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M1MRB and yours truly discuss troubleshooting
The latest episode of the ICQ Podcast features a discussion between Martin, M1MRB, and yours truly share our experiences with troubleshooting electronic equipment. Our discussion starts at 59:40 of the podcast. I think youβll enjoy it.
A different kind of public service for ham radio clubs
Amateur radio is supposed to be all about public service, but it doesnβt always have to include radio. At this yearβs Ann Arbor Creativity and Making Expo, I ran into Dale Grover of Maker Works, a non-profit makerspace here in Ann Arbor, MI. He mentioned that heβd recently gotten a grant to repair assistive devices for people with communication and access needs.
These devices are used in schools that generally donβt have a big budget for repair. It seemed like a good opportunity for ARROW members to use their electronic skills for a good cause, so I told him that Iβd try to find some volunteers to help out.
I got a great response to my call for volunteers, and yesterday afternoon, four ARROW members met at Maker Works to fix assistive devices. Shown below is Paul, KW1L; Rick, K8BMA; and Ron, K8RCF. Yours truly is taking the picture.
Typically, devices have a big switch that the user presses to play a pre-recorded message. The problems are generally easy to diagnose, and the repairs are generally simple repairs. Rick, for example, replaced the plugs on several of the devices, and Paul and Ron replaced the speakers in several of the units.
One of the devices that I tackled came with a note that read, βWonβt play or record, even with a new battery.β
As we all know, the first step in troubleshooting is to verify the problem. So, I obtained a new battery and opened the battery compartment. As shown in the photo at right, it was clear that the problem was a defective battery clip. Somehow, someone managed to tear the negative contact off the clip. I replaced the battery clip and brought the device back to life!
Overall, we probably fixed close to ten devices, including the pushbutton switches. We probably could have fixed more, but it took us some time to learn how to disassemble and then reassemble the devices.
Even though the fixes are usually simple, they can also be a bit frustrating. For example, the device that I replaced the battery clip on wouldnβt go back together very easily. It looked to me as though the screws holding the device together just arenβt long enough. Other devices had similar design issues.
Our first repair session was a fun and interesting exercise, and we plan to go back in the future. There are many more devices to fix. I asked Dale, our contact at Maker Works, if we might schedule an evening session so that our members who are still working can attend. After all, why should us retired guys have all the fun?
Having said all that, I have to believe that there are public-service opportunities like this in your community that your clubs could help with. Keep your eyes open and get your clubs involved. If thereβs an expense, for say equipment or replacement parts, you can always apply for a club grant from the ARRL or ARDC. Iβd be happy to help you write the proposal, if you need help.
If you do find similar opportunities, please let me know, and Iβll spotlight them here on my blog. These kinds of projects provide a real public service even if they donβt involve radio.