Main Page: Difference between revisions

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* [[How to search]] - Tips on how to search for useful material.
* [[How to search]] - Tips on how to search for useful material.
* [[Resources]] - Good sites for fixit or disassemble guides, service manuals etc.
* [[Resources]] - Good sites for fixit or disassemble guides, service manuals etc.
* [[Diagnosing faults]] - Common processes for troubleshooting
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[Finding a reliable professional]] - best practices and some London examples.
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* [[Glossary]] - explanations of all the technical terms used in this wiki (and some more).
* [[Glossary]] - explanations of all the technical terms used in this wiki (and some more).


==Repairing with others==
===Repairing with others===
* Thinking of running your own Restart Party? [http://therestartproject.org/restartparty/ All you need] is here.
* Thinking of running your own Restart Party? [http://therestartproject.org/restartparty/ All you need] is here.
* [[Tools]] - Building a toolkit for community repair events.
* [[Tools]] - Building a toolkit for community repair events.
* [[Restarter Safety Guidelines]] - Safety instructions to be adhered to at all Restart Parties.
* [[Restarter Safety Guidelines]] - Safety instructions to be adhered to at all Restart Parties.
* [[Measuring impact]]
* [[Measuring impact]].


==Techniques, Skills and Tools==
==Techniques, Skills and Tools==
===Some really basic skills===
* 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.
* [[How to drive screws like a pro]] - Using a screwdriver is easy but using it properly may not be obvious.
* [[How to drive screws like a pro]] - Using a screwdriver is easy but using it properly may not be obvious.
* [[Types of screw head and screwdriver]] - Recognise even the more unusual types of screw so you can use the right screwdriver.
* [[Rescuing Damaged Screws]] - What to do if the screw head is damaged.
* [[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.
* [[How to use a multimeter]] - the most useful addition to your toolbox after screwdrivers etc.
* [[Magnifiers and Inspection Aids]] - You can't fix what you can't see. How to see better.
===Soldering skills===
* [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.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.)
* [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.
* [[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.
===Fixing skills===
* [[Connectors]] - Various different types you will meet, and how to disconnect and reconnect them.
* [[Connectors]] - Various different types you will meet, and how to disconnect and reconnect them.
* [[Connecting and joining wires]] - different methods for different situations.
* [[Connecting and joining wires]] - different methods for different situations.
* [[Sticky Stuff]] - How to stick things back together when they break.
* [[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.
 
===Staying safe===
* [[PAT testing]] survival guide.
* [[PAT testing]] survival guide.
* [[Magnifiers and Inspection Aids]] - You can't fix what you can't see. How to see better.
* [[Personal Protective Equipment]] - keeping yourself safe.
* [[Electrostatic Discharge Precautions]] - how not to fry your gadgets with static.


==Understanding how stuff works (or doesn't)==
==Understanding how stuff works (or doesn't)==
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* [[AC and DC]] - what's the deal?
* [[AC and DC]] - what's the deal?
* Electronic components - recognition, failure modes and testing:
* Electronic components - recognition, failure modes and testing:
** [[Basic electronic components]] - Resistors, capacitors, inductors and transformers.
** [[Basic electronic components]] - Resistors, capacitors, inductors and transformers, and quartz crystals.
** [[Active components]] - Diodes and rectifiers, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).
** [[Active components]] - Diodes and rectifiers, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).
** [[Passive components]] - Switches, push-buttons and connectors.
** [[Passive components]] - Switches, push-buttons and connectors.
** [[Protection components]] - Various devices for over-voltage and over-current protection. Fuses are only the beginning!
** [[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.
* [[Batteries]] - different types, shapes and sizes, what they're good for, how to buy them, use them and dispose of them.
* [[Light bulbs]] - the several different types and their various shapes, sizes and bases, all explained.
* [[Electric motors]] - different types, how to recognise them, test them and maybe fix 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.
* [[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.
* [[How radios work]] - basic theory to help you understand what might be wrong when you can't see it with your own eyes.
* [[All about SSDs]] - everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
[http://www.learnabout-electronics.org/ Learn About Electronics] is an excellent site if you'd like a different view of the basics, or if you'd like to go deeper.


==Computers and home office==
==Computers and home office==
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===Computer Hardware===
===Computer Hardware===
* [[Yes, you can fix your laptop!]]
* [[Laptop power problems]].
* [[Laptop power problems]].
* [[Clean up! Cool down!]] - dealing with dust build-up and overheating in laptop and desktop computers.
* [[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.
* [[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.
* [[SSD Migration and Troubleshooting]] - Solid State Disks: everything you might need to know.


===Peripherals===
===Peripherals===
* Troubleshooting [[inkjet printers]].
* Troubleshooting [[inkjet printers]].
* Data [[Projectors]].
* Data [[Projectors]].
* [[Flat screen TVs and monitors|Flat screen computer monitors (and TVs)]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>


==Electronic gadgets==
==Electronic gadgets==
How to [[extend the life of a device used mostly for web-browsing through browser choice.]]


===Feature phones===
===Feature phones===
===Smartphones (except Apple)===
===Smartphones (except Apple)===
* [[Android Tips and Tricks]]
* [[Android Tips and Tricks]].
* Installing a [[Custom ROMs|Custom ROM]] may enable you to extend the useful life of your phone or tablet.
* Installing a [[Custom ROMs|Custom ROM]] may enable you to extend the useful life of your phone or tablet.


===iPods, iPhones, iPads===
===iPods, iPhones, iPads===
* Summary of [[Summary iPhone iPad and iPod repair|iPhone, iPad and iPod repairs]].
* Summary of [[Summary iPhone iPad and iPod repair|iPhone, iPad and iPod repairs]].
* Using an [[alternative to iOS to save an older device]]


===Headphones===
===Headphones===
* How to mend [[Headphones]]
* How to mend [[Headphones]].


===Cameras===
===Cameras===
* [[Compact cameras]]
* [[Compact cameras]].


===Satnavs===
===Satnavs===
===Toys===
* [[Quadcopters and drones]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>


==Home entertainment==
==Home entertainment==


* [[Audio equipment]]
* [[Audio equipment]].
* [[CD and DVD players]]
* [[CD and DVD players]].
* [[Portable radios]]
* [[Flat screen TVs and monitors]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Portable radios]].
* [[Sicilian screwdriver]] - slightly more entertaining than the regular sort. (Just for fun!)


==Household and Kitchen items==
==Household and Kitchen items==
* [[Carbon-based gadgets]] - all you need to know. (Just for fun!)
* [[Carbon-based gadgets]] - all you need to know. (Just for fun!)
* [[Clocks]] - Plenty about the theory, but can you contribute any experience of fixing them?
* [[Digital weighing scales]] - how they work and what might go wrong.
* [[Digital weighing scales]] - how they work and what might go wrong.
* [[Fans and fan heaters]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Garden power tools]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Grooming products]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Kettles and Electric Urns]] - how they work and the possibilities for fixing.
* [[Kettles and Electric Urns]] - how they work and the possibilities for fixing.
* [[Microwave Ovens]] (This page contains IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS.)
* [[Microwave Ovens]] (This page contains IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS.)
* [[Mixers, blenders and coffee grinders]].
* [[Sewing machines]] demystified. Trouble-shooting, care and maintenance.
* [[Sewing machines]] demystified. Trouble-shooting, care and maintenance.
* [[Steam Irons]]
* [[Steam Irons]].
* [[Table lamps]], desk lamps and floor-standing lamps.
* [[Table lamps]], desk lamps and floor-standing lamps.
* [[Toasters]]
* [[Toasters]].
* [[Vacuum cleaners]]
* [[Vacuum cleaners]].
 
==Wanted Pages==


==Unfinished articles==
In addition to the pages marked above in red as "<span style="color:red">skeleton pages</span>" we have identified the following subjects that we'd like to cover.


Could contribute your knowledge and experience, even if it's only notes that someone else can refine and turn into a properly organised and formatted page? (Skeleton pages have an associated "Discussion" page where you can add any half-baked thoughts and ideas.)
<div style="color:red">
* Using a lightweight browser to extend the life of a device mainly used for web and email.
* Alternatives to iOS for older Apple devices.
* Satnavs.
* What to do about water damage.
</div>
(You can add to this list if you like!)


[[Category:General]]
[[Category:General]]

Revision as of 16:17, 17 January 2020

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.

Blue obj@2x.png

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

Glossary of Terms

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

Repairing with others

Techniques, Skills and Tools

Some really basic skills

Soldering skills

  • 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.

Fixing skills

Staying safe

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:
  • Batteries - different types, shapes and sizes, what they're good for, how to buy them, use them and dispose of them.
  • Light bulbs - the several different types and their various shapes, sizes and bases, all explained.
  • 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.
  • All about SSDs - everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.

Learn About Electronics is an excellent site if you'd like a different view of the basics, or if you'd like to go deeper.

Computers and home office

Software

Computer Hardware


Peripherals

Electronic gadgets

Feature phones

Smartphones (except Apple)

iPods, iPhones, iPads

Headphones

Cameras

Satnavs

Toys

Home entertainment

Household and Kitchen items

Wanted Pages

In addition to the pages marked above in red as "skeleton pages" we have identified the following subjects that we'd like to cover.

Could contribute your knowledge and experience, even if it's only notes that someone else can refine and turn into a properly organised and formatted page? (Skeleton pages have an associated "Discussion" page where you can add any half-baked thoughts and ideas.)

  • Using a lightweight browser to extend the life of a device mainly used for web and email.
  • Alternatives to iOS for older Apple devices.
  • Satnavs.
  • What to do about water damage.

(You can add to this list if you like!)