). the PCB rebuild is fried so I will use wires from now on. From what I have read it sounds like there is a major problem but (and I have searched) I want to know if anybody has ever recovered from a FRAO? :eek:

Thanks

Mike
 
H

honukele

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
16
0
Honolulu, HI
Check the board very carefully. If you installed the rebuild board, then unsoldered it, you may have removed a trace pad where you desoldered. If so, you have to rebuild the trace. There are two ways to do that, (1) if it is around a hole that goes through the board, try inserting a fine wire into the whole and soldering it in place. (2) If the trace is damaged elsewhere, you might look into the Radio Shack trace rebuild pen. I have seen it posted elsewhere on this board.

If you "fried" your PCB board, then you may have damaged something on the motherboard. Don't be fryin' things in your 'box!

I damaged a trace, which I rebuilt with the solder/ wire method. It took me about 4 resolders to get the board working. Now I'm a happy camper.

My advice:
1. Take your time and methodically check the board with a magnifying glass to ensure you did not damage any traces. If you have a volt/ohm meter, check all the traces that you touched/ soldered to for continuity. If you find a damaged trace, carefully repair it. (Again, search the board for tips).

2. Carefully resolder the wires again with just enough solder to hold them on. There is a good tutorial on how to do this somewhere on this board or at www.xbox-scene.com.

3. After resoldering, try again. If it doesn't work, go back to 2 again.

4. Be patient and don't give up! If you find yourself feeling frustrated, go for a walk, have a soda, whatever, just take a break. Thousands have succeeded at this, you will, too!
 
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