Mieux Solutions

21/01/2024

Tactile Switch replacement.

This Sony Component Hi-Fi system had issues with the front panel switches. The behaviour was so erratic that when most of the buttons (Volume or Function button) were pressed, the desired operation did not happen.

The problem was so easy to spot that even a school kid could find it. However, ordering and replacing the faulty component is not a child's play.

Initially, I struggled to find the correct tactile switch for this unit. So many different types of switches were available that I needed help determining which one was right. So, I desoldered one from the PCB and took measurements that matched the supplier's part. The pack of x20 switches cost me under AU $10, and the repair took around 50 minutes. There were only four problematic switches, but I replaced all of them.

A Tactile switch (generally comes in SMD or through-hole profile) is a mechanical switch that completes a circuit when pressed. When this switch accumulates dust internally, it will cause erratic behaviour, such as simultaneously causing dual action, i.e., ON/OFF/ON/OFF in a loop when pressed.

Consumer electronic items are dirt cheap these days and are not worth repairing. However, if you have a beloved unit causing similar issues as listed above, it could be a simple fix. I could restore your device and give it a new life.

Get in touch today.

04/01/2024

Philips C501 Wireless keyboard mouse combo review.

Even though it's a reasonably priced wireless keyboard + mouse package, it is a poor return on investment.

I bought three sets because of the Philips brand, priced under AU $30 each. After a few months of usage, the wireless mouse stopped working on all of them. They all had the same issue: the red infra light was on, but the mouse pointer was frozen.

Although it's not worth repairing a mouse, I decided to fix it and add to my experience. So I ordered a pack of x5 crystals (without doing any troubleshooting) for under
AU $6. I only needed one for the work. The parcel arrived today, and it took me around 15 minutes to solder it. Walla, the mouse is working again!

A crystal is the component responsible for transmitting frequency to the wireless transmitter, generally housed in a USB dongle. If your mouse is not working and the IR light is on, the suspect component will usually be a crystal.

03/01/2024

Mission: Whipper Snipper Repair
Result: Successful

I was on the verge of getting rid of my trimmer. Every time I had to trim the grass, it gave me such grief to start it up. Even when it turned on, it wasn't quiet and wasn't cutting the grass as easily as it was supposed to be.

I finally decided to rip it apart. Thanks to YouTube videos and tips, I dismantled the carburettor and gave it a good bath in isopropyl. Luckily, I didn't break any gaskets or wires while servicing.

The total investment cost me a new spark plug, Fast Fix (Small Engine Treatment) liquid, and my time, which is a little over an hour.

When I put everything back, the trimmer started in 4 pulls. It still needs to be quieter, but the motor runs much smoother. The carburettor needs some adjustment to keep the dB (decibel) levels to a minimum. For adjusting the carburettor, there is a PACMAN screw, and I don't have the tool in my arsenal to adjust it. However, I have ordered a new one, which should arrive soon.

Thanks to me, I saved at least $180 - $200 on a brand new whipper snipper.

02/01/2024

Dell XPS 15 Power Socket Replacement.

This laptop came for repair with a broken DC socket. Before ordering the part, I found that the laptop had been previously mishandled. The DC socket was glued to the chassis with double-sided tape.

The customer had purchased a second-hand device from somewhere. Whoever worked on it could have done better workmanship.

Along with replacing the DC socket, I also supplied the customer with a genuine (130 Watts) Dell battery charger because the generic (65 Watts) one he used did not have enough power to charge the battery.

By the way, the customer reported a few days back that the battery suddenly died, and it wasn't charging. I wonder if the battery was compensated by the merchant.

02/01/2024

TCL 65" Smart TV resurrected from the dead. I picked up this TV from the hard waste as my neighbour bought a new set.

I convinced my wife that if it took more than an hour to figure out the problem, I would put it back in the junk for the council's collection truck.

Luckily, when the back cover was removed, I spotted a blown ceramic capacitor and a fuse straightaway. The blown cap indicated that there must have been a spike due to which the fuse was blown. Without a second doubt, I checked the values of the damaged components and ordered them online. The parts arrived in 2-3 weeks. It took roughly 45 minutes to complete the repair procedure and bring the TV back to life.

The TV is a gift to our family. It sits in our living room, where my kids play Roblox most of the time.

02/01/2024

Microsoft Surface Battery Replacement is made easy and affordable for you.

28/01/2023

Desktop PCs (New or Custom Built) at affordable price. Bring your spec and I will assemble it for you. Or ask for a quotation.

05/01/2023

The best soldering equipment advice from Tim.

Trying to find the best microscope for electronics work? Use this guide to get the right magnification for electronics repair, PCB inspection & PCB assembly.

02/01/2023

02/01/2023

ONKYO receiver successfully restored.

A happy customer gave me an ONKYO TX-NR676E AVR in dead condition, a fantastic New Year's gift.

He had tempered with the electronics in the hope of making it work. However, in his pursuit, he did more damage to the unit. The relay in the power section was physically broken. On replacing the faulty part, the receiver didn't turn on. It just kept on throwing a clicking sound.

While doing the physical inspection, there wasn't any suspicion of damage to any component. The cold test of all the power transistors/capacitors also turned out okay.

I just remembered that I need to check the main bulky power transformer. And as soon as I connected the DMM probes to the primary winding, the coil was open. But unfortunately, the thermal fuse had blown, so there was no 240V input to the unit.

The replacement transformer is not manufactured anymore by BANDO. In my research, I noticed that even if I source the part from somewhere, it will cost at least $200, and that's for a used component with no warranty.

I decided I was not sending such a good AVR to the landfill because of the blown power supply. So closely inspecting the transformer, I found the fuse and bypassed it with a 250Volts/6.3AMP fuse. I had the fuse in my stock, so it took me under an hour to complete the repair/restoration.

I am so excited to own this piece of electronics. And I pass my thanks to the customer to whom I sold a Pioneer AV receiver who, in return, gave me this unit for parts purposes.

Please get in touch with me if you have a loved piece of electronics that you would like fixed or restored.

Happy New Year, 2023!