A lot of people are asking for the right to repair. Many people believe products should last longer, and therefore when broken, they should be repaired. This requires products to be designed for repair as well as support for repairers of all kinds. The goal of right-to-repair rules, advocates say, is to require companies to make their parts, tools and information available to consumers and repair shops in order to keep devices from ending up in the scrap heap. The surge in interest in right to repair is good news for consumers and environment, but it isn’t great news for those companies keen on planned obsolescence.
Fix, or Toss? The ‘Right to Repair’ Movement Gains Ground article says that in USA both Republicans and Democrats are pursuing laws to make it easier for people to fix cellphones, cars, even hospital ventilators. In Europe, the movement is further along.
Vice article The Right to Repair Movement Is Poised to Explode in 2021 article says that in USA fourteen states are exploring “right to repair” legislation as the movement gains steam. Whether it’s John Deere’s efforts to make tractor repair costly and annoying, Apple’s bullying of independent repair shops, or Sony and Microsoft’s attempt to monopolize game console repair, US corporations have done an incredible job the last few years driving bipartisan public interest in the “right to repair” movement. Last year witnessed monumental progress for right to repair and 2021 is expected to take the effort to an entirely new level.
In addition to the environmental impact of slowing the rate of expanding landfills there are also other benefits. A recent report by US PIRG found that repair monopolization comes with significant costs for American consumers. It also found that American families would save $40 billion ($330 per family) per year if they repaired more products and used them for longer periods. That’s of course
The French repair index: challenges and opportunities article tells that since January 1st 2021, France is the first country in Europe to have implemented a repairability index on 5 categories of electronic devices. While this index is a key milestone for the Right to Repair in Europe, it isn’t without limitations.
258 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Motorsport Wiring 101 | Tools And Materials [RESOURCE]
https://www.hpacademy.com/technical-articles/course-guide-motorsport-wiring-tools-and-materials-resource/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=scheduled-post&fbclid=IwAR2h1MY4jnIjqaPZnFMiaHkhivNpKrnPIORe3g-PIA5d_vslBoRj0xMyoMY&ad_id=6282026256692&campaign_id=6282026255892&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.kingston.com/en/blog/personal-storage/recycle-old-electronics
Tomi Engdahl says:
Technics Amp repair with NO PARTS!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzm3-_Fohkc
Mark fixes a Technics SU-X502 Amplifier with no output. Nothing wrong with the components… Just a little touch up here and there. Doesn’t take too long.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Technics SL1210 Turntable – Quick Fixes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF2usvWI6HU
Mark repairs a neglected Technics SL1210 Turntable, on a budget!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Cheap Amp Cheap Fix! Skytronic PA2100 Amplifier Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXaL1e3fMNI
Mark diagnoses a low output channel on a PA amplifier. The fix turns out to be surprisingly easy! Who else would bother repairing a potentiometer?
Tomi Engdahl says:
Guitar Effects Pedal Repair (NOVA System)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od7WC-kz73g
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Is How Apple Fixes Its Un-repair Friendly Phones – Tearing Down Apple’s Display Opener
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=govETQLZGWA
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Hack is Genius! Fix Broken Plastics With Plastic Welding Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4T3KcMJNYE
Many items in the house and workshop are made of plastic. These plastics stretch and break over time, and most people throw away their broken plastic items. However, since plastic is a material that melts easily, you can easily repair it with plastic welding or soldering. If you have broken plastic items and you want to throw them away, be sure to watch this video called Repair your broken plastics with plastic welding method and learn how to repair your broken, cracked plastics.
Viewer comments:
I have always had a SNEAKING suspicion that plastic could be easily melted together like this but never really tried or investigated, this is brilliant!
You can buy a kit to do this from most autobody/collision repair suppliers, it also comes with different types of plastic rods for different plastics
we were actually having a hard time getting decent strength from the welds bet that mesh method makes it work perfect
Also, SUPER IMPORTANT, those fumes are incredibly toxic, wear a respirator if your going to do this.
Tried the first method (with a zip tie) on a plastic piece that had broken off of one of our refrigerator drawers…and it was a sizable piece that was part of one of the sides that rode along the groove to hold the drawer in place, so it had to be a strong weld. And it worked, thank you!
Plastic Welding Repair – one minute tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJTrNINAs0o
Clean the area.
Drill holes at each end of the crack to prevent it from spreading.
Melt a plastic rod onto the crack.
Reinforce the plastic weld with steel mesh.
Add more plastic on top of the mesh.
Smooth it out.
How to Fix Cracks in Plastic Using a Hot Stapler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGveuYxwzg0
This technique doesn’t fuse the plastic together like #PlasticWelding would, instead, it uses metal staples to link the 2 pieces of plastic together.
To achieve penetration into the plastic, the tool uses electrical current to heat the Stainless Steel elements (this is why they’re referred to as Hot Staples) which allows them to be pressed into the plastic.
By linking both pieces of plastic together, movement is eliminated. This increases the plastic’s structural integrity, and prevents the crack from spreading further.
Combined with plastic welding, you could hypothetically achieve a fix that’s stronger than the original plastic itself.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Stronger Than Steel! Mix Iron Powder and Superglue You Will Amazed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mujIw8yb73A
In this video, we show you how effective a combination of iron powder and super glue is when doing repairs. Using iron powder when filling or repairing any gap is very effective and powerful. In fact, the use of iron powder is even more effective than baking soda. Repairs made with iron powder are even harder than steel. Watch this video to learn these mechanic tips and tricks.
Tomi Engdahl says:
HOW TO FIX broken plastic ULTIMATE Welding Forming Repair techniques
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVaup9CYOL0
HOW TO FIX broken plastic parts.
how to weld plastic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YARfxgyj_Y
Using a soldering iron to weld plastic.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Bumper Repair with Hot Air Plastic Welder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEGb4ofbGOE
Repairing a torn TPO bumper using a hot air plastic welder and materials from Polyvance.
AIT induction – Hot Air plastic repair – Collision Repair Line
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18KtlNDlhK0
Ideal for repairing and renovation of damaged bumpers in a very easy and fast way.
HOT AIR allows you to carry out plastic welding using a jet of hot air that fuses the plastics strips that get welded and fixed together on the unit. Practical and easy to handle, it is fitted with a flow regulator. In this way, the damaged parts are welded together in a lasting manner, thus avoiding the expensive replacement of the piece.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Clean & Resurrect an Embalmed Potentiometer (With Bonus Rant)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0ADYRx2jQSE&feature=youtu.be
How to clean and service pots on guitar amplifiers
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MR3m2vPH2ys
Tomi Engdahl says:
Repairing broken traces on a circuit board
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ref9JHUf-uw
Multilayer Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBi40aq4-t0
Tomi Engdahl says:
Six Common Mistakes Made When Recapping Vintage Electronics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeDKwi-GJRI
Short little video on common mistakes seen when recapping (replacing capacitors) vintage electronics. This would include vintage stereos, radios, equipment, CBs, ham radio receivers & transmitters, calculators, computers, you name it.
Hopefully this will provide you some tips and hints to use when you go to recap your piece of vintage gear.
Topics include:
- Mistaking Factory Glue for Leaking Capacitors
- Factory Boards and Manuals Marked Wrong
- Capacitors Installed Incorrectly
- Using Larger Capacitors Than Specified
- Buying Electrolytic Capacitors off Ebay
- Replacing Everything at Once
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tour of my audio repair workshop & test equipment
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PALna0OPKmg&feature=youtu.be
Tour of my Audio equipment repair workshop at my home. Just a hobby. I also enjoy collecting and repairing test equipment
Tomi Engdahl says:
This One Simple Trick Rehabilitates Scratchy Sounding Speakers
https://hackaday.com/2023/04/20/this-one-simple-trick-rehabilitates-scratchy-sounding-speakers/
A scratchy sounding speaker repaired at no cost! An unusual technique..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Pc2hCxU3g
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-clean-a-phone-charging-port
Tomi Engdahl says:
Learn how To Test Motherboard SMD Components with multimeter Introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAyU8jlbz3M
Learn how To Test Motherboard SMD Components with multimeter Introduction
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to test a TRANSISTOR with a multimeter PNP or NPN MF#63
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93bO2nBrptM
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2023/05/08/can-you-use-a-post-card-with-a-modern-bios/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/05/logitech-and-ifixit-join-forces-to-offer-wireless-mouse-parts-online/
Tomi Engdahl says:
HOW TO FIX A MULTIMETER THAT DOES NOT WORK (MY TOP 3 PROBLEMS & REPAIRS)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBXfmXwBsww
In this video we look at common issues with multimeters.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Unobtainium is often not the problem when restoring equipment. Bigger problems are Understandingum and Appropriatum.
A transistor for instance is a transistor and most are very generic. So if you are aware of a few facts then there are thousands of potential substitutes.
Tomi Engdahl says:
I’m finding that it’s often not unobtanium, but howmuchareyouwillingtospendium.
Notworthicus timeium.
You are spot on… For most audio applications many transistors may be used to substitute.. However, there are many transistors mostly for specialized applications… Switching Power, avalanche, RF applications, noise..ect..
Not so much in test equipment, but many older radios use ICs that have not been manufactured for over 40 years. Not that they couldn’t be substituted for by a clever circuit, but the development time and cost could make the whole endeavor fruitless.
The worst situation is the dreaded “die spin” where the manufacturer improves a chip and this breaks the product you’re building.
The original 2N3055s were silicon junction transistor. The current ones use Mesa or similar fabrication techniques. The older 3055s have an Ft of around 400KHz, the later ones 4MHz. Back in the early 1970s, I built a CDI (capacitor discharge ignition) unit for my vehicle. It used a pair of 3055s in a self oscillation inverter based on a 12 – 0 – 12V secondary mains transformer. The capacitor charged up to 400V DC via the coil’s primary. It was discharged by shorting the DC output of the inverter with an SCR. The inverter would shut down when shorted and restart as soon as the SCR turned off. With the later style 3055s, the inverter would change from oscillating at around 10KHz to oscillating at around 100KHz. The SCR never turned off. Also the later 3055s, having a smaller die, and much less thermal inertia, tend to fail more easily on overload.
Thinking like this is a big threat to people who want to have reasons why they can’t fix the stuff they have. Perfectionism is a perfect hedge.
As long as you haven’t broken your back from all the Heavium
It took me many years to learn that. In my defense, transistors were probably a lot more non-generic in the 60′s when I started playing around. Some germaniums were still around. Low frequency cutoffs or low hfe’s on Ge and Si. After the time about the 2N2222 and the celebrity 2N3055 became ubiquitous and cheap(and they were really useful a lot of places), I gradually realized that I could relax my perceived requirements for most exact replacements. PNP and NPN. Cory Lytle notes some issues with FET’s and diodes that I think are correct. If you can look at data sheets and do a little bit of examining the differences, you can guess right most of the time if your potential replacement is viable.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Protect Vintage Gear With Easy Capacitor Reforming
https://hackaday.com/2023/06/05/protect-vintage-gear-with-easy-capacitor-reforming/
Having acquired some piece of old electronic equipment, be it a computer, radio, or some test gear, the temptation is there to plug it in as soon as you’ve lugged it into the ‘shop. Don’t be so hasty. Those power supplies and analog circuits often have a number of old aluminium electrolytic capacitors of unknown condition, and bad things can happen if they suddenly get powered back up again. After a visual inspection, to remove and replace any with obvious signs of leakage and corrosion, those remaining may still not be up to their job, with the oxide layers damaged over time when sat idle, they can exhibit lower than spec capacitance, voltage rating or even be a dead short circuit. [TechTangents] presents for us a guide to detecting and reforming these suspect capacitors to hopefully bring them, safely, back to service once more.
Capacitor failure modes are plentiful
When manufactured, the capacitors are slowly brought up to operating voltage, before final encapsulation, which allows the thin oxide layer to form on the anode contact plate, this is an electrically driven chemical process whereby a portion of the electrolyte is decomposed to provide the needed oxygen ions. When operating normally, with a DC bias applied to the plates, this oxidation process — referred to as ‘self-healing’ — continues slowly, maintaining the integrity of the oxide film, and slowly consuming the electrolyte, which will eventually run dry and be unable to sustain the insulating oxide layer.
Reforming Capacitors – Everything you wanted to know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-jKsVbKFqM
Tomi Engdahl says:
Capacitor Reforming – Why Do Capacitors Need Reforming? | Ask Al presented by Quad Plus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW3703sUD5E
Many AC and other inverter type (i.e. solar) drives contain aluminum electrolytic capacitors for DC bus filtering. If these capacitors have been in storage for a period of time, for example as a spare, they may explode if reforming is not performed before applying full power. Al explains the capacitor mechanics and how you can prevent explosions.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Topic: Meter movement sticking.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/meter-movement-sticking/
If an analog meter is sticking, it isn’t in good shape. If it moves closer to the correct position when you tap it, assuming there is no obvious foreign object in the mechanism or bent pointer, either there is dirt in the bearings, or they have been damaged by excessive mechanical shock. Cleaning the bearings is only an option for an experienced watchmaker or precision mechanical instrument technician. Lubricating the mechanism is absolutely *NOT* recommended as it will attract dirt and further gum it up and may react adversely with glues and lacquers used in its construction.
The only easily rectifiable problem is if the pointer is being attracted by a static charge on the front cover glass or plastic. Assuming it can be removed, cleaning both sides of it with an antistatic lens cleaner so a trace static dissipative film is left on the surface will remove existing charge and reduce the risk of new charge buildup.
If the needle is not interfering with the meter panel and the hair spring is free moving and not damaged. Then a tap easily returns the meter to either zero or to the correct reading, then it’s likely a contact point at the top or bottom shaft bearing points (the supports for the shaft). Either it’s worn or dirty.
To clean these I would apply a dab of contact cleaner or IPA something that will loosen dirt then manually work the needle over it’s range and let the hair spring return it, repeating cleaning and moving several times if it still sticks. If you are going to lubricate, it would be the lightest of oils wiped dry to a minuscule amount. You might find though no lubrication is required as there may be enough residual lubrication left after cleaning, that is if it was even done in the first place.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The most common reason for a meter sticking is the presence of some fine metal flakes in the magnetic poles and the moving coil. Removing them can be a challenge. The “old pro” method is to use a cotton Q-Tip. Pull the end threads out to make a fine string-like extension. Get the end in the gap around the coil and try to “sweep up” any flakes you can see. The cotton is soft enough to not bend anything, but can grab fine metal flakes.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Basic Meter Repair
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/meter-movement-sticking/
Some quick tips regarding basic instrument meter repair. Cracked glass, loose glass, re-zeroing – basic stuff anyone can do. Don’t throw that meter away! Repair it!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tom Warren / The Verge:
Microsoft begins selling replacement Surface components via the Microsoft Store, including displays, batteries, and SSDs, for “out-of-warranty, self repair”
Microsoft now sells Surface replacement parts, including displays, batteries, and SSDs
/ If you have a modern Surface device, then there are plenty of replacement parts to choose from.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/14/23761037/microsoft-surface-spare-replacement-parts-microsoft-store
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ben Schoon / 9to5Google:
Google plans to offer DIY repairs for the Pixel Fold via its iFixit partnership, including the battery and inner, folding display
Google Pixel Fold will be the first foldable with repair parts and guides through iFixit
https://9to5google.com/2023/06/27/pixel-fold-repair-spare-parts/
One of the biggest downsides of foldable smartphones right now is durability and, more so, repairability. Google is breaking new ground with the Pixel Fold, though, with repair parts that will be available through iFixit.
Since 2022, Google has worked with iFixit to offer official repair parts and guides for virtually all of the company’s Pixel releases. This allows easier DIY repairs for things such as the battery, screen, and charging port.
Speaking to 9to5Google, a Google spokesperson confirmed that this will continue for the Pixel Fold.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Choosing Capacitors to Recap Old Electronics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PKaj9-1xIs
Learn how to select capacitors [caps] for recapping old computers and vintage electronics. Understand which caps should be replaced, what the top brands are, how to use the Mouser website and evaluate the capacitor specifications. See how I pick caps for the Macintosh SE/30 motherboard.
INDEX
0:00 Intro
2:47 Which Caps to Replace
7:53 How to Choose Replacements
10:29 Measure Capacitance with an LCR Meter
13:15 Measure Physical Size with Calipers
18:45 Substitute Radials for Axials?
20:49 Buying Online: Mouser & Digi-Key
28:27 What is RoHS?
36:06 Capacitor Brands
40:05 Practical Example: SE/30 Motherboard
1:06:50 Organic Polymer Capacitors & “Hybrids”
1:11:50 Closing Words
Tomi Engdahl says:
#91 Electrolytic capacitors and its LEAKAGE current and how to test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HUxuRcPR4M
The $5 Capacitor Leakage Tester
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6Gn9Xqy3nY
When capacitors start to go bad, they start drawing current, or become leaky electrically. In this episode, we are building a $5 capacitor leakage tester. Leaky capacitors will destroy circuits, by drawing too much current and changing tube or transistor biases, so you will definitely want to have this tool handy when working with older electronic equipment.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Plastic Welding Method. Easy way to repair broken plastics !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc5i4Oa62tQ
Genius way! Fix Broken Plastic Using Plastic Welding Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxQHT2XkZ6Y
Many items in the house are made of plastic. These plastics stretch and break over time, and most people throw away their broken plastic items. However, since plastic is a material that melts easily, you can easily repair it with plastic welding or soldering. If you have broken plastic items and you want to throw them away, be sure to watch this video called Repair your broken plastics with plastic welding method and learn how to repair your broken, cracked plastics.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Six Common Mistakes Made When Recapping Vintage Electronics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeDKwi-GJRI
Tomi Engdahl says:
3 Ways to Check Capacitors in Circuit with Meters & Testers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDABYKoVO4Q
Learn How to check bad Capacitors in circuit boards with ESR and Fluke multimeter, ESR meter reading is ohms and Fluke capacitor reads microfarads uf mf of a cap, see below for “capacitor meters”
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to check AC 3 phases motor. Continuity and insulation resistance. test. Megger vs multimeter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjeN22jLOdc
Tomi Engdahl says:
Continuity Test, Polarity Test, Insulation Resistance Test and RCD Test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6IAUqswRhA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ultimate Guide To Vintage Audio Repair. Old Electronics Troubleshooting. Repairing Tips & Solutions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWCcWczwfL4
Tomi Engdahl says:
The #1 Mistake You’re Making with Dim Bulb Testers – Don’t Make It Again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEga_TEUmU0
Tomi Engdahl says:
Build This Dim Bulb Current Limiter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SXPj6HFY-Y
Tomi Engdahl says:
Variac Isolation Transformer. Are Variacs Isolated?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o7HtGTvBvA
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.techspot.com/news/99141-apple-adds-iphone-14-m2-macs-self-service.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.w8ji.com/Repairing%20heathkit%20meters.htm
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/meter-movement-sticking/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/variac-carbon-brush-material/
https://www.ittsb.eu/forum/index.php?topic=1231.0
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/blogs/news/ten-uses-for-an-autotransformer-or-variac
Tomi Engdahl says:
Repairing Broken Traces / PCB Trace Repair – Soldering Fix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVSzzJpQiHo
Repairing broken traces is a clear soldering tutorial showing 4 different , neat soldering repair methods to fix your PCB traces , including a great transposed trace method + 2 great wiring methods.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Repair LED light by replace chips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaVjGBQ6uYE
Tomi Engdahl says:
How To Repair IC Chips Damage/Missing Pads On PCB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9WxZBwuuQ4
To repair missing pads, the old method is to jump wire, which is not only difficult but also demanding for repair technicians. Today, we will recommend a new product for repairing missing pads. The product will free you from the complicated jumping wire for repairing missing pads. Let’s check out how the product repairs missing pads with high efficiency.