====== Howto: Replace the Connectors on the Mainboard ======
 
===== Why? ===== 
{{:reprap:anet:a8:photo_2016-10-19_20-58-49.jpg?600|board with burned pins}}

The green connectors on the board are not rated for the heatbed currency. Multiple users on the Facebook-Groups showed their burned pins, connectors or mainboards. To prevent this you should switch the connectors.

===== Preparation =====

==== Parts ====


You need:
  * new connectors with a pin distance of 5,08mm and a currency rating of at least 20A ([[https://www.ebay.de/itm/10-50PCS-5-08mm-Pitch-Panel-KF301-2P-KF301-3P-Screw-Terminal-Block-PCB-Connector/232498440599|ebay]]: AKZ120 or 5mm PCB)
  * soldering and desldering equipment (like [[https://www.ebay.de/itm/Lotkolben-Set-Elektronik-Lotstation-220V-60W-Soldering-Regelbar/162791502112|this]])

===== Processing =====
==== Warning! ====
 
If you have no experience in soldering you should give it to someone who knows how to do this. Messing up the connectors could lead to a fire, so give it to some electronics-guy.

==== Desoldering ====

{{:reprap:anet:a8:photo_2016-11-05_01-19-02.jpg?600|Board with stock connectors}}

Desolder all three connectors. Heat the two pins alternating and pull them out or use desoldering tools like desoldering wick and a desoldering pump.

{{:reprap:anet:a8:photo_2016-11-05_01-18-50.jpg?600|Board without connectors}}

==== Solder the new connectors ====

To apply the new connectors to the board just solder them where the old ones were.

{{:reprap:anet:a8:photo_2016-11-05_01-19-29.jpg?600|board with first new connector}}

{{:reprap:anet:a8:photo_2016-11-05_01-19-40.jpg?600|board with three new connectors}}

==== Finish ====

Reapply the board to your printer and enjoy.

===== Related improvement =====

To prevent the high currency of the heatbed going through the Mainboard [[reprap:electronics:heatbed_mosfet|apply a relay]] to your setup.