R4 & M3 2nd Batch PCB Redesigned

[openchip]

Die-bonding... I looked for about 10 minutes and couldn't come up with a name for it (closest I got was "flip-chip").

I was thinking more along the lines of a 250-300 degree iron and a good little knife to remove the outer edge of the epoxy to get at the very edge of the template... to provide the trace they removed. If one knew what that chip was (custom jobbie?) it might be much simpler to replace it with one that is in a package via a heat gun and a good knife.

die-bonding is proper tech term.
http://www.cil-uk.co.uk/amt/amt.htm

flip-chip is ic packaging term, it means the silicon is 'bonds down' on the package base - this technology has no bond wires.

dont try to decapsulate the plastic. and there is no replacement chip, its full custom made ASIC so can not buy or obtain it.

 

[M3LV1N]

It retains language conversion?

So I can switch the chinese firmware of an R4DS to an english one? Is that what that means?

 

[cory1492]

die-bonding is proper tech term.
http://www.cil-uk.co.uk/amt/amt.htm

flip-chip is ic packaging term, it means the silicon is 'bonds down' on the package base - this technology has no bond wires.

dont try to decapsulate the plastic. and there is no replacement chip, its full custom made ASIC so can not buy or obtain it.

Yes, and thanks. I was only able to turn up this (on epoxy and die rework, lots out there about die-bonding - unless you don't know what it is called):
http://www.epotek.com/ssc-white-papers.asp (Tech Paper 46.pdf)
with mention of rework, though most of the methods are destructive (meaning a replacement die and a die bonder are probably required). Makes me wonder though if the method I suggested of only removing up to where the bond wire connects with the PCB would be equally destructive. I personally think it would be better to have an R4 over essentially a cloned R4 (or even an R4 turned into a M3DSS).

M3LV1N: the contact that was left appears to correspond to the language select, so it should be possible. Whether they changed the chip in the epoxy as well is difficult to determine.

 

[M3LV1N]

M3LV1N: the contact that was left appears to correspond to the language select, so it should be possible. Whether they changed the chip in the epoxy as well is difficult to determine.

So shud I purchase a chinese R4 DS for its availability and cheaper price?

 

[trinest]

Sucks if you ordered a m3 releasently and want to change it to an r4.

 

[aslacker55]

From the M3 website: M3 Simply /R4 DS only offers one shell 23-01-07
Sorry ,
Due to the demand of M3 Simply /R4 DS is huge.
Our mould can not be supported enough M3 Simply /R4 DS shells daily .
The new batch of M3 Simply /R4 DS only offer one shell (No extra shell offered ).

It seems that there will be no extra shell and you have to pick the color when you order

. Well
at least we know its the M3 team that makes the R4 DS.

 

[ssj4android]

So, the R4 and the M3 are the same? Why make two separate products? And do they have the same compatibility and such?

 

[adgloride]

So, the R4 and the M3 are the same? Why make two separate products? And do they have the same compatibility and such?

Because the M3 is loosing money as the R4 is a bit cheaper and the firmware updates are a little quicker. Also if you can't switch people may buy the M3 as they know their good with the firmware updates.

 

[Hypnotoad]

So it looks like the people who got in early with the rev.1 boards really did well for themselves this time.

If one company does stop updating firmware, they can just jump ship to the other companys firmware if they're a little tech savy.