Fixit Clinic CXXVIII (128) Huntington Beach

Another whirlwind Fixit Clinic in Huntington Beach, with a great set of Fixit Coaches and participants. Among the highlights:

This very ornate Disney clock: given that Anaheim / Disneyland is nearby maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise but it was nice to see it.

This plug had extremely old and brittle wiring. A representative from the local Ace Hardware was on hand, we relied on his store for new zip cord for the rewiring job.

Basic antenna theory: a piece of wire a similar length to the broken antenna works just as well (we could've replaced the antenna too.)

More photos from Fixit Clinic CXXVIII in Huntington Beach at https://goo.gl/photos/zBKYAYJ6NrauCBdG9

Fixit Clinic CXXI (#121): Albany Community Center and Library

Fixit Clinic CXXI (#121) at the Albany Community Center and Library had a "Spotlight on Sewing Machines" theme. It was held in conjunction with the Albany Clothing Swap and Swap-o-rama-rama http://albanyca.org/index.aspx?recordid=11718&page=1050 In addition to sewing machines and sergers we fixed a ton of electronics stuff, mended fabric, altered clothes, etc: a hot time on a hot afternoon!

More photos from Fixit Clinic CXXI (#121) can be seen on Google+ here: https://goo.gl/photos/DBdUh9PRJVsuiJ6X8

Clocks Seen At Fixit Clinic

As part of our ongoing outreach and informational services we've assembled this handy photo collage from various Fixit Clinics of examples of clocks and who might have them -- just in case this might be helpful to someone in the future. ‪#‎standwithahmed‬

See the entire collection of clock photos on Google+ at https://goo.gl/photos/UkAriJuvqbouCavW9

Fixit Clinic CXV (#115) Castro Valley Public Library

We had another wonderful day of fixing at the Castro Valley Public Library; among the highlights:

- Roy replaced the thermal fuse in a nut grinder (note the smoldering solder iron)

- Several fixit coaches participated in installing a new, aftermarket switch in a full spectrum lamp

- Castro Valley Environmental Commissioner (and High School student!) Nicole Bagdadlian showed up and we talked about bringing Fixit Clinic to the High School

You can see more photos from Fixit Clinic CXV (#115) Castro Valley Public Library on Google+:
https://goo.gl/photos/gno6Dyt9SakMfpHX8

Many thanks again to Michelle Wu from Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSAN) http://www.cvsan.org/content/repair-workshops and Danielle Wilson from the Castro Valley Public Library (link to Fixit Clinic announcement) for hosting us. Danielle is moving on to become the Branch Manager for the new San Lorenzo Public Library, we hope to hold Fixit Clinics there too!

Fixit Clinic CXIi (#112) Huntington Beach, CA

The City of Huntington Beach hosted their inaugural Fixit Clinic Saturday, June 6, 2015. The most unusual item we saw today (and certainly up there in the category of unusual items seen thus far) was a parrot's backpack that allowed the parrot's owners to carry the parrot around with them.

The day's most satisfying repair was a popcorn maker because we got to sample the working popcorn maker's wares once it was working:

More photos from Fixit Clinic CXII (#112) Huntington Beach, CA are available on Google+ here: https://plus.google.com/photos/111525193946026734520/albums/6158045266877758529?authkey=CJ3Pq5zq9KfjiAE

Many thanks to the City for hosting and to Debbie Killey who worked tirelessly to pull of the Fixit Clinic. We eagerly await the next Huntington Beach Fixit Clinic!

Fixing a Zipper When the Zipper Teeth Separate

Ever have a zipper where the zipper teeth separate behind the zipper slider? Fixit Clinic's Peter Mui shows how to address this issue using a locking pliers:

This video was taken at Yerdle's Repair & Share Earth Party http://repairshareearthparty.splashthat.com/ celebrating Patagonia's Worn Wear Tour http://www.patagonia.com/us/worn-wear/. Fixit Clinic also participated at the Patagonia North Beach Store Worn Wear event a couple of Black Fridays ago: https://plus.google.com/photos/111525193946026734520/albums/5951923350253636353.

The basic trick is to use the locking pliers to clamp down just a smidgen on the top and bottom plates of the zipper slider body. Do both sides, work slowly so you don't make the sides too tight.

Here's the step-by-step instructions we created for iFixit's web site: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repairing+Zipper+Slider/35496

Fabric items are 8% of landfill waste. How many jackets, tents, backpacks, luggage, and other items with zippers have been discarded when they could've been easily repaired with this simple technique?

Fixit Clinic CVI (#106) Livermore Public Library

Another grand day of fixing with a bunch of newly-minted Fixit Coaches, mostly from Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.  We saw a higher number of laptops than we normally see and got most of them back into working order. More photos from the Fixit Clinic are on Google+ here: https://plus.google.com/photos/111525193946026734520/albums/6139280702310932225?authkey=CIuji-SP5aL8PQ

It's our sincere hope that this great core of new Fixit Coaches in Livermore start a new and sustainable Fixit Clinic satellite there.

Addendum: One of the new Fixit Coaches wrote in later that day:

"Thanks! I had a blast.

"It didn't stop at the clinic. On the way home Ryan and I stopped and helped two guys whose car was at the side of the road. It had been shuddering and emitting smoke. Eventually we determined the reason for their trouble was they'd been driving with the parking brake on! Wish I'd had a bell to ring....

-Josh"

Fixit Clinic XCVI (#96) Piedmont Middle School

Who says there's no family-friendly evening activities anymore? Fixit Coach extraordinaire Steve Berl arranged for Fixit Clinic to participate in the Piedmont Makers' Tech Social last night at Piedmont Middle School. It was great seeing so many families come out together to celebrate disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair.

More photos from this Fixit Clinic are here: https://plus.google.com/photos/111525193946026734520/albums/6102798585281335905?authkey=CJjWhfujipDcywE

Vacuum Cleaner Repair Testimonial

Just rediscovered this old gem on the East Bay Mini Maker Faire blog about a vacuum cleaner repair: https://ebmakerfaire.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/springs-spools-and-power-cords-getting-real-at-the-fixit-clinic/

Fixit Coaches Chris Witt and Richard Jesch helping to rewind the power cord/spring on that vacuum.

Holiday Fixit Clinic 2/2: Albany Community Center

One of our favorite locations: we return to the Albany Community Center on Sat. Dec. 13 for the second of two holiday-themed Fixit Clinics: hope to see you there!

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Holiday Fixit Clinic at Albany Community Center

Fix your broken stuff -- Or at least learn more about it disassembling it.

Fixing as Giving: In the spirit of the holidays, The Fixit Clinic Elves will be on hand to spread holiday cheer helping you fix that special item for a loved one (that includes you!)
So bring your broken, non-functioning things -- electronics, appliances, computers, toys, etc.-- for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair.
We'll provide workspace, specialty tools, and guidance to help you disassemble and troubleshoot your item. Whether we fix it or not, you'll learn more about how it was manufactured and how it worked. This is a family-friendly event: children are heartily invited!

WHAT:   Fixit Clinic XCIV (#94) at Albany Community Center http://goo.gl/y2fUS4
WHEN:  Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 12PM-3PM
WHERE: Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Avenue, Albany, CA, EOC Room (in the basement)
http://www.albanyca.org/index.aspx?page=561&recordid=9665
HOW:      Bring: 1) your broken or non-working thing (carry-in only: no
oversize items)
     2) accessories and tools you already own that might be helpful (e.g.
phillips head screwdriver)
     3) any knowledge or advance research you've done on the issue
     4) boxes, bags and/or small containers to organize (and carry away)
parts.
Walk-ins always welcome but please register in advance: http://goo.gl/qTzh9J
COST:   Free!
WHY:     To make friends, learn how things work, and have fun!

www.fixitclinic.org

WANNA HELP OTHERS at Fixit Clinic? Email fixitclinic@gmail.com
---------------------------

Holiday Fixit Clinic 1/2: Hercules Public Library

We return to the Hercules Public Library on Sat. Dec. 6 for a holiday-themed Fixit Clinic, we'll have another the following Saturday at the Albany Community Center. Hope to see you there!

==================================================
Holiday Fixit Clinic at Hercules Public Library

Fix your broken stuff -- Or at least learn more about it disassembling it.

Fixing as Giving: In the spirit of the holidays, The Fixit Clinic Elves will be on hand to spread holiday cheer helping you fix that special item for a loved one (that includes you!)
So bring your broken, non-functioning things -- electronics, appliances, computers, toys, etc.-- for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair.
We'll provide workspace, specialty tools, and guidance to help you disassemble and troubleshoot your item. Whether we fix it or not, you'll learn more about how it was manufactured and how it worked. This is a family-friendly event: children are heartily invited!

WHAT:   Fixit Clinic XCIII (#93) at Hercules Public Library http://goo.gl/jPCJ8x
WHEN:  Saturday, Dec 6, 2014 2PM-5PM
WHERE: Hercules Public Library, 109 Civic Drive, Hercules, CA 94547 http://ccclib.org/locations/hercules.html
HOW:      Bring: 1) your broken or non-working thing (carry-in only: no
oversize items)
     2) accessories and tools you already own that might be helpful (e.g.
phillips head screwdriver)
     3) any knowledge or advance research you've done on the issue
     4) boxes, bags and/or small containers to organize (and carry away)
parts.
Walk-ins always welcome but please register in advance here: http://goo.gl/qTzh9J
COST:   Free!
WHY:     To make friends, learn how things work, and have fun!

www.fixitclinic.org

WANNA HELP OTHERS at Fixit Clinic? Email fixitclinic@gmail.com
==================================================

Roy Repairs Rice Cooker at Hercules Public Library

Another satisfied Fixit Clinic participant!

Hello Kitty Toaster Testimonial

We see a ton of toasters at Fixit Clinics and fix the vast majority of them. Here's one story of a Hello Kitty toaster we saw at the 2014 East Bay Mini Maker Faire, as told by its owner:

"Shortly after I met Susan, she found my broken Hello Kitty toaster in a dark corner of my kitchen. She offered to fix it for me, to satisfy her love for all things mechanical and—I want to believe—to show her love for me. Hello Kitty toaster went home with her shortly thereafter and stayed with her for a long time. Two years went by while our relationship grew and we planned our future lives. Susan applied to graduate school and got accepted. Meanwhile, Hello Kitty toaster gathered dust in her Minneapolis apartment. When we packed her things to leave, the toaster, still broken, surfaced again. “We should just throw this away, right?”  I asked. “No!” Susan replied emphatically. “I’m going to fix it for you,” she declared. Hello Kitty toaster got stuffed in a box with a tangle of multi-colored computer cords, an eggbeater and a dozen mismatched socks and drove east across the country. 

"I finished my studies in the Midwest while Susan earned her degree out East. Two years went by. Hello Kitty toaster gathered more dust in her New York apartment. We agreed to move together to Merced where Susan was offered a job. Hello Kitty toaster went back in a box with computer cords and socks and drove West across the country to California’s great Central Valley. When I arrived a few months later, I tasked myself with organizing our new, shared household. Sorting through boxes of books, tools, hats, bowls, board games and bicycle parts, Hello Kitty toaster surfaced again, even more dirty and dusty and sadly, still broken. “Seriously? After four years and two cross-country trips, can’t we get rid of this toaster?” I asked again. “No. I’m going to fix it,” Susan insisted. 

"We settled in. Susan advanced in her new job and eventually I got a job, too. We visited Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, Monterrey Bay, Big Sur and Muir Woods. I got promoted. Susan got promoted. Another two years went by. In September 2014, Susan announced she bought tickets to the Mini-Maker Faire in Oakland. “And, Hello Kitty toaster is coming with,” she added. “We’re going to the Fix-It Clinic at the Faire to finally fix the toaster!” We couldn’t wait for the day to arrive. When it did, Hello Kitty toaster went into the car once more to make the shortest of its many road trips—just two hours up Highway 99, over the Altamonte Pass and down into the gleaming Bay Area. 

Fixit Coach Richard Jesch with our two heroines and their just-repaired toaster

"At the Fix-it Clinic, Susan and I gently disassembled the filthy toaster, lifting the kitty-faced cover to expose the fragile, naked slots for bread and a strange assembly of wires and springs and electrodes and chips. A soft-spoken man offered his help in diagnosing the problem. We explained that the lever used to lower the bread into the toasting chamber didn’t hold down the bread anymore. To diagnose the cause of this problem, he guided us through an inspection of the mechanical parts of the toaster first, lifting something up, pushing something down, to see what various pieces did. We found a misplaced metal rod and a crooked plastic brace but righting these pieces didn’t fix the lever. He suggested we test the electronic parts of the toaster next. He pointed out a tiny round object and identified it as an electromagnet. “That’s what holds the lever down,” he explained. “There should be a thermometer somewhere that tells the magnet to release the lever when the toasting elements reach a certain temperature. Look for a wire with a blobby end on that green board.” Susan and I bumped foreheads squinting over the tiny board. I noticed a black blob at the tip of a pair of wires and pointed it out to our Fix-It Clinician. “Good eye! That’s the thermometer,” he said. Then he handed Susan copper clamps with a red and a black handle and directed her to attach each to a particular part of the toaster guts. He turned a knob on a machine with a gauge and we read him the number on which the red needle landed. At first the needle didn’t move which could mean the electromagnet is dead, he explained. He instructed Susan to attach the clamps to other components of the toaster guts. He turned the knob and we watched the needle again and again. Finally, we determined that electricity was flowing to the necessary destinations and the magnet still worked. But we couldn’t determine what was the problem. Hello Kitty toaster seemed to have us stumped. 

"Susan wasn’t going to be defeated however. She started examining a little square piece of plastic attached to the lever assembly. She moved it up and down, up and down with a puzzled look on her face. “I wonder if … ah ha!” She pushed the square up until it stayed in place. Steadying the whole toaster with one hand, she carefully pushed down the pink lever with one finger on the opposite hand. When the lever hit the bottom of its track, she slowly withdrew her finger and—the lever stayed in place. “Is it fixed?” I asked in disbelief. Susan pushed the lever down again and while we held our breath, pulled her finger away. The lever stayed down! 

"All three of us shouted in triumph. We traded high-fives with everyone in the Clinic. One hundred and twenty minutes, six years and not quite six thousand miles later, Hello Kitty toaster was finally fixed. Susan finally fulfilled her promise, our problem intrigued the Fix-It Clinician and we all learned some fascinating things about toaster technology. Now the toaster is back on our kitchen counter happily serving up kitty-faced toast.

"Thank you Fix-It Clinic for a fun and rewarding experience. 

Sincerely,
Sara &  Susan"

In case you ever wondered why we do these Fixit Clinics: it's for stories like these. We'll be asking more participants to share their Fixit Clinic stories at future events.

And if you're looking to fix your own toaster: bring it to one of our upcoming events. No event near you? Try the iFixit online repair guide we've contributed to here: https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Toaster_Troubleshooting , let us know where it needs work.

=============================================
UPDATE: We recently received this followup email and photo:

"Hi-

We finally bought some white bread, here's the proof that the toaster is fixed!

Thanks so much we really enjoyed the Fixit Clinic experience!!

-Sara and Susan"

Fixit Clinic LXXXVIII (#88) at East Bay Mini Maker Faire

We always have a good time at the East Bay Mini Maker Faire, we've been at all five of them thus far. A few of us typically set up the Saturday before the all-day Sunday event. This year I tried creating a Google+ Hangout on Air but the bandwidth at the school wouldn't support it.

Many thanks to all the Fixit Coaches who made this another memorable day!

See all the photos from today on our Google+ page here: https://plus.google.com/photos/111525193946026734520/albums/6072133434540019953?authkey=CJubi66jiseyDQ

Fixit Clinic LXXXVII (#87) Cambridge, MA 2014-09-27

Photos from our our fourth Cambridge, MA repair event and our 87th Fixit Clinic overall are on our Google+ page here:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/111525193946026734520/albums/6063950229988228305

As always, it was a hectic but satisfying day of fixing!

We also tried an experiment of creating a Google+ Hangout on Air so that remote Fixit Coaches (and Fixit Voyeurs) could telepresence into the event, but the results for that were less satisfying:

1) Without a dedicated person manning the camera/laptop the event was otherwise so busy that remote participants are essentially parked in the corner. My hope was that we could actively engage them in the event.

2) The audio quality is poor, partially because the room is so echo-y.

3) At this point, remote participants only get an overview of the event, it'd be great to be able to actively engage them in ongoing repair, keep a running commentary of what transpires.

4) Power to my laptop failed during the hangout, resulting in two separate videos (I couldn't figure out how to connect to the existing stream.)

If you want to look at the videos, they're on our Fixit Clinic youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEee22JmTEi8OJI9ZxaN0YQ