PS3 Les Paul Guitar Syncs But Has Flashing Lights | Guitar Hero Guitar Repair | UK eBay Reseller

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on repairing a PS3 Les Paul Guitar from Guitar Hero that syncs but has flickering lights. The issue typically arises from faulty capacitors, and this guide will walk you through the process of replacing them to restore functionality.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting the repair, ensure you have the following items:

• Capacitors:
  • 10V 220μF capacitor
  • 16V 47μF capacitor
• Soldering Tools:
  • Soldering iron
  • Solder sucker (for removing solder)
• Testing Equipment:
  • ESR meter (to test capacitor conditions)
• Cleaning Supplies:
  • Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) for cleaning
• Miscellaneous:
  • Magnifying glasses for detailed work
  • Hot air rework station (optional)

You can find capacitors at online stores like RS Components, Mouser, or CPC Farnell.

Step 2: Disassemble the Guitar

1. Remove the Battery: Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical short circuits.
2. Access the Control Board: Carefully open the guitar casing to expose the main circuit board.
   • Take note of the placement of screws and any clips to avoid damage when reassembling.

Step 3: Identify the Faulty Components

1. Locate Capacitors: Identify the two capacitors on the board that are likely causing the issue:
   • One is a 10V 220μF capacitor.
   • The other is a 16V 47μF capacitor.
2. Test Capacitors: Use an ESR meter to measure the ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) of the capacitors.
   • A healthy 10V 220μF capacitor should read below 0.6 ohms; if it reads significantly higher (e.g., 2.5 ohms), it is likely faulty.

Step 4: Remove the Old Capacitors

1. Desolder the Capacitors:
   • Use the solder sucker to remove solder from the capacitor legs.
   • Carefully wiggle and pull out the capacitors once free from solder.
   • Clean the holes on the board with IPA to ensure good contact for the new capacitors.

Step 5: Install New Capacitors

1. Insert New Capacitors:
   • Place the new capacitors into the correct holes, ensuring that the polarity is correct (the negative side should match the board markings).
2. Solder the Capacitors:
   • Heat the soldering iron and apply solder to the legs of the capacitors, ensuring a solid connection.
   • If you rip a pad while soldering, you can connect the leg to a nearby trace with additional wire.

Step 6: Reassemble the Guitar

1. Reattach the Control Board: Ensure all connections are secure and that the board is properly seated in the casing.
2. Reconnect the Battery: Plug the battery back into the guitar.

Step 7: Test the Guitar

1. Power On the Guitar: Turn it on and check for any flickering lights.
2. Sync with the PS3: Ensure that the sync light is solid and that all buttons and functions are working as intended.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should have successfully repaired your PS3 Les Paul Guitar by replacing the faulty capacitors. This repair not only saves the guitar from being discarded but also enhances your skills in electronic repairs. If you encounter further issues, consider consulting more detailed repair guides or forums. Happy playing!