Broken FF pin

I broke a pin in the back of my head unit. And I was worried that I'd lose all my gps #s So I tried to power it up by sticking the broken pin back into the transducer plug and push it against the socket. Unfortunately, that didn't work. And now the pin is stuck inside the transducer plug!!! I spent hours trying to remove it...no dice!
Any suggestiong how to remove it?

Fortunately Bill FFTC was able to help me temporarily power it up & transfer my gps #s. Thanks again Bill. (If this happens to anybody in the future, we solved it by making a copper pin and jamming it in the transducer/power plug...but make sure to cut the pin longer than the depth of the plug!)

Always glad to help when possible.  Turns out a paperclip is the perfect fit in the plug.  Worked like a charm (to my surprise).  Always a pleasure to hang with ya Pat!

Bill

Is the unit still under warranty? If not, you can remove the broken pin from the head unit using a pin extractor tool. Then crimp on a new pin and seat it in the head unit.



As for the transducer cable, you pretty much screwed the pooch on that one.  You can try using the tip of an x acto knife or a dental pick and gently try to pull it out. Do not damage the female copper contact surrounding the broken pin. If that does not work, you will need a new transducer cable. Good luck.

Can't tell how much wiggle room you have by the pic.
You can try prying it out with a heavy duty upholstery needle.
Maybe drip a lubricant in there first and let it soak overnight.

A replacement head unit was in order.  A broken pin on the head is not something that can be repaired/replaced by a user.  A new head was provided under the "bill" warranty program but Lowrance would have done the same.

Head unit replaced, so that's the good news! I already had a Lowrance 83/200 transducer installed, along with the DSI transducer...which is the one with a stuck pin. Bummer because I was planning to run both units at the same time haha.

Not much wiggle room in the plug w/broken pin. I've tried everything I can think of...razor, needle, lube, shop vac...gonna try a fishing hook tomorrow. Was also considering supergluing something to the hole w/pin then yanking it out? Or solder the end of the hole & pull it out?

Micro drill.

Oh, forgot you still had the pin stuck in the transducer/power cable.  Didn't tackle that one yet.  Yes ... Micro drill but you Dont want to damage the socket or cause the pin to expand in any way.  May have to replace the transducer.

Bill

This will certainly solve your problems. 

Tote you know I hate DSI haha.
Still haven't got the broken pin out of the transducer plug...trying to bend down the tip of the individual terminal, so I can maybe grab the pin with tweezers or pry it out. I figure the terminal is deep enough that it will still operate without the top 2mm of the sleeve.
To be continued!

Micro drill.

I performed this operation in my son's Mac just this week.  Drill a hole just big enough to jam a size 14-18 fishing hook into the drilled hole along the pin. Hopefully the barb will catch and pull the broken pin out. If not, just drill until the pin is completely broken down. Good luck Pat.

I had never heard of a micro drill. But I just did some research. Is it possible to just get a set of micro-drill bits (and use in my Makita) or do I need to get an actual drill and bits?

For example, here's a set of micro drill bits: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stalwart-Diamond-Micro-HSS-Twist-Drill-Bit-20-Piece-75-TJ6180/204203198

I have some micro drills if ya need, Pat.  Might even try to chuck it up in the drill press if you have the transducer removed already.

I had never heard of a micro drill. But I just did some research. Is it possible to just get a set of micro-drill bits (and use in my Makita) or do I need to get an actual drill and bits?

For example, here's a set of micro drill bits: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stalwart-Diamond-Micro-HSS-Twist-Drill-Bit-20-Piece-75-TJ6180/204203198

Mine came with a holder, so you don't need to use  a dremel. It is meant to be used as a hand drill. This is what I have...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-21pc-Mini-Micro-Drill-Bits-Set-Index-61-80-w-Aluminum-Hand-Drill-US-SHIPPER-/190915448315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c73728dfb

Tote you know I hate DSI haha.

Can you tell me why again?  I know you have covered it in the past but I am too lazy to search and I know you're bored at work.