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* [[The Absolute Basics|The Absolute Basic]] skills you need to get fixing are probably less than you think, in fact you may already know most of it! Check out this list.
* [[Scared to Repair?|Scared to Repair?]] Some useful tips for complete beginners.
* [[Scared to Repair?|Scared to Repair?]] Some useful tips for complete beginners.
* [[How to search|How to search]] - Tips on how to search for useful material.
* [[How to search|How to search]] - Tips on how to search for useful material.
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Any registered user can do it, but your contributions will be moderated until we get to know you.
Any registered user can edit pages, but your contributions will be moderated until we get to know you. If you don't feel confident to edit a page yourself, click the Discuss tab, then Other - Edit Discussion, and leave your free-form suggestions or questions.
* Use this [[Prototype_page| Prototype page]] as the basis of any new pages you wish to create.
* Our [[Help-WikiMarkup|Mediawiki Help]] page tells you how to define headings, paragraphs, bullet points etc.
* Our [[Help-WikiMarkup|Mediawiki Help]] page tells you how to define headings, paragraphs, bullet points etc.
* The [[Style guide|Style guide]] should be used as the basis of all new pages, to maintin a consistent layout and style.
* The [[Style guide|Style guide]] defines a consistent layout and style for all pages.
* [[How_to_edit_a_multilingual_page|How to edit a multilingual page]].
* [[Translating_the_Glossary|Translation of the Glossary]], and how those unskilled in wiki editing can contribute.
* [[Wiki development and enhancement]] - if you have an idea for how the wiki could be made easier to use you can leave it here, or see whether it's already been suggested or is in progress.
(Please note that advertising is not permitted on the Wiki. Any such edits will be removed. For futher information, please see the [https://talk.restarters.net/t/advertising-your-business-on-restarters-net/4024 Restarters Advertising Policy].)


===Glossary of Terms=== <!--T:87-->
===Glossary of Terms=== <!--T:87-->
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* [[Water damage|Water damage]] - the best (and worst) ways to rescue your gadget.
* [[Water damage|Water damage]] - the best (and worst) ways to rescue your gadget.
* How to wire a mains plug - this [https://www.wikihow.com/Wire-a-UK-Plug step by step guide] shows you simply and with pictures.
* How to wire a (UK) mains plug - this [https://www.wikihow.com/Wire-a-UK-Plug step by step guide] shows you simply and with pictures.
* And now, [[How NOT to wire a (UK) mains plug]] - some common mistakes.
* [[How to drive screws like a pro|How to drive screws like a pro]] - Using a screwdriver is easy but using it properly may not be obvious.
* [[How to drive screws like a pro|How to drive screws like a pro]] - Using a screwdriver is easy but using it properly may not be obvious.
* [[Types of screw head and screwdriver|Types of screw head and screwdriver]] - Recognise even the more unusual types of screw so you can use the right screwdriver.
* [[Types of screw head and screwdriver|Types of screw head and screwdriver]] - Recognise even the more unusual types of screw so you can use the right screwdriver.
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* [[How to use a multimeter|How to use a multimeter]] - the most useful addition to your toolbox after screwdrivers etc.
* [[How to use a multimeter|How to use a multimeter]] - the most useful addition to your toolbox after screwdrivers etc.
* [[How to safely discharge capacitors|How to safely discharge capacitors]] - essential information if you're working on a mains power supply or a camera with a flash.
* [[How to safely discharge capacitors|How to safely discharge capacitors]] - essential information if you're working on a mains power supply or a camera with a flash.
* [[Cleaning|Cleaning]] - cleaning agents and tools, and various cleaning situations you might be faced with.
* [[Magnifiers and Inspection Aids|Magnifiers and Inspection Aids]] - You can't fix what you can't see. How to see better.
* [[Magnifiers and Inspection Aids|Magnifiers and Inspection Aids]] - You can't fix what you can't see. How to see better.
* [[Using appliances from North America in Europe]] - You brought a US device back with you from across the pond? Here are your options.


===Soldering skills=== <!--T:96-->
===Soldering skills=== <!--T:96-->
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A [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyHy3uFJrj0 Restarters' Training Session] makes an easy introduction to the following sections down to and including Electronic Components. It consists of a presentation with audio commentary, lasting around 50 minutes.
A [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyHy3uFJrj0 Restarters' Training Session] makes an easy introduction to the following sections down to and including Electronic Components. It consists of a presentation with audio commentary, lasting around 50 minutes.
* [[The water analogy|The water analogy]] - Understand electricity better by the analogy with a flow of water.
* [[Conductors and Insulators]] - The difference betwen them, and why you need to know.
* [[Electric circuits, volts amps watts and ohms|Electric circuits, volts amps watts and ohms]] - what every Restarter should know.
* [[Electric circuits, volts amps watts and ohms|Electric circuits, volts amps watts and ohms]] - what every Restarter should know.
* [[Series and Parallel Circuits|Series and parallel circuits]] - Not quite sure of the difference? All is explained!
* [[AC and DC|AC and DC]] - what's the deal?
* [[AC and DC|AC and DC]] - what's the deal?
* Electronic components - recognition, failure modes and testing:
* Electronic components - recognition, failure modes and testing:
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* [[Power supplies|Power supplies]] - how they work, what can go wrong, and how to test and fix them.
* [[Power supplies|Power supplies]] - how they work, what can go wrong, and how to test and fix them.
* [[How radios work|How radios work]] - basic theory to help you understand what might be wrong when you can't see it with your own eyes.
* [[How radios work|How radios work]] - basic theory to help you understand what might be wrong when you can't see it with your own eyes.
* [[How_flip_clocks_work|How flip clocks work]] - those cool retro clocks with split flip-down digits.
* [[All about SSDs|All about SSDs]] - everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
* [[All about SSDs|All about SSDs]] - everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.


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* [[Document scanners|Document scanners]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Document scanners|Document scanners]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Flat screen TVs and monitors|Computer monitors (and flat screen TVs)]]
* [[Flat screen TVs and monitors|Computer monitors (and flat screen TVs)]]
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* [[Paper shredders|Paper shredders]].
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* [[Quadcopters and drones|Quadcopters and drones]]
* [[Quadcopters and drones|Quadcopters and drones]]
* Other [[Radio controlled toys|radio controlled toys]] - cars and boats etc - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
===Personal e-transport===
* [[Personal e-transport|e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards etc]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>


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===Home entertainment=== <!--T:131-->
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* [[Portable radios|Portable radios]].
* [[Portable radios|Portable radios]].
* [[Sicilian screwdriver|Sicilian screwdriver]] - slightly more entertaining than the regular sort. (Just for fun!)
* [[Sicilian screwdriver|Sicilian screwdriver]] - slightly more entertaining than the regular sort. (Just for fun!)
* [[VHS Recorders|VHS Recorders]]
===Watches===
* How to change [[How_to_change_watch_batteries_and_straps|watch batteries and straps]]
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===Small cooking appliances===
* [[Small cooking appliances|Air fryers and halogen ovens]]
* [[Bread makers]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Microwave Ovens|Microwave Ovens]] (This page contains IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS.)
===Other small kitchen appliances===
* [[Coffee makers|Coffee makers]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Kettles, electric urns and rice boilers|Kettles,_electric_urns_and_rice_boilers]] - how they work and the possibilities for fixing.
* [[Mixers, blenders and coffee grinders|Mixers, blenders and coffee grinders]].
* [[Toasters|Toasters]].
===Household appliances===
* [[Carbon-based gadgets|Carbon-based gadgets]] - all you need to know. (Just for fun!)
* [[Carbon-based gadgets|Carbon-based gadgets]] - all you need to know. (Just for fun!)
* [[Clocks|Clocks]] - Plenty about the theory, but can you contribute any experience of fixing them?
* [[Clocks|Clocks]] - Plenty about the theory, but can you contribute any experience of fixing them?
* [[Digital weighing scales|Digital weighing scales]] - how they work and what might go wrong.
* [[Digital weighing scales|Digital weighing scales]] - how they work and what might go wrong.
* [[Fans and fan heaters|Fans and fan heaters]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Fans and fan heaters|Fans and fan heaters]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Garden power tools|Garden power tools]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Grooming products|Grooming products]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Healthcare products|Healthcare products]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Kettles and Electric Urns|Kettles and Electric Urns]] - how they work and the possibilities for fixing.
* [[Microwave Ovens|Microwave Ovens]] (This page contains IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS.)
* [[Mixers, blenders and coffee grinders|Mixers, blenders and coffee grinders]].
* [[Paper shredders|Paper shredders]] - how they work, and the mechanical and electrical problems they can suffer from.
* [[Paper shredders|Paper shredders]] - how they work, and the mechanical and electrical problems they can suffer from.
* [[Sewing machines|Sewing machines]] demystified. Trouble-shooting, care and maintenance.
* [[Sewing machines|Sewing machines]] demystified. Trouble-shooting, care and maintenance.
* [[Steam Irons|Steam Irons]].
* [[Steam Irons|Steam Irons]].
* [[Table lamps|Table lamps]], desk lamps and floor-standing lamps.
* [[Table lamps|Table lamps]], desk lamps and floor-standing lamps.
* [[Toasters|Toasters]].
* [[Vacuum cleaners|Vacuum cleaners]].
* [[Vacuum cleaners|Vacuum cleaners]].
===Garden and other power tools===
* [[Garden power tools|Garden power tools]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
===Personal care===
* [[Grooming products|Grooming products]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
* [[Healthcare products|Healthcare products]] - <span style="color:red">just a skeleton page for now. Can you help by fleshing it out?</span>
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Latest revision as of 16:58, 18 December 2022

Other languages:

Intro-wiki-doodle@3x.png

What it isn't

It isn't going to show you how to fix a particular make and model of device, which we leave to the various fix-it sites and many disassembly videos. Here, we concentrate on basic and widely applicable principles. You can also get help with a particular device on Twitter or Instagram by tagging @RestartProject.

Who is it for

It's aimed at anyone with a curiosity about how things work and how to fix them. No prior knowledge is assumed. In the spirit of sharing knowledge as widely as possible, everyone is welcome to read it. To contribute, simply sign up and get editing!


Like any wiki, this one is work-in-progress. Pages referenced below in red don't yet exist but are projected.

CC-BY-SA icon.svg
If you wish to reuse anything here, you are welcome do so under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike Licence 4.0.

To find out more about the work we do, and our vision of changing the world's relationship with electronics, please visit us at The Restart Project homepage.

General Topics

  • The Absolute Basic skills you need to get fixing are probably less than you think, in fact you may already know most of it! Check out this list.
  • Scared to Repair? Some useful tips for complete beginners.
  • How to search - Tips on how to search for useful material.
  • Resources - Good sites for fixit or disassemble guides, service manuals etc.
  • Diagnosing faults - Common processes for troubleshooting.
  • Spare parts - How to source and salvage spare parts.
  • Case Studies - Our favourite Famous Fixes in which we learned something new, or which nicely demonstrated a diagnostic or fixing principle.
  • Finding a reliable professional - best practices and some London examples.

Contributing to this Wiki

Any registered user can edit pages, but your contributions will be moderated until we get to know you. If you don't feel confident to edit a page yourself, click the Discuss tab, then Other - Edit Discussion, and leave your free-form suggestions or questions.

(Please note that advertising is not permitted on the Wiki. Any such edits will be removed. For futher information, please see the Restarters Advertising Policy.)

Glossary of Terms

  • Glossary - explanations of all the technical terms used in this wiki (and some more).

Repairing with others

Techniques, Skills and Tools

Some really basic skills

Soldering skills

  • A Guide to Soldering from Kitronic is a complete guide to the art, including video demonstrations.
  • How to solder is a more light-hearted and amusing but nevertheless informative resource from Technology Will Save Us. (You don't need an expensive soldering iron though - it just makes it a little bit easier.)
  • Surface mount soldering - What you can do and how to do it by supplementing the tools you probably already have with a few inexpensive extras.

Fixing skills

Staying safe

Understanding how stuff works (or doesn't)

A Restarters' Training Session makes an easy introduction to the following sections down to and including Electronic Components. It consists of a presentation with audio commentary, lasting around 50 minutes.

Learn About Electronics is an excellent site if you'd like a different view of the basics, or if you'd like to go deeper.

Computers and home office

Software

Computer Hardware

Peripherals

Office Accessories

Electronic gadgets

Feature phones

Smartphones and tablets (except Apple)

iPods, iPhones, iPads

Headphones

Cameras

Satnavs

Toys

Personal e-transport

Home entertainment

Watches

Household and Kitchen items

Small cooking appliances

Other small kitchen appliances

Household appliances

Garden and other power tools

Personal care

Wanted Pages

In addition to the pages marked above in red as "skeleton pages" we have identified the following subjects that we'd like to cover.

Could you contribute your knowledge and experience, even if it's only notes that someone else can refine and turn into a properly organised and formatted page? (Skeleton pages have an associated "Discussion" page where you can add any half-baked thoughts and ideas.)

  • Alternatives to iOS for older Apple devices.
  • Using a lightweight browser to extend the life of a device mainly used for web and email.
  • Satnavs.

(You can add to this list if you like!)