WTB (UK):Multimeter UNI-T UT139C - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: silverslingshot
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 10:12:35 am
content: Hi to all,I'm new to electronics world but I do have 2 kids and 3 tablets broken by them that I have to change the Micro USB ports. I've bought a Tenma soldering gun (21-10115 UK) and I need a good cheap multimeter to test them. I was thinking that UNI-T UT139C Multimeter would be a good and cheap thing to use. I know I also need a desoldering tool but I cannot afford one now so that will have to wait.Do you have one UNI-T UT139C to sell or can you recommend a different one? I would also like to start looking more intro electronics as a hobby and start fixing things for the family and friends.Thanks.

author: mubes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 10:49:11 am
content: At the risk of derailing this thread into something OT; the easiest way to remove and refit microUSB connectors is using hot air. There are folks around here who have access to such equipment and, in the spirt of Christmas, might even be able to help you out. You'll need to let people know where you are in the county and what kinds of devices they are...Hudls are an easy fix, for example. iPads...not so much.(Speaking as a parent of a kid that recently discovered most Pads don't bounce).DAVE

author: silverslingshot
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 11:26:45 am
content: Thanks Dave. I don't want to disturb somebody with this, I should be able to do this.The thing is I probably could have sent them somewhere and pay to get them fixed (1 x Lenovo tablet and 2 x Hudl 2 tablets) but I wanted to have a try at it and for the money to get them fixed I said I can probably buy some tools and keep them for later (probably to fix the tablets later on). I've already spent more than £80 to get the Tenma soldering gun and the other small tools you need.I know I need the hot air to desolder the USB ports but I cannot buy that one now (I've watched a few youtube videos and it seems doable even if I have 0% experience with soldering). In the end if I cannot take the USB ports out, I will have to buy a hot air rework station.Just for your information, I'm in Leavesden, Watford area (WD25), close to Warner Brothers studios. It is basically North West London, inside M25.

author: nrxnrx
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 22, 2017, 01:14:01 pm
content: Hi!Farnell sell the 139C as Tenma 72-7780 (http://uk.farnell.com/tenma/72-7780/digital-multimeter-handheld-3/dp/2450662) , but for low voltage work, pretty much any cheap multimeter will be fine.As an alternative to hot air for desoldering, consider this:http://uk.farnell.com/chip-quik/smd1/removal-kit-smd/dp/1850214. Dave has a video:

author: silverslingshot
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 07:51:32 pm
content: Thank you for your help.I've looked at the Tenma 72-7780 and it does seem like more than capable of doing what I want so I've added to my list to buy.Just an update on what I wanted to do - I've manage to replace the USB port on the Lenovo tablet but it was very difficult with the wrong/$hity tools (lead free solder, cheap desoldering braid, wrong iron tip and the list can go on). I've learned quite a bit and bought 60/40 tin/lead solder, better desoldering braid, a different tip, some tip tinner paste and I've manage to fix the tablet in time for Christmas. In the end I've soldered back the old USB port as the one I bought weren't very good.With the other 2 tablets (Hudl 2) I think the problem is somewhere else as the USB ports seem ok.