The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

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ghost123uk
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The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by ghost123uk »

Mods, move this if you see fit ;)

I used to own, run, and do everything in my high street electronics shop in Chester. I used to do a lot with CB stuff. Enjoyed it.

Packed it in 20 years ago, but still do a bit. Trouble is that although my eyesight is just fine for normal day to day stuff, when it comes to trying to identify part reference identifications on PCBs, like my current job on the bench (PTBM059COX = Ham Jumbo), it is getting really frustrating. Also reading schematics and the writing on small trannies and caps etc ain't easy either. I have 3 different sets of reading glasses, but even so, trying to focus on tiny lettering etc is a proper hassle.

Then there is the issue of no longer having "all the gear", such as a well laid out repair bench, with decent scope etc. There is only so much you can do with a multimeter, "basic" frequency counter and a soldering iron :evil:

OK, moaning over.........
John, on the S. Cheshire / N. Shropshire border. 26TM953 / muppet handle "Grey ghost"
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108EH002
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by 108EH002 »

My mate uses a cheap hd usb camera connected upto the computer for checking over his electronic boards,you get to see a good bit more than just using the naked eye, with the extra zoom built into the camera/computer for hard to see small print/dry solder joins,making it far easier.He also uses a large magnifier with built in light.
Plenty are talking worldwide on 27.555 usb,
Some are too far up their own @rse to admit it,
Many happen to know otherwise dx-ing test free,
Showing a complete lack of respect for the law.

27.555 Usb
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sickboy
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by sickboy »

I use something similar to this (can't find the exact one). It's got led lights built-in as well. When it's set to around 20x magnification it's great.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/500x-USB-Micro ... 0005.m1851
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by The Collector »

I used to have trouble with writing on small trannies. It usually resulted in a slap ;)
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by The Collector »

...and I'm not saying my eyesight's bad, but I use one of these to check out components nowadays


https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2920399539
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by sonoma »

I also use a usb microscope to see traces and parts since I have gotten older also. works good for me. here in the US you can get one for just under $20.00 shipped. if you order from China it is even cheaper. here is a sample from US ebay so you can see what is mentioned. you can even hold it in your hand to move along traces to see bad solder or cold joints.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2MP-1000X-8-LE ... SwxixaASJI
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by Allan666 »

Having seen above post I will have a look on our UK EBay for one as I could use one of these.
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by ghost123uk »

So will I Image
John, on the S. Cheshire / N. Shropshire border. 26TM953 / muppet handle "Grey ghost"
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by tbftb »

I use one of these for general servicing.... https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/22w-fluoresc ... lamp-a29ff
And this for reading component part numbers etc.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1X-500X-8-LE ... SwZW5aJ0t7
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by sonoma »

tbftb found the item for you guy's over in the UK, not a bad price either. I use the magnifier that he posted for you also for general repairs. the scope works best when checking traces. I would not even try to look at them any more since I am 66 now and my eye's are not as good as they were when I was 40.
old age can play with your eye's for sure.
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by Tim »

There is another alternative, go to Specsavers!
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by 108EH002 »

Tim wrote: 28 Jan 2018, 09:53 There is another alternative, go to Specsavers!
Do they sell glasses as cheap as these hd usb cameras? just picked up a pair of specs for a family member and they were far greater in price.
Plenty are talking worldwide on 27.555 usb,
Some are too far up their own @rse to admit it,
Many happen to know otherwise dx-ing test free,
Showing a complete lack of respect for the law.

27.555 Usb
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by Tim »

Don't know, never visited them myself but unless you need glasses because of medical sight problems then you're better off buying a pair in your local pannier market, chemists or drug store for a fiver or less, they are labelled with the strength, 1.5, 2.5 etc. just take something with you that you need to see better and try out a few pairs until you find the ones that best suit you.
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by Mudslinger »

I don't see why spectacles frames from the opticians have to be expensive compared to sunglasses, and reading glasses from the chemist/poundland.
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Re: The trials and tribulations of electronic repairs as you get older!!

Post by Buick Mackane »

Never mind repairs, I spent about 2 hours sitting on the floor earlier wrapping parcels, When i stood up i almost snapped in half, Mind you when you get to my age every day is a bonus :cry:
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