4 ms·

It's true that the fix is usually simple. It's also true that you can't usually put the case back together after you've gotten the damn thing apart and found t

It's true that the fix is usually simple. It's also true that you can't usually put the case back together after you've gotten the damn thing apart and found the problem. At least, not unless you already had a case to practice on....

corty 6y ago
Depending on how obscure the hardware is, there often is a video on youtube that helps. At least for mobile phone and laptops I've always found something.
VBprogrammer 6y ago
I definitely recognise this phenomenon. It's amazing how easy it is to apply too much force or apply it in the wrong direction and suddenly you find some tiny plastic clip attempting to break the sound barrier. The next time you open the same thing it seems completely trivial.
lmilcin 6y ago
I think it is exactly the opposite. Usually, finding and fixing a problem in a PSU like that is much tougher. These are very well designed (I know because I own one) and they are usually well protected from simple faults. On the other hand they are built to be serviced. You can easily disassemble and reach any part in it. The biggest issue you will face is finding parts.
- exmadscientist 6y ago
  The HP/Agilent/Keysight power supplies have service manuals and, more importantly, are designed to be serviced. Most consumer electronics do not and are not. My success rate on random consumer electronics is pretty good, firmware problems notwithstanding, but then it turns out something was glued or even ultrasonically welded or requires an alignment jig or was just designed by a madman and is impossible to reassemble. I've even been in the situation where something that I was on the design team for is busted and I know exactly what the fix is because I know that product but the assembly is one-way and so there's nothing I can do. (In this case the product required an IP rating and low cost, so ultrasonic welding it was.) It's very frustrating.

corty 6y ago

Depending on how obscure the hardware is, there often is a video on youtube that helps. At least for mobile phone and laptops I've always found something.

VBprogrammer 6y ago

I definitely recognise this phenomenon. It's amazing how easy it is to apply too much force or apply it in the wrong direction and suddenly you find some tiny plastic clip attempting to break the sound barrier. The next time you open the same thing it seems completely trivial.

lmilcin 6y ago

I think it is exactly the opposite. Usually, finding and fixing a problem in a PSU like that is much tougher. These are very well designed (I know because I own one) and they are usually well protected from simple faults. On the other hand they are built to be serviced. You can easily disassemble and reach any part in it. The biggest issue you will face is finding parts.

exmadscientist 6y ago
The HP/Agilent/Keysight power supplies have service manuals and, more importantly, are designed to be serviced. Most consumer electronics do not and are not. My success rate on random consumer electronics is pretty good, firmware problems notwithstanding, but then it turns out something was glued or even ultrasonically welded or requires an alignment jig or was just designed by a madman and is impossible to reassemble. I've even been in the situation where something that I was on the design team for is busted and I know exactly what the fix is because I know that product but the assembly is one-way and so there's nothing I can do. (In this case the product required an IP rating and low cost, so ultrasonic welding it was.) It's very frustrating.