10/03: Elecronic Harvest Day

Today is the Electronic Harvest Day. Today is dedicated for peaking under the hard sleek shell of electronics and harvest some jucy materials. It is also an day of observation. We are going to take a very close look at cultural artifact you brought today.

Schedule

• Introduction / context / safety
• harvest

Lunch


• 1pm Laser cutting demo
• harvest

Introduction / Context

Thomas Thwaites: How I build a toaster -- from scratch

Björk talking about her TV

Opening microchip

The Circuit: Tracking America's Electronic Waste

Chris Hackett

Safety!

Read Device Safety from ifixit.com

1. NEVER take things apart when plugged in!
2. remove the batteries before the deassembly
3. Look out for large capacitors like this. Let me know if you see one or are unsure
4. If you feel unsafe performing any aspect of the taking apart process, stop working and ask for advice
5. Avoid taking apart:
   • CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Displays (old type of monitors)
   • Microwaves
   • toaster ovens
   • Other AC appliances with heating and cooling capabilities
6. Digital cameras with flash might contain some high voltage capacitors
7. NEVER plug in AC electronics once you take them apart

****if you suspect a high voltage capacitor and really need to work with one, here is a safe way we can discharge the capacitor. or here

Things to think about when you are working with found electronics:

1. Is it a working device?
2. Does your electronic use AC or DC?
3. What is the brand and model number?
4. Can you find a service manual or schimatic online?
5. What is the voltage this devise uses?
6. Does it use a power adaptor or battery? (DC)
7. What parts can I use?

Useful things to look for

• switches and buttons
• power transformers and power adaptors
• potentiometors and knobs
• motors
• speakers
• piezos
• gears and gear assemblies
• drive belts and rods
• screws

Resources

Keyboard Hack

If your device is working and wnat to hack into the buttons, try this!

TIP120 DC button Bypass Circuit