Skip to main content

Electronic Waste

In this episode - Electronic Waste . . .

Last week we examined the resurgence of the LP record. What prompted that episode was visiting our local record shop to see about replacing a turntable cartridge. Well, after a bit of experimentation, I discovered it wasn't my turntable at fault. The problem was with my Harman/Kardon integrated stereo amplifier.

While playing records, one channel cut out, switching to mono; both channels played. My first thought was, "I'd had this amplifier for over 40 years; maybe it's time to replace it" - until I started looking at the price of a new comparable amplifier. I suppose there's a market on eBay where you can pick up something similar, but why get a used replacement that may develop other unknown issues? Also, buying a new unit meant the old one would end up on a massive pile of electronic waste that seems to multiply exponentially in today's throw-away culture.

The integrated stereo amplifier remains popular for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality sound reproduction and the convenience of having multiple components integrated into a single unit. A little research shows that consumer electronics prices in the 1980s were typically higher than today; I recall paying over 600 dollars for a first-generation Yamaha CD-X1 player.

Indeed, the rise of streaming music services and wireless speakers has increased the popularity of all-in-one systems, which typically feature built-in amplifiers and speakers in a compact, space-saving design. In contrast, some high-end audio enthusiasts may opt for separate preamp and power amplifier components instead of an integrated amplifier.

At the risk of sounding like an old curmudgeon, "Back in my day, if you had an issue with your HiFi Stereo, you didn't just toss it out like a piece of junk. No, no, no. You made a trip to your local retailer for repairs. That meant a trip to Stereo Village in Canton, Illinois. The owner there was a real craftsman. He'd invite you back to his workbench to discuss possible repairs, and you'd see firsthand the many tools and gadgets he'd use to diagnose and repair components.

A few of them are;

  • Multimeter: Used to measure electrical voltage, current, and resistance.
  • Oscilloscope: Measures and displays electronic signals, such as voltage and current.
  • Circuit tester: Used to test the continuity of a circuit.
  • Soldering iron: A tool used to melt the solder and join electrical components together.
  • Wire strippers: A tool used to strip the insulation off wires.
  • Insulation testers: Used to check the insulation of electrical components.
  • Megohmmeter: A device used to measure the resistance of electrical insulation.
Electronic waste was less dominant than it is today. The electrical service repairman ensured that the systems were safe and efficient. Some record stores had an electronics technician responsible for repairing and maintaining equipment and components, such as motors, transformers, and switches. They used the tools described and tested equipment to diagnose problems, replace defective parts, and check the repaired equipment to ensure it functions properly.

Where is all this leading, you ask?

Well, electronics stores today have long ago eliminated the in-house repairman at the bench. However, a quick Google search may help you locate one of these technicians still practicing in your neighborhood.

My good fortune was the discovery of Vista Electronics, owned and operated by Terry Grant, a resident in the repair business for over 45 years. Their website states, "We started when Terry came to San Diego in 1968. While in the U.S. Navy, he began a career as an electronics technician. After leaving the Navy, Terry was employed by a local TV & appliance store as an apprentice technician, advancing to home service manager."

The bottom line is this - don't discard your old electronics. Terry told me, "They don't make these amplifiers like they used to; I would hold onto this one. It will provide great service for at least 20 years or more!"

And if I may add, "Unlike the first obsolete electronic personal computer you spent thousands on." - Electronic Waste!

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

Most Popular of All Time

Beyond Facts-The Deep Dive

✨ In this episode, Beyond Facts: Reimagining School–in the Age of AI . . .   This week's podcast is a bit different; it's another example of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can offer tools to creatively enhance your analytical presentation of information. We took this week's blog and copied it into Gemini with the question, “If a story is to work, it must, on some level, create an illusion of escape and also achieve a goal simultaneously. Does this apply to my blog post that follows?” What's created is not just an analysis of the writing, but an AI-generated discussion produced “On the Fly” - Enjoy! Did you know that the word "school" comes from the ancient Greek word scholÄ“ , which originally meant "leisure"? Not a rigid schedule or droning lectures filled with "facts," but free time for thinking and conversation. To the Greeks, learning happened best when life slowed down—when you had room to reflect, to ask questions, and to wrestle ...

A Heart Full of Thanks

Oh, the thanks I could think, and the thanks I could say! For the wonderful people who brightened my day. The first one is Lori, my wife, sweet and true, Who knows just the thing and knows just what to do. She whipped up a feast with a smile and a sigh, With corn on the cob and a steak cooked “On the Fly!” My neighbor, Steve, with a mischievous gleam, Said, “No fence work today! No work, it would seem! You’ll paint with some water, some colors so bright, And sign your new painting with all of your might!" I laughed and I said, “But I don’t know that skill! I’ll slap on some paint and see what sticks still!” Then there’s my friends on the Facebook machine, The best group of readers that ever was seen! They read all my blogs and they hear my podcasts, They send all their cheer that's built to last! And Billy and Linda. A Snoopy card in the mail. A wonderful surprise that was sure to prevail! From very good friends, a delightful new tale ! But the thanks didn't stop, no, not...

The Summer Surprise

In this special episode, The Summer Surprise . . .   Well, howdy there! It's me, Huck Finn, and lemme tell ya, somethin' special happened just the other day. We called it "The Summer Surprise.” Phew-wee! That ol' post box, it coughed up somethin' good! Wasn't no bills, nor them pesky ads, and thankfully, no regular ol' rocks neither. Nope, this here was a letter, folded up neat as a pin, looked a bit like one o' them school lockers, just sittin' there waitin' to be opened. It was from young Sierra, a mighty fine friend, and she'd gone and made some pure, honest-to-goodness artwork with her own two hands. My fingers they was all thumbs, just itching to see what kind of wild wonder she'd whipped up this time. I unfolded that paper, careful-like, you know, and bless my bare feet, there it was! A picture of a whole gymnasium and a mini-soccer field, all done up in colors that just popped. She'd used crayons and pencils, and you could tel...

A Pirate's Ponderings

In this episode, A Pirate's Ponderings: Turning 69 with a Classic . . . When was the last time you were so compelled by a quest that you had your bags packed and your boots on before the first rooster crowed? For me, this summer has been exactly that, a journey where the world outside faded away and the one inside my head roared to life. I felt like that young cabin boy in training, with the vast ocean of a great story stretching out before me. My hand was on the wheel, navigating every swell, riding the waves, and eager to see what lay just beyond the horizon. This wasn't a journey across lands, but a flight of imagination that has been an exciting ride. My adventure took off on the deck of the Hispaniola as I became lost on Treasure Island . My imagination soared, and I could almost taste the salt spray and feel the ship's timbers groan as we sailed toward our destiny. Below deck, in the narrow, shadowy depths, I could smell the hearty meals Long John Silver and Jim Haw...