I work for an EPCI contractor installing and commissioning pipelines and subsea / topside control systems, I can nip into the marine base after work or on a weekend, we’ve got a full rework station and analysis kit. I had a physically smashed board and one with a damaged mcu - no risk other than time if it didn’t work. It’ also takes a couple of weeks minimum to get A replacement in Indonesia
As Long as your careful with the heating and diligent in confirming no shorted pins before powering it up you’re unlikely to damage anything, the worst that usually happens is overheating the board and all the other components start moving about granted that’s a nightmare to sort out.

(05-Feb-2019, 12:05 PM)Jonosg Wrote: If you have a decent heat gun, a steady hand and most importantly tons of patience you can buy an F7 chip for about $12 and replace it. I did this once, I made a functioning BFF3 board out of 2 dud ones, (I was shocked when everything worked) wouldn't try it again. - Given the number of pins and spacing on an F7 it would be a real epic, kudos to anyone who tries.

Good suggestion. It would be nice if I have another dud F7 FC around to do what you did. I also don't have a rework station, so for now the FC is going to sit in my broken FC bin.

(05-Feb-2019, 09:11 AM)SnowLeopardFPV Wrote: That's a bit of a bummer. Oh well, nothing ventured nothing gained. I guess the consolation prize is a parts board you can rob stuff from if you need to repair another FC.

I had the same problem with my clracing f7. These boards are very sensitive.. its supposed to have reverse polarity protection but nope.. I have about 10 of them sitting here now... non of them connect. De soldered and cleaned boards with alcohol..great boards when they work but the gyros are quite sensitive as well.. Ive got one on my keychain haha.