Underwriters Laboratories data and The Law of the Squares have shown that 7 years is the expected life of modern electronic controls. This applies to automotive electronics as well. The swelling of molded plastic parts (Hygroscopic) over time has resulted in the mal-functioning of cd players and other devices where plastic surface degradation is occurring. The largest problem, however is the Tin whisker migration on printed wiring boards.See Modern Marvels episode 19 (U-Tube) for chilling evidence of Tin whiskers shorting out pcb traces even when covered with solder mask. There is no solution for this malady. Tin whisker migration of solder paths (.03") is visible under med-high magnification. Repairs (by me) of failed circuits are limited to battery replacement and electrolytic capacitor replacement only. When considering replacement of a failed appliance or TV, buy new is my suggestion.

Cheers, DPW, [Everything has limitations...and I hate limitations]

 

When considering replacement of a failed appliance or TV, buy new is my suggestion.

I Really do not like this current trend of a the 'throw-away society.
My granddaughter dropped off a 4 yr old LG 60" TV, I identified the board but LG don't have because the model has been discontinued, my only hope is to find a 'scrapper' and see if I can salvage parts.
Max.

 

Failure rates and failure modes of electronic components and equipment have been extensively studied. The typical life span is well established. Early-life failures (infant mortality rates) are well known.

I have 40-year old computers that are still operating. I do not routinely replace capacitors unless it has been determined that they are faulty.

 

When considering replacement of a failed appliance or TV, buy new is my suggestion.

It's just common sense. If something fails and it would cost you a significant portion of the cost of a new one, it doesn't make much sense to repair.

 

Cell phones will soon be replacing MT soup cans in all landfills...Every household in the world has dead cell phones stuck in junk drawers. Walmart's parking lot shows at least 1/3 of vehicles parked there have extensive front end damage due to Texting! Cell phone and laptop fixer has gone belly-up.
Part of the problem is that battery technology has been kept secret from prying eyes. Why this is so is because of the battery pack limitations. I hear all kinds of excuses, but the main issue seems to be the fact that the typical Lithium batterry lacks any kind of reserve and charge times and parameters are never published. Worse, subjecting the Lithium battery to temperature extremes can cause fires. This suggests that temperature will always be Lithium's Achilles heel.

Cheers, DPW [ Everything has limitations...and I hate limitations.]

 

And yet I have a 1955 radio which is still going strong.

 

Repair or replace? That;s always the question. It can be economics driven or nostalgia driven. I'm sure that would probably follow the Pareto Principle with nostalgia reason being in the 20 percent region.

When repair costs estimates reached 50% of new, that is when I would ask the client if they really wanted it repaired.

I used that same percentage when overhauling equipment for reissue or declaring it excess property as being too expensive to repair. The over riding rules will always be need.