1966 Mag: Build NE-2 Neon Bulb Computer - scan available

[Tony Duell]

> 
> Regardless of what the automotive people say about repairability, I 
> submit that modern television receivers aren't made to be repairable. 

THankfully I've not had one on my bench yet, but I am told that the 
flat-panel TVs (both plasma and LCD) are repaired by board-swapping. The 
so-called service manual includes no scheamtics, or even details of the 
signals between PCBs. Just a fault-finding chart of the form 'for 
fault <foo? replace this module, then this module, then... until it works 
again'. And of course it's all large custom ICs that you have little hope 
of deciphering. 

Ouch. Not only (as you know) do I disaprove of replacing plenty of good 
components when some simple part has failed, but also it maens the 
manufactuers can effectively make repair impossible after a certain time 
by no longer supplying any replacement PCBs. 

> If it were otherwise, you'd be able to find people who repair them 
> for a living.

There is also the fact that TVs (and other thigns) are too darn cheap....

-tony