What is the Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ?

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Samuel M. Goldwasser
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Introduction
What the S.E.R FAQ IS
What S.E.R FAQ is NOT

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Introduction

Before you spend a lot of time searching for something that isn't here, please take a moment to understand what the Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ is and what it is not.

Note: Except for the "How to Repair... from other sources", the following also applies to the Silicon Sam's Technology Resource which may be present at this site or may be where you came from. :)

Your browser needs to be configured properly to make sense of the many ASCII diagrams, schematics, and tables. See the document: Suggested Browser Settings for font and other related information.

Back to What is the Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ Table of Contents.

What the S.E.R FAQ IS

The collection of on-line documents called the Sci.Electronics.Repair (S.E.R) FAQ represents a unique resource in the Universe providing information on a variety of topics including consumer electronics repair, general electronics, and lasers and optics. It has been developed for the hobbiest, tinkerer, engineer, weekend mechanic, housewife, dentist, and poet. For you, I am doing this because I would like to help provide information that is not always readily available.

"Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of..." documents are complete guides for diagnosing and fixing common problems afflicting their respective equipment. These are more than just symptoms and solutions lists and include principles of operation, test procedures, parts sources, and more.
"Other Repair Information" includes parts info, more details on the testing of certain types of devices and equipment, information on CRTs and deflection systems, specific symptoms and remedies for a couple of very prevalent problems with RCA/GE/Proscan and Sony TVs, and links to tech-tips databases and service parts suppliers.
"Sam's Laser FAQ" is a comprehensive collection of information on laser and optics written for the experimenter and hobbyist but also useful for anyone with an interest in these and related areas of technology. Why, you ask, is a massive treatise on lasers and optics in the middle of a an electronics repair site? I wish I knew.... Probably because it evolved there and I was unwilling to ask it to leave. :)
"General (Mostly Electronics) Information and Links" includes documents with schematics for many interesting and in some cases, unusual devices, a variety of information on high voltage and related devices, video conversion, monitor testing, fixed frequency monitors on PCs, fluorescent and discharge lamps, international power conversion, and even engineering humor. Finally, there is my Netscape Bookmark file which has over 1,000 technology related links.
"How to Repair... from other sources" includes a variety of useful references that have stood the test of time.

Back to What Is The Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ Table of Contents.

What the S.E.R FAQ is NOT

The S.E.R FAQ is not really a FAQ as defined by the USENET. It is a set of documents, each one of which could be a full book in its own right. While some of the information did evolve from USENET newsgroup postings, these are not simply frequently asked questions (and replies).
This is NOT a consumer electronics schematics site. If you are interested in locating a service manual or in specific parts identification, I DON'T have the answers (either here or via email) because I do not have a vast library of service literature. Ask directly on the USENET newsgroup sci.electronics.repair and save us both a lot of time. (If clicking on this link takes you to something with 0 postings or doesn't work at all, check with your ISP or system administrator for instructions on setting up newsgroup access. Your Browser or newsreader needs to be configured and they may have to add sci.electronics.repair to their active group list. However, there is no membership requirement.)
This is NOT a tech-tips database. So, if you are just looking for a list of problems and symptoms (be it for consumer electronic equipment or laser systems), you won't find it here. However, for the former, at least, see the document: Tech-Tips Databases for some links to known on-line resources.
This is NOT a company. Except for the limited stuff that Filip and I have for sale, there is nothing commercially available on this site. We are not a producer or distributor of electronics or laser equipment.
This is NOT a free consulting service. I will be happy to answer questions from private individuals should they be really stuck but only after they have made an attempt to find the information at this site or one of its mirror sites. I have spent countless thousands of hours developing this resource - you can spend a few minutes trying to find what you need. If you are doing this for profit or for a company, please don't take advantage of my generosity - state your intentions up front and I will probably just go ahead and try to help you. However, if it involves significant time or effort, consider a real consulting agreement.