Example Device
| Preliminary Information | |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Leak Risk | Medium |
| Batteries | None |
| Mounting Technology | Through Hole, SMD, BGA, Sockets |
| Capacitor Types | Aluminum Electrolytic, Tantalum, Ceramic, Polymer |
| Destructive Entry | No |
This is an example page for creating new pages for devices so users know what can be done when creating a new page.
Up top is just a basic description of the device so people know what the page is for. You can add whatever general details you want here but keep in mind that linking to a full wikipedia page for more information would be fine rather than duplicating it here.
On the right is an "InfoBox". It is used to give a brief summary of the device before getting into the contents of the page. The main goal is to convey if the device would benefit from being worked on before showing signs of issues due to potentially leaking batteries or capacitors. It can also have information that will let users know how difficult the device will be to work on. The destructive entry section is specifically to let users know if the device is permanently assembled with things like plastic rivets or sonic welding that must be broken. Adhesives aren't quite destructive but may be mentioned there as a quick warning.
Known Issues
- Symptom or Problem Encountered
- Description of cause
- Solution: Solution to the problem
- Description of cause
This section should be used to go over the stages of troubleshooting known issues. For example, an IBM 5150 may not turn on, it could be caused by a shorted tantalum overdrawing current from the power supply, replacing or removing the tantalum will fix it. Using the cite feature to link to a video or forum thread on this would be extremely helpful for users to read more into it. But anecdotal information is welcome if it will be helpful to users.
Disassembly Notes
Warnings or tips to disassemble then device
Things here could be summarized as "I wish I knew this before..." and is meant to serve as warnings or tips to users before they open or work on the device. For example, the Toshiba CT-50 is infamous for having brittle plastic that crumbles apart. A warning to be gentle would be helpful. Other things like screws under rubber feet or stickers, parts that are glued together, or specific spots for plastic snaps would all be great to point out. Images are very welcome in this section.
Original Parts
This area is more technical and is intended to catalog accurate information about devices for future reference.
The "Basic PCB Name" should be used to describe what the PCB is if the device contains more than one or if there are multiple revisions. If a device has multiple PCBs or revisions please note any part numbers, revisions, or general descriptions on them that you can below the table. Different PCBs should be listed on different tables as RefDes's will likely be reused on them.
For example, a Commodore PET has multiple circuit boards in it and may share some between different model configurations. There may be a table for the video board and the logic board. The logic board also differs between different revisions of the computer and would have multiple tables. Something like a Commodore 64 has just one board but would have many different models and revisions that are all similar enough to go on one page but don't have all the exact same parts on them.
For right now copying the heading and table and replacing the data in it is the easiest way to add more of them. Methods for making table templates are still being researched to make editing easier.
Basic PCB Name
| RefDes | Qty | Capacitance | Voltage | Mount | Diameter/Size | Temp | Type | Brand | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Note model numbers and board revisions down here
Please note this table is very specifically for documenting that parts that originally came in the device. This is meant to be a concrete record of what is in an unmodified example of the device. Values of replacement parts should not be used to fill in this section and instead go below.
Replacement Parts
Individual Components
| RefDes | Qty | Compatible Part Number | Order Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digikey |
If parts are not available or different selection is preferred, you can use the values in the Original Parts section to perform a parametric search.
Kits
- Digikey BOM: https://www.digikey.com/