I have been following this thread with interest........
I have not yet damaged any of my TinySA or nanovna collection. I suppose I am inherently careful with input overload. If in doubt, a 10db attenuator on the input while setting things up gives a margin of safety.
However, no one has mentioned the use of a tweezer soldering iron. I got one for about ?30 from Banggood. Both arms of the tweezer are heated. You put it either side of the component to be removed and lift away. Replacement is the reverse -pick it up, let it get hot and then place on the board. No heat gun, blunderbuss soldering iron needed.
I have not used it myself, but I did lend it to a friend who said it was fantastic. I also lent him my cheap ¡°microscope¡±, also from Banggood, about ?40. For us veteran enthusiasts, these aids are essential. The microscope has been surprisingly useful.
I will have to venture forth one day, when I have slipped up.......... (or ask my friend to do it for me).
Steve L
Sent from my iPhone with speeling mistakes
