JTAG ports are useful during manufacture to do things like BIOS software updates, soak-testing memory and the like on the motherboard before it's assembled into a chassis. They're only of marginal use for field service.
True. When boards (in my case not mac-related) come off the pick&place line, the flash chips on them are blank. They then go to a programming and test jig, where the serial number is read (in out case the serial number comes from a reel on the p&p line, so the board already has identity), MAC addresses for the ethernet ports are allocated and written to a database, the flash image is generated, and written to the device, and the jig then blinks (hopefully) green at the operator. What type of programming connector I choose depends on the product - if it is a high volume low-value board, I go with test pads and a jig with needles. If it is high-value where we are likely to debug a failing board, it gets a connector.
This is a very nice repair never expected the VIAs to be a problem if they read good continuity apart from the clock line that read 8 ohms if I'm not wrong. Happy new year Graham!
I really like MacBooks of this era (2013-2015). Had one of these 15" (1398), and it served as my daily driver for many years; even did some serious WoW raiding with it :D. Plus it's dying cpu power stages brought me to MacBook repairs, because I couldn't find a shop to repair it for me back then (2019 I guess)
JTAG is for Low Leave access to the TSOP, BIOS and CPU testing and Upgrades before final assembly in the factory. It's easier to test the board for function before putting in a case when it's still able to be detected as bad and sent to the HAND line for HUMAN testing and repair.
I just found this channel, I’m young and was wanting to learn how it all works and I just wanna say I really hope you’re making money from this you totally deserve it and if I was less impoverished I would donate immediately
2:48 it's a L2013/14 A1502 Graham. A1502 2015 board (820-4924) has a metal shield over the RAM but this board has no shield or provision for one so it' s an 820- 3476 if it's 8GB RAM. No big deal, they are very similar.
Nice save. I'll be honest, I thought it was a doner early in the video. At least you got it up and running again, for however long it wants to live. Lol.
wow not only does graham fix computers but he also knows how to cook them??? deep fried a motherboard and now wants an easy bake oven to bake them 😱😱😱😱
To me it's not about the age, but can it do the job. I still use nearly 20 year old laptops for some tasks (core 2 duo). I even have an old 386DX lunchbox luggable with a gas plasma CGA display to cover a few very niche tasks that a modern machine simply can't do. I have repaired each of these systems several times over the years. The way I see it is I am keeping a perfectly useable system from becoming e-waste for no good reason. Even when the repairs often cost me more than a newer used system would cost. Once it's no longer possible to run what I want on them, I'll upgrade.
Something I noticed while you were checking the pins on the display connector was that one of them was still a bit lose. I'm hoping you caught this while editing the video and before the customer came to collect it.
I spilled water on my laptop a long time ago but being the not so smart younger person I was i just left it now i have taken the back off to see why it has been charging and showing the charging indicator but not turning on. Please help me
@Adamant_IT found a tossed out A1502 some time ago, and I think/ suspect liquid intrusion as well. I don't always have time to troubleshoot these finds, but watching your videos is helpful as far as methods, steps, back / double checking this and that, and making conclusions! Thank you sir!
De-ionised water, which you can usually find at supermarkets or hardware stores, and a flux remover cleaning additive. Something like this: www.bestultrasonic.co.uk/flux-remover--pcb-cleaner-1-litre-105-p.asp
hey there mate , iwatched a guy use : Dental Endo Root Canal Files K/H/R - FILES 21/25/31mm Stainless Steel Fit Mani " for the vires " this might help, from Brisbane Australia
Thanks again for the excellent entertaining content. That's a well used laptop. I've a couple that are now out of OS support or upgrade, nice I5 and I7's I've assumed they are now a risk to run on the internet or am I wrong?
For macOS, even old software isn't super targeted by malware, support is the main issue. Stuff just won't work on old versions. Also old macs are just slow. These 13" Retinas all have dual-core CPUs, and they just don't cope well with anything more than being netbooks these days. They do run Monterey though, which is hanging on in terms of support.
Looks like it was kept in a swamp or a damp basement, all the best for 2025. For that critical connector, wouldn't hurt Apple's profits to conformal coat the pins around it and fit a male plug with a seal.
Yeah - and as he said in the vid, they customer will be back in a few months with the next issue caused be "corrosion". Doesn't make his shop look good in the customer's eyes. This way he can honestly tell the customers, that he has done everything possible for the device and start thinking about a replacement.
Happy New Year, Graham. With regards to the ultrasonic water bath cleaner, how about just immersing the PCB in IPA to remove the water? No need for an oven. No need to drip-dry.
"A lazier technician..." This is what really distinguishes you, Graham. The repair profession is by definition facing perverse incentives; in this case, once you've traced enough to make the laptop boot again, any additional effort you put in is simply not making you any extra money; but you are doing it regardless. I can only hope that people watching your channel realize the difference of your services - and allow you in the end to charge more for your services. Sadly the "market for lemons" paper is just as pertinent today as it was in 1970. I hope it won't apply in your case - I really, really do.
Love your videos ... but my OCD would not allow me to watch you working in the grime of who knows what spilled on that computer. That thing was disgusting, might have been sewage, & you are able to not wear gloves, & drink from your personal coffee cup at the same time ... Good for you Mate 😎
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice job Graham, Happy New Year. I wish you a prosperous year ahead
JTAG ports are useful during manufacture to do things like BIOS software updates, soak-testing memory and the like on the motherboard before it's assembled into a chassis. They're only of marginal use for field service.
Oh yea that makes sense, good shout 👌
Yeah, that's why in most boards you see the pads of the JTAG there but the connector is missing, they just remove once it passes the testing.
True. When boards (in my case not mac-related) come off the pick&place line, the flash chips on them are blank. They then go to a programming and test jig, where the serial number is read (in out case the serial number comes from a reel on the p&p line, so the board already has identity), MAC addresses for the ethernet ports are allocated and written to a database, the flash image is generated, and written to the device, and the jig then blinks (hopefully) green at the operator. What type of programming connector I choose depends on the product - if it is a high volume low-value board, I go with test pads and a jig with needles. If it is high-value where we are likely to debug a failing board, it gets a connector.
@@miguelfontenele221 they would never install a connector and then remove it after manufacturing.
nice repair!
trick for via cleaning is white vinegar overnight on the spots then clean next day and solder tin now that corrosion is neutralized.
Great work Graham.
Definitely one I’d tell the customer to back up whilst it still works.
This is a very nice repair never expected the VIAs to be a problem if they read good continuity apart from the clock line that read 8 ohms if I'm not wrong. Happy new year Graham!
Happy new year Graham and to all the chat.
I really like MacBooks of this era (2013-2015). Had one of these 15" (1398), and it served as my daily driver for many years; even did some serious WoW raiding with it :D. Plus it's dying cpu power stages brought me to MacBook repairs, because I couldn't find a shop to repair it for me back then (2019 I guess)
Happy new Grahams...good job
I also have this Mac air a2179 no powering on...
hi I got one of your custom PCs for my birthday and its been doing great I wasn't sure where to thank you so I just went here. So thank you
i hope this format of video takes off for you, love your methodical way of fixing things
JTAG is for Low Leave access to the TSOP, BIOS and CPU testing and Upgrades before final assembly in the factory. It's easier to test the board for function before putting in a case when it's still able to be detected as bad and sent to the HAND line for HUMAN testing and repair.
Happy New Year Graham! 🥳
I'm glad you saved it for a bit longer, when the client finally stops using it; at least they will have squeezed every last drop of use from it.
Nice cleaning job all fixed and saved from the scrap heap for now.
Like always, Graham, Great Job, and Happy New Years! Cheers!
Great video Graham. Happy New Year!
Don't quit on iron tips, because they usually can be saved with some tip restoration compound. It was a little bit of discovery for me.
I just found this channel, I’m young and was wanting to learn how it all works and I just wanna say I really hope you’re making money from this you totally deserve it and if I was less impoverished I would donate immediately
Only 10 years old? almost brand new! :)
Well done great fix. Merry Christmas and a happy new year
Great job Graham, that'd be definitely one I'd give back to the customer with reservations though...HNY from Australia !!
Thanks Graham, great vid as always. Happy new year!
2:48 it's a L2013/14 A1502 Graham. A1502 2015 board (820-4924) has a metal shield over the RAM but this board has no shield or provision for one so it' s an 820- 3476 if it's 8GB RAM. No big deal, they are very similar.
Another great repair Graham. Happy New Year!
Nice save. I'll be honest, I thought it was a doner early in the video. At least you got it up and running again, for however long it wants to live. Lol.
Lucked out on that one! Nice stuff!
wow not only does graham fix computers but he also knows how to cook them??? deep fried a motherboard and now wants an easy bake oven to bake them 😱😱😱😱
Hello Happy New Year Mr Ant - thanks for another great video - all the best
Happy New Year, Graham.
awesome job! and Happy New Year to you
Happy New Year Graham!!
To me it's not about the age, but can it do the job. I still use nearly 20 year old laptops for some tasks (core 2 duo). I even have an old 386DX lunchbox luggable with a gas plasma CGA display to cover a few very niche tasks that a modern machine simply can't do. I have repaired each of these systems several times over the years.
The way I see it is I am keeping a perfectly useable system from becoming e-waste for no good reason. Even when the repairs often cost me more than a newer used system would cost. Once it's no longer possible to run what I want on them, I'll upgrade.
Happy new year ! 🎉
Great work Graham!
so interested what one would charge for this amount of work. you do a great job
Running the intro at 8:00 is very unique
Scum and Villainy. I love it!
Happy New Year see you tonight Graham.
17:48 Solid 😁
That MacBook didn't like "showering"
Die JTAG Die ... I've heard that many times when watching Louis :)
Nice job!
Happy New Year
good job on that i thought it was buggered !!!
Something I noticed while you were checking the pins on the display connector was that one of them was still a bit lose. I'm hoping you caught this while editing the video and before the customer came to collect it.
What is the green solution you use to clean the motherboard parts with a tooth brush.
Bonne année 2025 et merci pour les vidéos.
No JTAG masterkill? Louis Rossmann is disappointed.
I spilled water on my laptop a long time ago but being the not so smart younger person I was i just left it now i have taken the back off to see why it has been charging and showing the charging indicator but not turning on. Please help me
Happy New Years Graham! 🤓 6:16 😱 the battery has to be connected in order to perform power on /power rail tests? Thank you
Only on certain models, the 2013-2015 Pros might be the only ones I think...
@Adamant_IT found a tossed out A1502 some time ago, and I think/ suspect liquid intrusion as well. I don't always have time to troubleshoot these finds, but watching your videos is helpful as far as methods, steps, back / double checking this and that, and making conclusions! Thank you sir!
hi love your video are you able to tell me what bios flasher tool/software do you use ?
Graham could you be more specific on the cleaning stuff you mixed with distilled water?
I think it's not just distilled water but also deionized. It's not the same.
De-ionised water, which you can usually find at supermarkets or hardware stores, and a flux remover cleaning additive.
Something like this: www.bestultrasonic.co.uk/flux-remover--pcb-cleaner-1-litre-105-p.asp
You can make your own distilled water easily.
whats that mesh ball for in the ultrasonic cleaner Graham ?
Linux OS distros run perfectly fine on older laptops. So this would be ok.
hey there mate , iwatched a guy use : Dental Endo Root Canal Files K/H/R - FILES 21/25/31mm Stainless Steel Fit Mani " for the vires " this might help, from Brisbane Australia
Thanks again for the excellent entertaining content. That's a well used laptop. I've a couple that are now out of OS support or upgrade, nice I5 and I7's I've assumed they are now a risk to run on the internet or am I wrong?
For macOS, even old software isn't super targeted by malware, support is the main issue. Stuff just won't work on old versions. Also old macs are just slow. These 13" Retinas all have dual-core CPUs, and they just don't cope well with anything more than being netbooks these days. They do run Monterey though, which is hanging on in terms of support.
@ thanks for the info and clarifications.
A very nice save, have a great 2025 Graham.
I'd rather have a 2015 MBP than one of the horrible butterfly keyboard ones or the 'spotlight' screen cable issue ones. 🤣
The M1 MBA is really cheap second hand, and no butterlfy keybopard!
@@Adamant_IT Thanks I'll bear that in mind for my customers.
Happy New Year from the average viewers! ;)
I'm scared to ask why you have a tea infuser in your ultrasonic cleaner
I would never buy a mac new or secondhands.. even if it be the last computer on earth !!!
I'm guessing not much money can be made either from fixing a 9 year old laptop, which begs the question is it worth it ?
Not everybody can afford new stuff, otherwise they would.
Crikey, was that laptop kept in a puddle?
Looks like it was kept in a swamp or a damp basement, all the best for 2025. For that critical connector, wouldn't hurt Apple's profits to conformal coat the pins around it and fit a male plug with a seal.
"Pro Gamer Tip" What does that Even Mean Graham ? You been hanging out with Caradog far too Much lol
Tempting to skip the ultrasonic given the age of the laptop and the good result from toothbrushing.
Yeah - and as he said in the vid, they customer will be back in a few months with the next issue caused be "corrosion". Doesn't make his shop look good in the customer's eyes.
This way he can honestly tell the customers, that he has done everything possible for the device and start thinking about a replacement.
Happy New Year, Graham. With regards to the ultrasonic water bath cleaner, how about just immersing the PCB in IPA to remove the water? No need for an oven. No need to drip-dry.
"A lazier technician..." This is what really distinguishes you, Graham. The repair profession is by definition facing perverse incentives; in this case, once you've traced enough to make the laptop boot again, any additional effort you put in is simply not making you any extra money; but you are doing it regardless. I can only hope that people watching your channel realize the difference of your services - and allow you in the end to charge more for your services. Sadly the "market for lemons" paper is just as pertinent today as it was in 1970. I hope it won't apply in your case - I really, really do.
Beste wensen
It's a napple, why bother?
Love your videos ... but my OCD would not allow me to watch you working in the grime of who knows what spilled on that computer. That thing was disgusting, might have been sewage, & you are able to not wear gloves, & drink from your personal coffee cup at the same time ... Good for you Mate 😎
hand doesn't touch rim of coffee cup
Happy New Year