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Access to specialized equipment by repair shops is not a problem. The problem is lack of genuine replacement parts, lack of (legally available) schematics and

by q3k 9y ago

Access to specialized equipment by repair shops is not a problem. The problem is lack of genuine replacement parts, lack of (legally available) schematics and other technical documentation, and software/firmware that prevents repairs by bricking devices [1]. [1] - https://www.macrumors.com/2016/02/11/apple-facing-error-53-class-action-lawsuit/ https://www.macrumors.com/2016/02/11/apple-facing-error-53-c...

mason240 9y ago
>Access to specialized equipment by repair shops is not a problem. This is already not true for independent auto repair shops. Manufacturer specific computer diagnostic tools can cost them tens of thousands each and often they don't have the same level of tools as the dealers.
- bb611 9y ago
  > Manufacturer specific computer diagnostic tools The tools themselves aren't the issue, the only thing specific to these tools is a complete mapping of proprietary error codes. If manufacturers were forced to release a list of all error codes and their meanings as part of the owner's manual this would be a non-issue.
  - problems 9y ago
    Keep an eye on projects like this: https://github.com/commaai/opendbc https://github.com/commaai/opendbc
mason240 9y ago
>Access to specialized equipment by repair shops is not a problem. This is already not true for independent auto repair shops. Manufacturer specific computer diagnostic tools can cost them tens of thousands each and often they don't have the same level of tools as the dealers.
problems 9y ago
I've never had a problem finding replacement parts for phones, tablets and other devices including batteries, screens, power buttons, headphones jacks, etc. All are readily available if you're willing to wait a few weeks for shipping. Maybe a few things aren't "genuine", like finding OEM batteries is pretty tricky with some devices, but the ones you get do the job with no significant issues in my experience - just beware of the risks of faked specs and buy the cheapest rather than paying more for faked spec. The thing about repair is it's often not economically viable, especially if you're paying for labor - for example, I could have payed someone $100 to replace the phone screen on my Nexus 5 - a brand new one on ebay goes for $170. I may as well just buy a new phone or use it as an excuse to upgrade. So in many ways, the repair shops are a bigger impedance to repairs than the parts situation in my opinion. Instead I was able to buy a replacement screen assembly directly out of China for $30 and do the replacement myself for free, it's the only way the repair made economic sense.

by q3k 9y ago

mason240 9y ago

>Access to specialized equipment by repair shops is not a problem. This is already not true for independent auto repair shops. Manufacturer specific computer diagnostic tools can cost them tens of thousands each and often they don't have the same level of tools as the dealers.

bb611 9y ago
> Manufacturer specific computer diagnostic tools The tools themselves aren't the issue, the only thing specific to these tools is a complete mapping of proprietary error codes. If manufacturers were forced to release a list of all error codes and their meanings as part of the owner's manual this would be a non-issue.
- problems 9y ago
  Keep an eye on projects like this: https://github.com/commaai/opendbc https://github.com/commaai/opendbc

mason240 9y ago

problems 9y ago

I've never had a problem finding replacement parts for phones, tablets and other devices including batteries, screens, power buttons, headphones jacks, etc. All are readily available if you're willing to wait a few weeks for shipping. Maybe a few things aren't "genuine", like finding OEM batteries is pretty tricky with some devices, but the ones you get do the job with no significant issues in my experience - just beware of the risks of faked specs and buy the cheapest rather than paying more for faked spec. The thing about repair is it's often not economically viable, especially if you're paying for labor - for example, I could have payed someone $100 to replace the phone screen on my Nexus 5 - a brand new one on ebay goes for $170. I may as well just buy a new phone or use it as an excuse to upgrade. So in many ways, the repair shops are a bigger impedance to repairs than the parts situation in my opinion. Instead I was able to buy a replacement screen assembly directly out of China for $30 and do the replacement myself for free, it's the only way the repair made economic sense.