Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 361 subscribers
  • Views 677 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

First steps on Fault Finding

hobbit666

OK i'm a computer technician and happy taking a PC/Server etc apart and finding the fault and just replace that part i.e. Memory/PSU/DVD etc.  I'm happy to replace a screen in a DS or Phone etc

 

So since i work in IT everyone things i can repair anything that has Electricity flowing throught it so i've been asked can you fix my TV/Microwave/Car!/Monitor etc etc.  My reply NO! ask an electrician lol

 

 

I want to learn more now.  So i've said yes to fixing a few item but need help working out what's wrong with them but don't know where i should start probing image

 

So what i've got is a DS - Simple game slot broken so new one ordered and i've got a Solder Station ready to fix it.

 

 

These are the ones i need help with:-

 

Not so simple is a Leappad that when you switch on the screen flashes and then the unit goes off.  So i'm thinking Fuse? Loose screen connection (see this on a DS)

Also to a cheap Ebay tablet that will not charge - Thinking Charge Port damaged?

 

How would you go about fault finding on these two with the problems described?

Parents

  • Hi Neil,

     

    Most of the time, with hardware that you have not designed yourself, some of it is just familiarity with some common issues as you've no doubt found; e.g. if something is powering on but immediately switching off, that could be as simple as a battery which is not charging, to in theory as complex as a fault detected by the microcontroller software which is then promptly powering off the device. If it is a kids toy then yes, loose connection would be a good thing to check for (although regarding the leappad, leapfrog stuff is very well made - I have a couple of nephews).

    You've probably got a lot of experience in detecting symptoms and then troubleshooting them already. The only thing I've learnt is that if you spot a symptom, even a small one that is a departure from normal behavior, then to mentally note it (i.e. add it to the clues) and not to ignore it. And to sleep on it :-)

    With general things not charging/powering up, the power connectors can sometimes work loose and need re-soldering.

    Many devices are so integrated that it is hard to diagnose the fault. With simpler devices if you can spot generally available ICs with markings (not always possible), then the datasheet helps, because then you know what the expected behavior of the parts is to an extent. That helps loads with kids toys repair - especially RC cars (nephews again : ).

Reply

  • Hi Neil,

     

    Most of the time, with hardware that you have not designed yourself, some of it is just familiarity with some common issues as you've no doubt found; e.g. if something is powering on but immediately switching off, that could be as simple as a battery which is not charging, to in theory as complex as a fault detected by the microcontroller software which is then promptly powering off the device. If it is a kids toy then yes, loose connection would be a good thing to check for (although regarding the leappad, leapfrog stuff is very well made - I have a couple of nephews).

    You've probably got a lot of experience in detecting symptoms and then troubleshooting them already. The only thing I've learnt is that if you spot a symptom, even a small one that is a departure from normal behavior, then to mentally note it (i.e. add it to the clues) and not to ignore it. And to sleep on it :-)

    With general things not charging/powering up, the power connectors can sometimes work loose and need re-soldering.

    Many devices are so integrated that it is hard to diagnose the fault. With simpler devices if you can spot generally available ICs with markings (not always possible), then the datasheet helps, because then you know what the expected behavior of the parts is to an extent. That helps loads with kids toys repair - especially RC cars (nephews again : ).

Children
No Data