The black spot is in the middle of the picture.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
The Capacity to Shock!
Nope, I’m not talking about modern culture, Hollywood, politicians or anything like that. Rather, I am referring to those confounded capacitors! Last night there was a slight accident with a heavy object (our laptop computer) falling on our home computer. This caused a slight dent in the case and while I was not home, Missy reported that it then had a terrible smell, stopped working and would not turn on, as if it were unplugged. Even though I was not home, the accident was mostly, if not entirely, my fault. You see, I had previously placed the laptop on the floor in the corner of the dining room after returning from our weekend travels. Deciding yesterday that this was not a good place for it to stay I put it up where the children could not step on it, etc. Apparently it was also a place where it could fall onto its cousin below.
Feeling culpable (and hoping to avoid any large expenses) I decided to investigate. I confirmed that the plug and outlet were not the problem and then “opened her up.” Seeing that the dent was directly over the power supply (and since it seemed to be a power problem) I decided to start there. I removed the power supply and disassembled it, looking for something obvious. To my surprise, I actually found something obvious. A black, scorched looking area on the bottom of a circuit board (under the leg of a resistor) and a matching spot on the metal case of the power supply unit. After digging out the old multi-meter I determined that the resistor was still functioning as were multiple other points that I tested. I then found a 3 Amp ceramic fuse and tested that (being ceramic you cannot simply look to see if it is burned out)…no current was passing through it.
The next problem? Radio Shack doesn’t carry that size ceramic fuse (nor do the two other places where Jesse and I checked). They had normal glass ones, but not wanting to have to repeat this transplant operation should it fail to withstand the heat inside the computer I decided not to try those. Feeling determined, I broke into one of our old computers that we must have been saving for just such a situation. While the power supplies were wired and connected differently, guess what I found inside? A ceramic 3 amp fuse! Yippy! I put this fuse into the current computer’s power supply and then proceeded to plug the unit into the wall, while still outside of and disconnected from the computer to avoid any mishaps and observing for any problems (you know, like smoking, sizzling, cracking, popping, etc.). All seemed to go well so I unplugged the unit and began to fidget everything back into…”AAUUUUGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!” “What was that daddy?” Oh, nothing. Just a vocal reaction to the unexpected JOLT passing through my left hand and up my arm! Strong enough to surprise me and cause me to drop the unit to the table, but otherwise, no harm done.
After that I successfully returned everything to its previous position and plugged things back in. As you can guess (since I was able to post this) it was a successful mission! Not the sort of thing a stay-at-home-dad usually has to tackle but interesting nonetheless! I’m just happy that nothing else was wrong and I didn’t have to pay someone else to fix it or try to sell me a whole new power supply!
I posted some pictures above. It made me wonder how the computer feels about being a part of posting such intimate pictures of itself on the internet. Hmm.
Until next time! Blessings!
*** I guess I should explain that capacitors are electrical components that hold a charge (electricity) even after they are “unplugged.” The computer power supply has these (and other like minded creatures) in order to “condition” the power coming from the outlet to the computer. This provides for a more stable and consistent power supply to the delicate computer circuitry than the standard voltage straight from the wall, which can fluctuate significantly. I must have inadvertently touched two points on the bottom of the circuit board that connected to one of these causing me to "complete the circuit."
Feeling culpable (and hoping to avoid any large expenses) I decided to investigate. I confirmed that the plug and outlet were not the problem and then “opened her up.” Seeing that the dent was directly over the power supply (and since it seemed to be a power problem) I decided to start there. I removed the power supply and disassembled it, looking for something obvious. To my surprise, I actually found something obvious. A black, scorched looking area on the bottom of a circuit board (under the leg of a resistor) and a matching spot on the metal case of the power supply unit. After digging out the old multi-meter I determined that the resistor was still functioning as were multiple other points that I tested. I then found a 3 Amp ceramic fuse and tested that (being ceramic you cannot simply look to see if it is burned out)…no current was passing through it.
The next problem? Radio Shack doesn’t carry that size ceramic fuse (nor do the two other places where Jesse and I checked). They had normal glass ones, but not wanting to have to repeat this transplant operation should it fail to withstand the heat inside the computer I decided not to try those. Feeling determined, I broke into one of our old computers that we must have been saving for just such a situation. While the power supplies were wired and connected differently, guess what I found inside? A ceramic 3 amp fuse! Yippy! I put this fuse into the current computer’s power supply and then proceeded to plug the unit into the wall, while still outside of and disconnected from the computer to avoid any mishaps and observing for any problems (you know, like smoking, sizzling, cracking, popping, etc.). All seemed to go well so I unplugged the unit and began to fidget everything back into…”AAUUUUGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!” “What was that daddy?” Oh, nothing. Just a vocal reaction to the unexpected JOLT passing through my left hand and up my arm! Strong enough to surprise me and cause me to drop the unit to the table, but otherwise, no harm done.
After that I successfully returned everything to its previous position and plugged things back in. As you can guess (since I was able to post this) it was a successful mission! Not the sort of thing a stay-at-home-dad usually has to tackle but interesting nonetheless! I’m just happy that nothing else was wrong and I didn’t have to pay someone else to fix it or try to sell me a whole new power supply!
I posted some pictures above. It made me wonder how the computer feels about being a part of posting such intimate pictures of itself on the internet. Hmm.
Until next time! Blessings!
*** I guess I should explain that capacitors are electrical components that hold a charge (electricity) even after they are “unplugged.” The computer power supply has these (and other like minded creatures) in order to “condition” the power coming from the outlet to the computer. This provides for a more stable and consistent power supply to the delicate computer circuitry than the standard voltage straight from the wall, which can fluctuate significantly. I must have inadvertently touched two points on the bottom of the circuit board that connected to one of these causing me to "complete the circuit."
Sunday, November 27, 2005
A SWEET WEEKEND
It was a chilly start in the snow, but we made it out on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving with the traditional feast with family. It was a very filling day seeing many folks we don't often get to visit much with and enjoy so much good food. The dessert feast was just as grand as the main course! Eric was the 'game boy' challenging anyone he could to Old Maid or Checkers or just quizzing them on animal trivia. Jesse cuddled up for some stories and seemed to be 'reunited' with some dinosaurs at Great Grandma's house.
The next day we headed to Hershey to check out Chocolate World and Candy Lane. It was a bitterly cold day, but was a fun time filled with lots of treats and activities. We did it all - from filling up tool boxes with candy wearing 'hard hats' to becoming a factory worker with official ID badges and processing Hershey kisses to the traditional Chocolate World ride of the process tour including lots of samples. We then went for an evening dip in the pool of our hotel and dined at our newest favorite place, Friendly's.
Saturday, we headed to the Crayola factory in Easton. We saw how they make crayons and markers and made use of LOTS of their products. We painted with wax, molded with clay, colored, drew on clear walls (with permission!), made gingerbread men puppets, cards and designed our own banners. We even got to help wrap our own red crayons and inspect some newly made purple markers. It was a neat place to see. After this, we headed to see some friends in the area. We hung out all afternoon at their place. They had a love bird nicknamed "chicken" that was spontaneously entertaining. I spent most of the time holding their newest addition, Braydon, who was born just hours before my birthday this year. He was wonderful and a joy to see, hold and cuddle! I am always stunned to see my Goddaughter who has grown up so much. She's a beautiful, quiet girl just rounding the bend to her 'teenager' years. After a nice visit, we headed back to Hershey for a late supper and bed at our same hotel. This time I had TWO boys and my bed and Daddy got to sleep (and snore LOUDLY) in his own bed. Jesse is a bed hog and Eric likes to climb on my back so restful sleep did not happen (at least for me).
After a morning swim and breakfast, we headed back home. It took about 3 and 1/2 hours but it was a prety good trip (even 59 degrees here now!). We made a trip up to the hospital to decorate a tree for our church together, followed up with hot chocolate which was fun. The boys then packed up again (okay, they really didn't unpack) & set out again for Erie to visit Grammy and bring back Tucker tomorrow as Eric is off from school. I stayed back to 'hold down the fort' knowing that I must return to work tomorrow. This allowed me to gather these few thoughts and post this now. We paced ourselves pretty well and had a nice little getaway weekend. Although it made the four days go by fast, we had fun together throughout our journey.
The next day we headed to Hershey to check out Chocolate World and Candy Lane. It was a bitterly cold day, but was a fun time filled with lots of treats and activities. We did it all - from filling up tool boxes with candy wearing 'hard hats' to becoming a factory worker with official ID badges and processing Hershey kisses to the traditional Chocolate World ride of the process tour including lots of samples. We then went for an evening dip in the pool of our hotel and dined at our newest favorite place, Friendly's.
Saturday, we headed to the Crayola factory in Easton. We saw how they make crayons and markers and made use of LOTS of their products. We painted with wax, molded with clay, colored, drew on clear walls (with permission!), made gingerbread men puppets, cards and designed our own banners. We even got to help wrap our own red crayons and inspect some newly made purple markers. It was a neat place to see. After this, we headed to see some friends in the area. We hung out all afternoon at their place. They had a love bird nicknamed "chicken" that was spontaneously entertaining. I spent most of the time holding their newest addition, Braydon, who was born just hours before my birthday this year. He was wonderful and a joy to see, hold and cuddle! I am always stunned to see my Goddaughter who has grown up so much. She's a beautiful, quiet girl just rounding the bend to her 'teenager' years. After a nice visit, we headed back to Hershey for a late supper and bed at our same hotel. This time I had TWO boys and my bed and Daddy got to sleep (and snore LOUDLY) in his own bed. Jesse is a bed hog and Eric likes to climb on my back so restful sleep did not happen (at least for me).
After a morning swim and breakfast, we headed back home. It took about 3 and 1/2 hours but it was a prety good trip (even 59 degrees here now!). We made a trip up to the hospital to decorate a tree for our church together, followed up with hot chocolate which was fun. The boys then packed up again (okay, they really didn't unpack) & set out again for Erie to visit Grammy and bring back Tucker tomorrow as Eric is off from school. I stayed back to 'hold down the fort' knowing that I must return to work tomorrow. This allowed me to gather these few thoughts and post this now. We paced ourselves pretty well and had a nice little getaway weekend. Although it made the four days go by fast, we had fun together throughout our journey.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
PROPOSED SOLUTION
So last night we had our 1st grade parent-teacher conference. All went well, but always room for improvement. His teacher, Mrs. W, who is visibly pregnant (to me), says that she will be leaving as of March and wanted the parents to be aware of this given there might be any transition issues, etc. Our son was not aware of this yet (that she's pregnant or that she'll be leaving), but we made mention of this at home afterwards. After some thought, my son responds with "Why won't my teacher be there after that? Why does she have to leave?" I said because she's having a baby and then she'll stay home to take care of the baby. My six year old replies "Why can't MR. W do that?" It was neat how he gave this some thought and had proposed "a solution" for this. We suggested that maybe he go ahead and ask her to find out! :)
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Weekend Celebration
So, our nephew celebrated his 3rd birthday this weekend with lots of food, family, friends and fun. It was oddly quite warm and sunny for a November day too! This made the occasion even brighter. It was nice time and all the kids played well together. Eric made friends with a girl named Savannah who was the same age. She took on the normal role played by Jesse of being chased and screaming much of the time. Jesse instead had the opportunity to check out the range in Joe's "toy corner" on his own. Joe was very excited to see everyone and seemed to really enjoy his day. We were all glad to be able to share in it...and that's the weekend update :)
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