Wiki

Revision as of 15:13, 8 July 2018

Welcome to the Restart Wiki! This is a place where those of us in the Restart community with experience and skills in mending appliances and gadgets can share them with those who are starting out, or whose own knowledge lies in different areas.

What it isn't: It isn't going to show you how to fix a particular make and model of device, which we leave to the various fix-it sites and many disassembly videos. You can also get help with a device on social media using #SOSRestart. Here, we concentrate on basic and widely applicable principles.

Who it's for: It's aimed at anyone with a curiosity about how things work and how to fix them. No prior knowledge is assumed. In the spirit of sharing knowledge as widely as possible, everyone is welcome to read it. To contribute, just become a volunteer Restarter in your community and contact us.

Like any wiki, this one is work-in-progress. Pages referenced below in red don't yet exist but are projected.

If you wish to reuse anything here, you are welcome do so under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike Licence 3.0.

To find out more about the work we do, and our vision of changing the world's relationship with electronics, please visit us at The Restart Project homepage.

General Topics

Scared to Repair? Some useful tips for complete beginners.
How to search - Tips on how to search for useful material.
Resources - Good sites for fixit or disassemble guides, service manuals etc.
Diagnosing faults - Common processes for troubleshooting
Case Studies - Our favourite Famous Fixes in which we learned something new, or which nicely demonstrated a diagnostic or fixing principle.
Finding a reliable professional - best practices and some London examples.

Glossary of Terms

Glossary - explanations of all the technical terms used in this wiki (and some more).

Repairing with others

Thinking of running your own Restart Party? All you need is here.
Tools - Building a toolkit for community repair events.
Restarter Safety Guidelines - Safety instructions to be adhered to at all Restart Parties.
Measuring impact

Techniques, Skills and Tools

How to drive screws like a pro - Using a screwdriver is easy but using it properly may not be obvious.
Rescuing Damaged Screws - What to do if the screw head is damaged.
How to use a multimeter - the most useful addition to your toolbox after screwdrivers etc.
A Guide to Soldering from Kitronic is a complete guide to the art, including video demonstrations.
How to solder is a more light-hearted and amusing but nevertheless informative resource from Technology Will Save Us. (You don't need an expensive soldering iron though - it just makes it a little bit easier.)
Surface mount soldering - What you can do and how to do it by supplementing the tools you probably already have with a few inexpensive extras.
Connectors - Various different types you will meet, and how to disconnect and reconnect them.
Sticky Stuff - How to stick things back together when they break.
How to wire a mains plug - this step by step guide shows you simply and with pictures.
PAT testing survival guide.
Magnifiers and Inspection Aids - You can't fix what you can't see. How to see better.

Understanding how stuff works (or doesn't)

A Restarters' Training Session makes an easy introduction to the following sections down to and including Electronic Components. It consists of a presentation with audio commentary, lasting around 50 minutes.

Electric circuits, volts amps watts and ohms - what every Restarter should know.
AC and DC - what's the deal?
Electronic components - recognition, failure modes and testing:
- Basic electronic components - Resistors, capacitors, inductors and transformers.
- Active components - Diodes and rectifiers, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).
- Passive components - Switches, push-buttons and connectors.
- Protection components - Various devices for over-voltage and over-current protection. Fuses are only the beginning!
Batteries - different types, shapes and sizes, what they're good for, how to buy them, use them and dispose of them.
Electric motors - different types, how to recognise them, test them and maybe fix them.
Power supplies - how they work, what can go wrong, and how to test and fix them.
How radios work - basic theory to help you understand what might be wrong when you can't see it with your own eyes.

Computers and home office

Software

How to deal with a slow laptop - mainly focussed on Windows.
Windows miscellaneous.
Be Your Own Security Expert - helping people stay secure.
How to speed up a slow OS X computer.
Apple miscellaneous including OS X and Macs.
Linux migration - Choosing a distro, and throwing Windows out of computers.
CD/USB bootable tools - many of them applicable whatever your operating system.
Disk Wipe Utilities - How to securely erase all sensitive data from an old computer, and why you should never skip doing so.
UEFI and GPT - Making sense of UEFI, which supercedes the BIOS in all computers since around 2011, and the GPT disk structure which goes with it.

Computer Hardware

Laptop power problems.
Clean up! Cool down! - dealing with dust build-up and overheating in laptop and desktop computers.
Advanced hard disk tools - and the simpler ones too. Where to turn when the data is in danger.
SSD Migration and Troubleshooting - Solid State Disks: everything you might need to know.

Peripherals

Troubleshooting inkjet printers.
Data Projectors.

Electronic gadgets

How to extend the life of a device used mostly for web-browsing through browser choice.

Feature phones

Smartphones (except Apple)

Android Tips and Tricks
Installing a Custom ROM may enable you to extend the useful life of your phone or tablet.

iPods, iPhones, iPads

Summary of iPhone, iPad and iPod repairs.
Using an alternative to iOS to save an older device

Headphones

How to mend Headphones

Cameras

Compact cameras

Satnavs

Home entertainment

Household and Kitchen items

Carbon-based gadgets - all you need to know. (Just for fun!)
Digital weighing scales - how they work and what might go wrong.
Kettles_and_Electric_Urns - how they work and the possibilities for fixing.
Microwave Ovens (This page contains IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS.)
Sewing machines demystified. Trouble-shooting, care and maintenance.
Steam Irons
Table lamps, desk lamps and floor-standing lamps.
Toasters
Vacuum cleaners

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''We're happy to announce the creation of a Restart Wiki!'''
+'''Welcome to the Restart Wiki!''' This is a place where those of us in the Restart community with experience and skills in mending appliances and gadgets can share them with those who are starting out, or whose own knowledge lies in different areas.
+[[File:Devices_header.png|class=responsive-image]]
-'''What this is'''
+'''What it isn't:''' It isn't going to show you how to fix a particular make and model of device, which we leave to the various fix-it sites and many disassembly videos. You can also get help with a device on social media using [https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=SOSRestart&src=typd #SOSRestart]. Here, we concentrate on basic and widely applicable principles.
-Many experienced Restarters have built up considerable knowledge and experience, sometimes over a period of many years. This comprises on the one hand a knowledge of electrical, electronic and mechanical principles and theory, and on the other, experience of working with different types of gadgets and appliance, with the tips and tricks associated with each. In addition to all that, a Restarter may have a range of online resources and supliers of spare parts at his or her fingertips.
+'''Who it's for:''' It's aimed at anyone with a curiosity about how things work and how to fix them. No prior knowledge is assumed. In the spirit of sharing knowledge as widely as possible, everyone is welcome to read it. To contribute, just become a volunteer Restarter in your community and [http://therestartproject.org/contact/ contact us].
-Other would-be Restarters have little or none of that but have a curiosity about how things work and why they fail, and are keen to learn.
+Like any wiki, this one is work-in-progress. Pages referenced below in red don't yet exist but are projected.
-Those of us with knowledge or experience always enjoy sharing it, and even the most experienced Restarters are aware of types of device or appliance of which they know little but would like to learn more.
+If you wish to reuse anything here, you are welcome do so under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike Licence 3.0.
-Restart parties are a great opportunity to share our knowledge and experience, not only between Restarters but also with the general public who attend our events. However, there is not always time to fully explain something, or the best way of explaining it eludes one at the time, or the Restarter who is expert in a particular skill may not be present.
+To find out more about the work we do, and our vision of changing the world's relationship with electronics, please visit us at [https://therestartproject.org The Restart Project] homepage.
-This is where the wiki comes in. In the course of time it is hoped to include all the basic theory a new Restarter needs, and a wide range of articles on fault-finding and repair of different types of device, as well as a list of resources for further information, tools or supplies.
+==General Topics==
+* [[Scared to Repair?]] Some useful tips for complete beginners.
+* [[How to search]] - Tips on how to search for useful material.
+* [[Resources]] - Good sites for fixit or disassemble guides, service manuals etc.
+* [[Diagnosing faults]] - Common processes for troubleshooting
+* [[Case Studies]] - Our favourite Famous Fixes in which we learned something new, or which nicely demonstrated a diagnostic or fixing principle.
+* [[Finding a reliable professional]] - best practices and some London examples.
+===Glossary of Terms===
+* [[Glossary]] - explanations of all the technical terms used in this wiki (and some more).
-'''What this is not'''
+==Repairing with others==
+* Thinking of running your own Restart Party? [http://therestartproject.org/restartparty/ All you need] is here.
+* [[Tools]] - Building a toolkit for community repair events.
+* [[Restarter Safety Guidelines]] - Safety instructions to be adhered to at all Restart Parties.
+* [[Measuring impact]]
-If you want to know how to fix your particular brand and model of device, you won't find it here. But hopefully you might find some tips on fixing that class of device. There are online sites containing much information on specific devices
+==Techniques, Skills and Tools==
+* [[How to drive screws like a pro]] - Using a screwdriver is easy but using it properly may not be obvious.
+* [[Rescuing Damaged Screws]] - What to do if the screw head is damaged.
+* [[How to use a multimeter]] - the most useful addition to your toolbox after screwdrivers etc.
+* [https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/soldering-school-kitronik-university A Guide to Soldering] from [https://www.kitronik.co.uk Kitronic] is a complete guide to the art, including video demonstrations.
+* [https://www.techwillsaveus.com/resources/learn-to-solder/ How to solder] is a more light-hearted and amusing but nevertheless informative resource from [https://www.techwillsaveus.com Technology Will Save Us]. (You don't need an expensive soldering iron though - it just makes it a little bit easier.)
+* [[Surface mount soldering]] - What you can do and how to do it by supplementing the tools you probably already have with a few inexpensive extras.
+* [[Connectors]] - Various different types you will meet, and how to disconnect and reconnect them.
+* [[Sticky Stuff]] - How to stick things back together when they break.
+* How to wire a mains plug - this [http://www.rospa.com/home-safety/uk/northern-ireland/electricity/plugs-fuses/wiring-plugs/ step by step guide] shows you simply and with pictures.
+* [[PAT testing]] survival guide.
+* [[Magnifiers and Inspection Aids]] - You can't fix what you can't see. How to see better.
-If you're looking for in-depth electronics theory and how to design circuits, you won't find it here. But hopefully you'll find enough on basic circuit principles to have a good stab at fault-finding at a general level. There are online courses and reference sites which will take you as far as you want to go and further.
+==Understanding how stuff works (or doesn't)==
+A [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyHy3uFJrj0 Restarters' Training Session] makes an easy introduction to the following sections down to and including Electronic Components. It consists of a presentation with audio commentary, lasting around 50 minutes.
+* [[Electric circuits, volts amps watts and ohms]] - what every Restarter should know.
+* [[AC and DC]] - what's the deal?
+* Electronic components - recognition, failure modes and testing:
+** [[Basic electronic components]] - Resistors, capacitors, inductors and transformers.
+** [[Active components]] - Diodes and rectifiers, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).
+** [[Passive components]] - Switches, push-buttons and connectors.
+** [[Protection components]] - Various devices for over-voltage and over-current protection. Fuses are only the beginning!
+* [[Batteries]] - different types, shapes and sizes, what they're good for, how to buy them, use them and dispose of them.
+* [[Electric motors]] - different types, how to recognise them, test them and maybe fix them.
+* [[Power supplies]] - how they work, what can go wrong, and how to test and fix them.
+* [[How radios work]] - basic theory to help you understand what might be wrong when you can't see it with your own eyes.
-If you want to know where to get a specific spare part, you won't find it here. But hopefully you might get some clues as to how to find a supplier.
+==Computers and home office==
+===Software===
+* How to deal with a [[slow laptop]] - mainly focussed on Windows.
+* [[Windows miscellaneous]].
+* [[Be Your Own Security Expert]] - helping people stay secure.
+* How to speed up a [[slow OS X computer]].
+* [[Apple miscellaneous]] including OS X and Macs.
+* [[Linux migration]] - Choosing a distro, and throwing Windows out of computers.
+* [[CD/USB bootable tools]] - many of them applicable whatever your operating system.
+* [[Disk Wipe Utilities]] - How to securely erase all sensitive data from an old computer, and why you should never skip doing so.
+* [[UEFI and GPT]] - Making sense of UEFI, which supercedes the BIOS in all computers since around 2011, and the GPT disk structure which goes with it.
-'''Who this is for'''
+===Computer Hardware===
+* [[Laptop power problems]].
+* [[Clean up! Cool down!]] - dealing with dust build-up and overheating in laptop and desktop computers.
+* [[Advanced hard disk tools]] - and the simpler ones too. Where to turn when the data is in danger.
+* [[SSD Migration and Troubleshooting]] - Solid State Disks: everything you might need to know.
-In the spirit of sharing knowledge as widely as possible, everyone is welcome to read what's here, and gain from it whatever they can. (Access may be restricted until a basic range of information has been assembled.)
+===Peripherals===
+* Troubleshooting [[inkjet printers]].
+* Data [[Projectors]].
-If you wish to reuse anything here, please do so under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike Licence 3.0.
+==Electronic gadgets==
-In order to maintain reasonable quality and because we don't have the resources to moderate updates, editing is restricted to Restart Project members known personally  to the organisers. (If you qualify, contact the organisers for an account. If you're not familiar with editing a wiki, see [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.
+How to [[extend the life of a device used mostly for web-browsing through browser choice.]]
-== Getting started ==
+===Feature phones===
-* [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
+===Smartphones (except Apple)===
-* [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
+* [[Android Tips and Tricks]]
-* [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]
+* Installing a [[Custom ROMs|Custom ROM]] may enable you to extend the useful life of your phone or tablet.
-==List of pages==
+===iPods, iPhones, iPads===
-The following pages currently exist. (Those in red don't yet exist but are projected.)
+* Summary of [[Summary iPhone iPad and iPod repair|iPhone, iPad and iPod repairs]].
+* Using an [[alternative to iOS to save an older device]]
-===General===
+===Headphones===
-* [[Style guide]] - Let's give this wiki a reasonably consistent look and feel.
+* How to mend [[Headphones]]
-* [[Tools]] - Our list of useful tools for community electronics repair.
-* [[Restarter Safety Guidelines]] - Safety instructions to be adhered to at all Restart Parties.
-* [[How to search]] - Tips on how to search for useful material.
-* [[Resources]] - Good sites for fixit or disassemble guides, service manuals etc.
-===Basic electrics and electronics===
-* [[Electric circuits, volts amps watts and ohms]] - what every Restarter should know.
-* [[PAT testing]] survival guide.
-* [[Electronic components]] - recognition, failure modes and testing.
-* [[Power supplies]] - how they work, what can go wrong, and how to test and fix them.
-* [[Electric motors]] - different types, how to recognise them, test them and maybe fix them.
-===Mobile electronic devices===
+===Cameras===
-====Feature phones====
-====Smart phones (except Apple)====
-* [[Android Tips and Tricks]]
-====iPods, iPhones, iPads====
-====Cameras====
 * [[Compact cameras]]
-====Satnavs====
+===Satnavs===
-===Audio/visual===
+==Home entertainment==
-* How to mend [[Headphones]]
-===Computers (desktop and laptop)===
+* [[Audio equipment]]
-* [[USB bootable tools]]
+* [[CD and DVD players]]
-* How to deal with a [[slow laptop]] - mainly Windows oriented.
+* [[Portable radios]]
-* How to speed up a [[slow OS X computer]].
-* [[Linux migration]]
-* [[Clean up! Cool down!]] - dealing with dust build-up and overheating in laptop and desktop computers.
-*[[Advanced hard disk tools]]
-===Computer peripherals and networking===
+==Household and Kitchen items==
-* Troubleshooting [[inkjet printers]].
+* [[Carbon-based gadgets]] - all you need to know. (Just for fun!)
+* [[Digital weighing scales]] - how they work and what might go wrong.
+* [[Kettles_and_Electric_Urns]] - how they work and the possibilities for fixing.
+* [[Microwave Ovens]] (This page contains IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS.)
+* [[Sewing machines]] demystified. Trouble-shooting, care and maintenance.
+* [[Steam Irons]]
+* [[Table lamps]], desk lamps and floor-standing lamps.
+* [[Toasters]]
+* [[Vacuum cleaners]]
-===Domestic appliances===
+==Unfinished articles==
-===Scratch Pad===
+[[Category:General]]
-Unfinished articles
-* [[Scared to Repair?]]