Fixing any electronics - cheaper

[offroad]

Since my career is electronics support have come across several ways to get something electronic fixed. Sharing some notes here<br /><br />1). If it is electronic it worked completely well at some time. It can be made to work again in most cases. &nbsp;There is no mystery magic. &nbsp;Throwing it away should be your last choice.<br /><br />2). Find the original manufacturer and ask them to repair it. Many times this is an expensive repair, as corporate companies maximize profit when you are stuck going to them. &nbsp;Electronics can be highly proprietary for parts.&nbsp;<br /><br />3). Look for a broken version of your device. You might be able to make one working version out of two broken versions.&nbsp;<br /><br />4). Look at notes from other user groups for your device. You might find someone who can repair a common failure of your device.&nbsp;<br /><br />5). Compare the current price of a refurbished or a used-but-warenteed version of your device on eBay. Maybe it is cheaper to get a used version.&nbsp;<br /><br />6) maybe its time to upgrade. About three to five years a significant generational change happens. You might be due for upgrading to the latest version. &nbsp;

 

[peacetara]

I always taught people, electronics can work fine, until the magic 'smoke' that keeps it running comes out of it.&nbsp; Once that happens, no amount of arm waving or part swapping will put the magic smoke back in! <br /><br />P.S. I'm definitely joking.&nbsp; <br /><br />offroad: I generally agree with your methods.&nbsp; A little story about this, my first iPhone, I dropped it on the ground, shattering the glass.&nbsp; I did #1, and took it to an Apple Store, sheepishly admitting I dropped it, and asking how much they might want to repair it. I was expecting a several hundred dollar price tag.&nbsp; They took it into the back, and a few minutes later, the lady came out with a brand new one and said here you go!&nbsp; They gave me a brand new iPhone free, no charge.&nbsp; She said, don't expect this again!&nbsp; Recommended a 'Speck Candy Shell' case (which I promptly bought), and have been glass breaking free ever since!<br /><br />I still have no idea why they replaced it, when I clearly broke it myself, and they knew that I broke it myself.<br /><br />Sometimes, companies are willing to fix for cheap or free, or even replace.&nbsp; Also, *knocks on wood* all the magic smoke has managed to stay inside my iPhone for now! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[bk2valve]

Thanks Offroad, good advice and tips...<br />Bri

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Internet: repair manuals and YouTube vids.

 

[offroad]

Agree on YouTube. Took apart a GPS via video instruction

 

[Guest]

I have repaired thousands of devices over the years and I can say with great certainty that if a device has electronic circuits and mechanical movement, the fault is likely mechanical. &nbsp;In the event of electrical failure the problem is, more often than not, a bad connection somewhere. Cold solder joints on the printed circuit boards are common.<br /><br /><br />

 

[josephusminimus]

Good post, helpful suggestions Offroad.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Cold solder joints *shudder*.. had to teach myself, via YouTube, how to reflow a laptop GPU. Not fun, but it worked. ..Willy.