How to Harvest Electronic Components？

Step 1：Selecting boards for the harvest

• Source Selection: Choose old electronics such as radios, computers, or televisions as your source boards. Look for devices that are no longer functional or have been discarded.
• Board Assessment: Examine the boards for components that are commonly useful, like capacitors, diodes, resistors, ICs, and connectors. Prioritize boards with easily accessible components that require minimal desoldering.

Step 2：Prepare the required tools and materials

• Tools: Gather a soldering iron, desoldering pump, solder wick, pliers, screwdrivers, and wire cutters.
• Materials: Ensure you have an anti-static wrist strap, safety glasses, and containers for sorting and storing harvested components.
• Workspace: Set up a clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated workspace to carry out the harvesting process.

Step 3：Easy components are removed first

• Tactics: Begin with components that are easy to remove, such as large capacitors and connectors. These components usually have fewer pins and require less heat to desolder.
• Method: Use the soldering iron to heat the solder and a desoldering pump or wick to clear the solder from the pins, making the removal process easier.

Step 4：Remove smaller components

• Precision Needed: Shift focus to smaller components like resistors, small capacitors, and diodes. These components might be more fragile.
• Handling: Use a higher precision soldering tip and magnifying equipment if necessary to avoid damaging the components and the board.

Step 5：Remove the Larger ICs

• Approach: Integrated Circuits (ICs) can be challenging due to their multiple pins and potential heat sensitivity.
• Technique: Apply heat evenly and use a desoldering gun or high-quality solder wick to remove these components effectively without causing damage.

Step 6：Give the SMT Parts the Brush-Off

• SMT Removal: Surface-mounted technology (SMT) components are smaller and require careful handling.
• Desoldering: Use a hot air rework station to gently lift these parts after the solder has been heated and liquefied.

Step 7：Cleaning Off the Board

• Cleaning: Once all valuable components have been removed, clean the board with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residual solder or flux.
• Inspection: Check the board for any remaining valuable components or materials.

Step 8： Component function testing

• Testing Setup: Use a multimeter, capacitor tester, or other specific testing tools to check the functionality of each component.
• Documentation: Keep records of the tested components’ functionality for easier usage in future projects.

Harvesting electronic components is a valuable skill. It saves money and reduces electronic waste. As you get better at selecting, desoldering, and testing components, you’ll improve your DIY projects and help the environment.