John Robertson wrote:
>
> >
> > one thing repair techs dread is being presented with an item for repair that cannot be put under test while in the workshop. Usually, this is because the item requires a missing accessory in order to operate OR is itself an accessory to a larger unit.
> >
> > Essential accessories could be AC adaptors or multi-voltage PSUs for mixing consoles, IR remotes, power leads with oddball plugs, foot switch units with multi-pin connectors and many others.
> >
> > A real annoyance is when radio mics arrive with no receiver, or the reverse.
> >
> > Some customers seem unable to comprehend that repairing electronics involves a LOT of testing - not just final testing ( which they fondly imagine they can do for you) but also initial and continual testing during fault finding and fixing process.
> >
> > Dunno if Scotty ever said the words in my heading, but he should have - it would make explaining it a lot easier.
> >
> >
> >
>
> I feel your pain!
>
> In my business (fixing classic arcade/amusement games) I collect as many
> test fixtures as I can, plus host a mail list devoted to technical tools
> (mostly Fluke microprocessor test gear) in an effort to get information
> out there to save our games.
>
> I have charged customers the time it takes to make a test harness so I
> can service their game board - most understand the problem once it is
> explained clearly.
>
** Never needed to go quite that far, myself.
I have one of nearly every kind of AC power lead: the various IECs, PowerCon, XLR/LNE and even a large Bulgin for old Marshalls - plus a few variable bench PSUs that can power-up most things, including channel modules from mixing desks - convenient when the desk is really large.
A 1GHz frequency counter shows if a radio mic is transmitting and on what frequency, but is no help when the issue is sound quality.
Long ago, I built a balanced pre-amp / headphone-amp combo as a substitute for a mixing desk - allows me to test any kind of mic, direct box or radio mic receiver.
However, I am still a bit stuck if some item only operates with a Midi or DMX input.
.... Phil