[sdiy] [OT] puzzling EPROM problem

[TooManySynths]

--- harry <harrybissell at prodigy.net> wrote:
> Sockets are rarely used in manufacturing anymore
> because
> bean-counters run companies... not engineers and
> technicians.
> 
> I erll our techs if they EVER have to repair a
> board... put in
> a socket.

There is a big difference though, between a few
sockets on a board, and a board full of sockets.  I
realize that sockets drive up the price.  But they
also add to unreliability of products.  I have
repaired more than a few computers in the early days
where the probelem was just pushing in chips.  I also
remember at least a couple of occasions where a chip
or two had actually fallen out.  They add to the cost
of a product in many ways and it isn't only as simple
as "bean counters run companies".  Tech support and
repair as well as simply the cost of the extra step
are valid concerns.  It does make sense, imho, to not
use sockets if you are producing consumer items,
especially consumer items that typically are outdated
before requiring repair.  Sockets, for instance, are a
waste of money in a tabletop video game, as in pretty
much ALL computer products.  

> It is really nice to have sockets when you are
> troubleshooting.


Agree, I always use sockets in my diy stuff. 
ESPECIALLY if I'm hand wiring and not using a PCB.  I
ALWAYS power up without the chips installed and
physically check correct polarity in the sockets. 
Since I'm building stuff with CEM/SSM chips, it saves
me a whole lot of stress knowing that I'm not gonna
blow up fifty bucks worth of chips for a simple
mistake.

But, that's not the same as manufacturing a consumer
product that's going to take physical abuse and
require repair when no legitimate repair should be
necessary.  It is the lesser of two evils to drive up
the repair costs for the few machines that truly fail
rather than spend large amounts of money repairing
those products that only have faulty connections.

There are other examples of this thinking.  Back in
the sixties and seventies the "socketable" module was
used in TVs.  The idea was that the service technician
could repair the TV in short order by simply swapping
out the module.  The connections, however, caused most
of the problems and this idea was short lived. 

Whether they cost more or not, sockets add
unreliablity to a product and their only value is in
service, therefore, it only makes sense to use them,
when genuine service costs are more than likely going
to be high.

Daryl




__________________________________________________
Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help?
Donate cash, emergency relief information
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/US/Emergency_Information/