Replace or Repair?

One Hundred Fifty Second Post: Replace or Repair?

I am reading a small engine repair book that is from 1976. The basics are still the same only some features have been approved on. One thing that has changed is the fact that it used to be cheaper to repair and machine a part than replace it. And the price must have been significant. But today that has all changed, it is cheaper to replace a part than to machine it.

Another thing that is more widely known is that it is cheaper to replace computer parts than have the board repaired. So instead of soldering are using a multimeter, technicians just make sure the problem isn’t the software and replace the damaged part.

This leads to a large supply of broken boards for tinkerers to practice on. The tinkerer could probably get a shop full of free parts. Pieces still useful that could be used to practice finding the components that aren’t working or learn soldering on. A computer has all sort of electronic architecture and complex design to explore. What is learned about design is invaluable. And just maybe, there while be a need for repair skills in the future. (for instance, soldering Mod chips on a game machine)

On another note but not recent news, is that Fermat’s last theorem was solved by Andrew Wiles. I read about this from the Guinness Book of Records 2000. I haven’t heard of this theorem since high school geometry, but am interested in finding out how it was solved. It is something I am going to be looking up.

Maybe you, the reader, should look it up too. But in the meantime.... May the Creative Force be with You