I Received A Broken Controller ...

[Stone Roots]

I just made it home from my trip out of town for work and ready to set up the new controllers I ordered - but one of them came damaged. It doesn't look too significant - but I wanted to ask the LOR community if this is something that could be easily fixed by a computer specialist (it looks like only the solder broke) - but I really don't know and having to deal with return is something I really dont want to deal with this late in the season...

I attached some pictures and would really appreciate someone's input who knows more than I do pertaining the board's circuitry.

Thank you,

SR

Edited December 4, 2012 by Stone Roots

[iflights]

Recommend you call or write LOR right away and get a ticket opened. They will take good care of you.

[WilliamS]

Looks like UPS manhandled that thing pretty bad. Thats not a hard fix, remove the broken posts and a few solders and your done but geez that thing went through heck to get there.

[Santas Helper]

For sure contact LOR. That's a bad deal right there. Looks like the handler got a little crazy with the package.

When a transformer becomes detached like that it is very hard to get it re-attached (at least looking at the pics).

And who knows what else might be damaged.

[De Trommelslager]

If it were me, I'd get back with LOR promptly. Open a ticket and let 'em know what happened. As said, they are awesome in taking care of their customers.

[Santas Helper]

Thats not a hard fix, remove the broken posts and a few solders and your done.

Looks like more than just removing posts and resoldering IMHO. Those posts need to be re-attach to the transformer with epoxy or something so it doesn't flop around. Won't take much to break that copper wiring either.

[Caleb Linburg]

I would get with LOR. They will get you one quick. It won't take as long as it originally did to get shipped.

[LOR Staff]

I have your ticket, and have assigned it to the correct people. The wheels are turning.

[Stone Roots]

Thanks guys - I first filed a ticket with LOR, but I was hoping it would be something I could have got fixed so I don't need to hassle them or wait for returns and what not...

[Stone Roots]

Thanks guys - I first filed a ticket with LOR, but I was hoping it would be something I could have got fixed so I don't need to hassle them or wait for returns and what not...

[Stone Roots]

LOR is sending a new controller from NY to CA 2 day air to replace the broken one and that's why I'm a LOR'er..... Thanks Dan!!

[Max-Paul]

Goofyguy,

besides removing the leads in the board and getting them back into the transformer body. You then will need to deal with the 30 ga or even possible smaller magnet wire. This will involve scrapping the enamel off of the wire, if there is enough to reach the leads that you just installed. No, this is NOT any easy fix.

LOR looks like you need to rethink how you are shipping these complete controllers. Or at least ones that are mounted in a box. Maybe a small piece of Styrofoam to keep the transformer pushed up against the board. I have now seen several post about the transformer pulling free from the board.

[LOR Staff]

Or, we need UPS/FedEx/Post Office to stop man-handling the packages

You should see some of the pictures we get from customers after the carrier has had them. No styrofoam would save them.

[WilliamS]

Was implying a new transformer. Removing the leads would take less than 2 minutes, soldering in new one less than 2 minutes. I can see where I missed my own point though.

Edited December 6, 2012 by GoofyGuy

[Santas Helper]

In the defense of MP, I work at FAA Depot Center and we have a simular item with a simular set-up transformer inside. We get these with transformers broken off the board like stated in this OP. A bit of bubble wrap but inside (between the transformer and housing lid) would at least take care of some of the brutal shipping method damage. Those transformers are heavy for their weight and how they are attached to a thin board. it doesn't take that much force to have this happen.

A little extra protective bubble wrap or styrofoam (as MP mentioned) inside would be helpful with near little extra work IMHO.

You will not change the thinking of young kids working for UPS, USPS and FEDEX who are working for the money and not thinking what's inside the boxes they touch. Especially this time of year. Gotta bust your butt to make that check.

Was implying a new transformer. Removing the leads would take less than 2 minutes, soldering in new one less than 2 minutes. I can see where I missed my own point though.

So what about removing the board first?

Or, we need UPS/FedEx/Post Office to stop man-handling the packages

You should see some of the pictures we get from customers after the carrier has had them. No styrofoam would save them.

But a little foam or bubble wrap would help.

[jay9158]

i agree foam or bubble wrap would definately help and even if it only stops some of the breakages it has to be worth it, taking into account time, postage, cost of replacement. or maybe with the transformer issue using the mounting holes on the transformer 2 bolts two nuts bolt it to the board this is what the holes are there for!.

[dknahoolewa]

I had the same issue and put in a ticket and LOR sent me a new one. The service is awesome.

I use to work for FEDEX out of highschool and NO packaging will save ANY type of Electronics.

The heavier the box the harder you have to throw it to get it to the container that is about 10' away when you move the boxes.

Sometime it was a game we played b/c moving thousands of boxes a night got boring fast.

[Max-Paul]

Just how heavy is a 2X2X3" block of heavy Styrofoam? And I would think that 50 or 75% less broken controllers would easy save the cost of the Styrofoam. But look at how many people are frustrated with a DOA controller.

[Santas Helper]

I use to work for FEDEX out of highschool and NO packaging will save ANY type of Electronics.

The heavier the box the harder you have to throw it to get it to the container that is about 10' away when you move the boxes.

Sometime it was a game we played b/c moving thousands of boxes a night got boring fast.

And which station did you work at? I might have some back-claims to catch up on.