FAQ
TL;DR: Reusing a K9GAG08U0E can work: "old will perform better" and new lots show 5–10 bad blocks. Use a programmer that maps BB/ECC correctly, and solder with care. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17144634]
Why it matters: For TV repair techs troubleshooting boot loops, this FAQ shows when a used NAND is viable, which tools to trust, and how to avoid short-lived fixes.
Quick Facts
- Typical bad blocks (BB) on "new" K9GAG08U0E lots: approx. 5–10 per chip. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17144634]
- Reuse risk window: returns after 6–12 months if the BB table/ECC are mishandled. [Elektroda, artur0089, post #17527341]
- Programmer choice: TL866 Plus (TL866A+) recommended; avoid TL866CS/TL866A; ProMan reported unstable reads. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17143388]
- Typical cost to get TL866 Plus-class gear: about $110–140. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17143388]
- "New" chips sold cheap: about $4.5 each, often minimum 5 pieces. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17144634]
Does it make sense to solder a used K9GAG08U0E-SCB0 NAND?
Yes. A tested "old" chip can outperform cheap new stock. “Certainly the old one will perform better than the new ones from China.” New batches often arrive with several bad blocks. Program it correctly, verify BB/ECC handling, and you can get stable results. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17144634]
How long can a reprogrammed used chip last in a TV?
Field reports show solid uptime. One technician saw a reused K9GAG08U0E run for a year after programming. Several other cases kept working for months. Longevity depends on correct BB/ECC handling and write workload in Smart/USB features. [Elektroda, ppieciak, post #17511976]
Which programmer works reliably for K9GAG08U0E?
Technicians recommend TL866 Plus (TL866A+). Avoid TL866CS and TL866A for this NAND. Reports also show ProMan/TL86 unstable reads on the K9GAG08U0E. Proper hardware minimizes read/write errors and data corruption risk. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17143388]
Are marketplace claims about ProMan/TL866 support accurate for this chip?
Be cautious. One verification found a listed “NAND ProMan Professional Programmer TL866 PLUS Programmer” did not actually support K9GAG08U0E despite the description. Always check verified support lists before purchase. [Elektroda, Adewag, post #17143118]
Can I rely on RT809H, ProMan, or TNM to program this NAND without issues?
Use with caution. “The BB table is corrupted” when programmed this way, causing random behavior and returns in 6–12 months. Prefer tools that preserve or rebuild the BB table and ECC for this platform. [Elektroda, artur0089, post #17527341]
How do I handle bad blocks and ECC correctly on this platform?
Use a tool that rebuilds the BB table and recalculates ECC. “Easy-NAND Tiny Tools with new software can fully restore the performance… adds the necessary BAD BLOKS… and recalculates the ECC.” UFPI is also cited as capable. [Elektroda, artur0089, post #17527341]
What does “BB” mean and how many are typical on new chips?
BB means Bad Blocks. Reports note “Almost all new” chips show BBs, often about 5–10 depending on the lot. Your programmer must map them out so firmware avoids those regions. [Elektroda, lisek, post #17144634]
Are cheap new chips worth buying over reusing the original?
Not always. One tech saw that for five “brand new” parts, only one or two were BB‑free. The rest required heavy BB handling. A proven used chip can be safer. [Elektroda, GanCegall, post #17144667]
What soldering method reduces risk when removing/attaching this NAND?
Use a proper tip and plenty of tin, or a transformer iron with a custom tip. Preheat the board for convenience. “NAND can be soldered many times in this way.” Mind ESD precautions during handling. [Elektroda, Adewag, post #17512440]
Is hot‑air rework safe if I have the right skills?
Yes, with skill and controlled temperature/airflow. “With such skill and sense of the equipment – the HOT‑AIR can also successfully solder the same system several times.” Practice on scrap boards before live work. [Elektroda, ppieciak, post #17512561]
What can go wrong when using hot air on this NAND?
Overheating or mishandling can damage the chip. One report: a new, working chip became unprogrammable after hot‑air desoldering. Treat this as an edge case and monitor temperature closely. [Elektroda, GanCegall, post #17526503]
Do I need the original firmware dump from the TV?
Yes, for best results. “For best results, you need a native chip with a native firmware dump.” That ensures correct platform data, including BB handling, before programming. [Elektroda, artur0089, post #17527341]
How do I prepare a used K9GAG08U0E for reliable reuse?
- Read the native firmware dump from the original platform.
- Use Easy‑NAND Tiny Tools or UFPI to add needed bad blocks and recalc ECC.
- Program, verify, then install and test in the TV.
[Elektroda, artur0089, post #17527341]
Why did reprogramming my original chip fix a boot‑looping TV?
The original NAND likely lost or corrupted content. After erasing and reprogramming, the TV booted cleanly and all functions worked again. Proper programming and BB/ECC handling restored stability in that case. [Elektroda, GanCegall, post #17143751]