Scope on a rope Re: [sdiy] I have seen the light (litteraly)

[Scott Gravenhorst]

"anthony" <aankrom at bluemarble.net> wrote:
>I'm glad this thread started, it made me get really sad that my scope was 
>broken. But then it seems to have fixed itself. I did give it "The Fonze". 
>That helps a lot. I also refer to that as "percussive maintenence".

A word to the wise:  While I saw my father do this and "fix" an ailing TV, it
is not considered a proper or good technique, should not be praised and is
highly discouraged.  If smacking the equipment "fixes" it, it is almost a
guarantee that the problem will return at a random time, probably a time most
inconvenient for you.  And you can cause additional problems by knocking
things loose.  The only real correct way to fix a mechanical problem is to
determine the cause and take proper corrective action.  Cracked or bad solder
joints can cause this and should be reflowed.  A PCB may be plugged into a
socket caked with dust and may not be tightly screwed in, this should be fixed
with a brush and vacuum and a screwdriver, not a smack with the palm of the
hand.  While you may think this has fixed it, mark me, you have fixed nothing,
you've merely caused the symptom to temporarily disappear, reduce in intensity
or worse yet _change_ due to additional malfunctions introduced by physical
shock.  Remember that you are smacking something with an expensive CRT.  The
filament could be damaged and internal steering parts could be moved out of
proper alignment and the only way to fix these is to replace the tube.

Heed or ignore - your choice.






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-- Scott Gravenhorst | LegoManiac / Lego Trains / RIS 1.5
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