Irreparable Electronics

Irreparable Items

We recently received some items for repair that we could not bid on because half of the structure to the items were missing. We could not identify the manufacturer and there were missing circuit boards (the most important part, to us!). They were so beat up, it was almost impossible to even try to rebuild them.

Don't get me wrong, I always encourage our customers to send repairs in to us, but we do need something to work with. What made this situation so bad, was the fact that we were having to go through a third party for all of our information. We could not speak to the end user and could not get the information we needed. We had to go through an intermediary, whom, unfortunately, knew little of the actual problems with the items in detail.

When situations such as this arise, we do our best to get as much information as we can, and attempt to repair something, if we are able. However, without enough information, such as manufacturer, or the malfunctions of the item, we cannot always provide a repair or a rebuild of that item. In those instances, we make sure to stay in constant contact with the party we received the items from, and we exhaust our resources trying to come up with a way to help the end user, or the customer.

Sometimes, we are successful, and we are able to rebuild the item, or repair it. Other times, there is just not enough information (or such as in the above case, not enough of the item) to make a sound repair and we must return the item to the end user.

In light of those situations, we created this list to help you, as the customer, get us the information we need to help you:

1. Look to see the manufacturer is listed on the actual item you are sending. If it is not, supply it to us by filling out our "Tech Repair Sheet", found here.
2. Look to see if you can find a part number listed on the actual item you are sending. If it is not, you may be able to find out that number through the manufacturer.
3. Include any and all parts of the item you are sending. This includes boards that are/were attached to the item, housing, or connectors.
4. Give us a good idea of what is wrong with the item. Why are you sending it to us? Did it spark and stop working? Is it working, but only sometimes? Do you have to kick it to get it working? Don't be afraid to tell us what is going on! We need to know so we can help.
5. Send any manuals or information sheets you might have, (or copies of them) so we can have the most information about your item as possible. We deal with a lot of obsolete items, and there are more of them than you can imagine! Any information we receive gets copied and put into our library for future use, and helps us help you, later.
6. Fill out the "Tech Repair Sheet" and send it in WITH your item.

Don't panic if you don't have all of the information. Electronics can be tricky to work on, but as long as we are provided with as much information as possible, we can typically do our research and find out what is wrong.

Thanks for thinking Combotronics, Inc!

Combotronics is an Industrial Electronics Repair facility. If you need electronic repair, re-manufacturing, or rebuilding, call us at 1-800-331-5941, or email us at tech@combotronicsinc.com.

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-RR/CJ

Posted by Combotronics Team