Monday, June 23, 2025
Monday, February 3, 2025
Schlage vs. Kwikset – Front Range Locksmith
Schlage vs. Kwikset
If you are reading this article, you’ve probably done some research. You probably already know that when it comes to buying locks for your home, there are mainly two players in the field – Kwikset and Schlage. Although they are certainly not the only ones, combined they dominate over 95 percent of the market for residential locks. You can find them, and hardly any lock but them, in every single hardware store in America, which leaves us with a very obvious question.
In this article, I will try to answer one of the ultimate, most basic questions of the home security world: Which locks are better – Schlage or Kwikset? This question has a direct effect on the most basic way we secure our home, and as you are about to learn – the answer is very clear.
DISCLAIMER: I’m not affiliated with any company other than my own. No one has paid me to write this article. The information you’re about to read is a result of independent testing that I’ve done using my own tools. In this article, I’m presenting my opinions, based on the research that I’ve done and my years of experience as a locksmith. I accept no liability for any consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.
If you want to jump straight to the conclusion – Click here.
A Little Background
Before we dive into the comparison, it’s important to understand that Schlage and Kwikset are just brand names and not specific lock models. Both companies, Schlage and Kwikset, make many different types of locks, such as residential doorknobs, deadbolts, and keypads. Schlage also has a vast line of commercial products, including some heavy-duty and high-security locks, whereas Kwikset has a more modest line of “light commercial” locks. In this article, I will be focusing on residential locks only. Comparing commercial products is a much more complicated task and I wouldn’t necessarily choose any of the two companies in question for my commercial needs.
To keep things simple, I will compare the standard deadbolt lock of each company. The standard deadbolt is the most common lock being sold by both companies; however, the rest of the locks of each company go through a similar manufacturing process, share the same materials (sometimes even the same parts), and are held to the same quality standards. So by comparing their deadbolts, we can easily determine which company makes better locks.
Deadbolts: Kwikset (Left), Schlage (Right)
Forced Entry vs. Non-Forced Entry
Throughout the comparison, I will be mentioning two different ways by which burglars break into houses: forced entry and non-forced entry.
Forced Entry – As the name suggests, forced entry means gaining entry by using force in a way that will allow us to open the door, like drilling the lock or using tools to pry the door open. Forced entry methods will almost always destroy the lock and leave visible signs someone broke in.
Non-Forced Entry – Non-forced entry is a way in which an intruder breaks in by manipulating the way the lock works to gain entry in a non-destructive way, using tools such as pick tools or bump keys. Non-forced entry methods require skill and practice, and they usually leave no sign of break-in.
It is important to keep in mind that burglars use forced entry much more often than non-forced entry to break in, so the lock that gives better protection from forced entry may have an advantage over locks that are harder to pick but provide no protection from forced entry methods of breaking in.
Lock Housing
The lock housing is the metal part that surrounds the cylinder of the lock. One of the most common ways that burglars break in is by drilling through the lock housing and engaging directly with the interior mechanism. Although this method is destructive and messy, it is considered by burglars to be a quick and simple way to gain entry. Naturally, the stronger and sturdier the housing, the harder it is to drill through it and reach the interior mechanism.
Schlage deadbolts have a thick, solid housing that protects the cylinder all around, leaving no hollow areas. In contrast, the housing of the Kwikset deadbolt is much lighter and somewhat hollow, making it much easier to drill through and reach the interior mechanism.
Bolt Size
The bolt is the part of the lock that extends from the door into the door frame, securing the door in place. A larger and stronger bolt provides better protection against forced entry methods such as kicking or prying the door open.
Schlage deadbolts have a larger and more robust bolt compared to Kwikset. This means that Schlage locks can withstand more force before failing, offering better protection against forced entry.
Drill-Resistant Plate
Some locks come with a drill-resistant plate that makes it harder for burglars to drill through the lock and manipulate the internal mechanism.
Schlage deadbolts are equipped with a hardened steel plate that is designed to resist drilling attempts. Kwikset locks, on the other hand, do not have this feature, making them ::contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Thursday, December 8, 2022
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a TV? National Average Range: $100 - $300
TV Repair Cost by Type of Repair
TVs are perhaps the most popular devices in a modern home, and today’s televisions are far more advanced than past models. Modern TVs have a huge range of Smart features like WiFi connectivity, ultra-high-resolution screens with photorealistic images, and high-fidelity sound. Unfortunately, no matter which TV size, type, or make you choose, damage and breakdowns occur. That is when you need to call a repairman.
The cost of TV repairs varies greatly, depending on the TV type and repairs needed. The national cost average is $100 to $300 for TV repairs, with most people spending about $200 to repair an inverter in an LED TV. This project’s low cost is $60 for getting a new fuse fitted in an LCD TV. The high cost is $400 for repairing the power board in a 4K TV.
HI im Serge and here what I think
Just saving you time. Now it the good time to buy new tv as repair cost be quite expensive, and parts on this type of malfunctions. If some one responded, then great! Thumbs up, but this what it cost to fix your tv https://www.fixr.com/costs/tv-repair#tv-repair-cost-by-type-of-repair
I have one thoughts, the screen have two cables from top or bottom go to board, they are flat cables on left and right, the 1st and most common issues is bad connection between cable and board, the type of electrical signal could create oxidation due to room temperature moisture manufacture defects, etc., simply unplug wipe gable with Q-tip and alcohol and plug back. The NeXT is costly where power board needed to be changed or resosldered components, or fluorescent light if it is old or led if it is newer witch is less possible, but anyway, even if tech obtained TV and resolder cheap component, could state circuit board repair and use associated costs against your wallet.
Hope it help. Good luck and happy holidays.
Below is the prices that use nationwide THAT WAS OBTAINED FROM FIXR.COM
TV Repair Cost by Project Range
Low
$60
Replacing a blown fuse in an LCD TV
Average Cost
$200
Repairing an inverter in an LED TV
High
$400
Fixing the powerboard in a 4K TV
Flat-Screen TV Repair Cost by Type
The term ‘flat screen’ applies to a wide range of TV types, from LCDs to the latest 4K and Smart models. A flat screen means the TV’s screen surface is flat rather than convex like older models. There can be several different types of flat-screen TVs, from older LCD to the newest Smart and 4K TVs. The type impacts the repair costs because more advanced and expensive TVs have more costly components to replace or fix. In addition, some TV repairs may not always be possible on that type. For example, it is not possible to replace the screen on a plasma TV if it cracks and begins to leak. The table below shows common television types and average repair costs for each:
LCD $60~$400
LED $60~$400
4K (Ultra HD) $100~275
OLED &100~$400
PLASMA $100-$400
SMART $100~$400
LCD TV Screen Repair Price
Repairs for LCD TVs cost between $60 and $400. LCD televisions are one of the most popular options on the market, available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They use an LCD (liquid crystal display) with backlights to produce images. The backlights, screen, and other components may get damaged over time and need repairing.
LED TV Repair Cost
LED TV repairs range from $60 to $400, depending on the scale of the problem. LED televisions are a specific type of LCD TV that use LED backlights to illuminate the liquid crystal display. These TVs usually produce more colorful and vibrant images and are more energy-efficient, but the LED backlights may need to be repaired or replaced over time.
4K TV Screen Repair Cost
4K TV repairs range from $100 to $275. A 4K television provides some of the clearest and most detailed images because of the very high resolution of its screen, providing more engaging viewing experiences. There are different types of 4K TVs, including some that use LED and others that use OLED. Basically, a television is considered 4K if it has ultra high definition. These models can be expensive to purchase and repair, but in many cases, repairs may not be possible on these units. So, their overall repair costs may be lower simply because some repairs may not be offered.
OLED TV Repair Cost
OLED TV repairs cost between $100 and $400 on average. They are the next step up from a standard LED TV, with OLED standing for organic light-emitting diodes. OLED televisions can achieve deeper blacks and higher contrast compared to standard LED screens. However, they can be very expensive to purchase and repair.
Plasma TV Repair Cost
Plasma TV repairs average $100 to $400. These televisions are made up of pixels filled with gas that light up when an electrical current is applied. They are less popular today, and most companies have stopped making them. But they can still be found in many homes and are subject to problems like screen burn and distorted colors. While some repairs on these TVs are possible, many issues cannot be repaired due to their design.
Smart TV Repair Cost
Smart TV repairs cost between $100 and $400. These TVs have Smart technology and connect with your home’s WiFi network to download updates and access apps and the internet. They are more advanced than other TVs but still have various components that can break and require repairs. Many Smart TVs can have basic components. So even though they may be more expensive to purchase, they are not necessarily the most expensive to repair. That comes down to how the television is made and what makes it Smart.
TV Repair Cost by Type of Repair
TVs are made up of various parts and components, all working together to produce lights, colors, pictures, and sounds for your entertainment. Over time, accidents may happen that damage these parts, or they might just wear down over the years through repeated use. The table below shows common TV repairs and the costs for each.
Type of Repair Average Costs (Labor Included)
HDMI Port $60 - $250
Speaker $75 - $250
Backlight $100 - $150
Inverter $100 - $200
Water Damage $150 - $400
Screen $200 - $400
Panel $200 - $400
Power Board $200 - $400
TV Repair HDMI Port Cost
HDMI port repairs for a TV costs between $60 and $250. Sometimes, HDMI ports fall out of position and may simply need to be repositioned. In other cases, one might stop working due to a more serious fault and require technical repair work.
TV Speaker Repair Cost
TV speaker repairs range from $75 to $250, depending on the type and damage done to the speaker. Faulty speakers may simply need rewiring or minor adjustments, or they could need to be cleaned or replaced, so the exact costs and amount of work vary.
Backlight TV Repair Cost
Backlight repairs average $100 to $150. The backlight is what illuminates the display of your television, providing the brightness and color. It may be in the form of LED light strips or fluorescent lights, depending on which television type you have. If these lights develop a problem, a repairman must open it up and make adjustments to get them functioning again.
TV Inverter Repair Cost
TV inverter repairs cost between $100 and $200 each. The inverter powers up the backlights for your television, and they can stop working if their capacitors break down. Repairs are made by fitting new capacitors in place.
TV Water Damage Repair Cost
Water damage repairs on a TV range from $150 to $400. In some cases, if too much water has gotten into the TV, it may be beyond repair. In less severe situations, a repairman will take the television apart, dry it out, and put it back together successfully, repairing any damaged components.
Cost to Fix a TV Screen
TV screen repairs cost between $200 and $400, but in many cases, repairing the screen is not possible. Since the screen is usually the most expensive part of the television and one of the most sensitive to impacts and other damage, an expert may advise you to simply buy a new television instead of having it repaired. It is worth getting a diagnosis if the screen issue is not too severe because issues like flashing pixels or distorted colors may be fixable.
TV Panel Repair Cost
TV panel repairs average $200 to $400 in some cases, but some panels cannot be repaired. For this reason, many companies do not offer panel repair. So if your television gets a crack in the panel, you may be better off buying a new unit instead.
TV Power Board Repair Cost
Power board repairs cost between $200 and $400. The power supply board allows it to turn on and function, and if it breaks down in any way, it may simply stop turning on. Often, a repairman can replace some of the capacitors and make other adjustments to repair a faulty board, rather than having to replace it entirely.
TV Repair Prices by Type of Replacement
In some cases, your TV components may not be able to be repaired, or it might be more cost-effective to replace them with new ones. The repair price includes the cost of new parts, plus the labor required to fit them into place and remove the broken components. While some components can be replaced, they may be extremely expensive or cost-prohibitive to do so. This is mainly in the case of panels and screens because they often contain too many parts to replace on their own. The table below shows average costs for a variety of common replacements:
Replacement Part Average Costs (Labor Included)
Fuse $60 - $150
Capacitor $60 - $200
Bulb $75 - $200
Backlight $100 - $200
Picture Tube $200 - $300
HDMI Port $200 - $300
Motherboard $200 - $400
Screen $400 - $1,000+
Panel $400 - $5,000+
TV Fuse Replacement Cost
Fuse replacement in a TV costs between $60 and $150 and is one of the easier replacement jobs for a repairman. Glass and ceramic fuses on your TV’s power supply board may blow in certain situations and need replacing. To replace a fuse, the repairman opens the TV to access the power panel and swaps out the fuse.
TV Capacitor Replacement Cost
Replacing a TV capacitor is inexpensive, starting at $60 up to $200. If more than one capacitor needs replacing, it is usually less expensive to replace the entire board. Capacitors cannot be repaired, so replacement is the only option.
TV Bulb Replacement Cost
TV bulb replacement costs average $75 to $200. Bulbs are usually found only in older models of LCD TVs or projection TVs. They are used to illuminate the display so that the picture can be seen. Bulbs are relatively easy to replace, but the material costs are a little higher with bulbs when compared to other components, leading to varied replacement prices from model to model.
TV Backlight Replacement Cost
TV backlight replacements cost between $100 and $200 on average, depending on the television size and scale and the type and number of lights required. If you have LED lights, parts may be more expensive, leading to higher total costs. Usually when backlight problems occur, the bulbs or diodes are dead and need to be replaced.
Cost to Replace a TV Picture Tube
Picture tube replacements range from $200 to $300 on average. Picture tubes, also known as cathode ray tubes or CRTs, are only used in older TVs. So, this is not a replacement job you need to worry about with an LED or LCD TV.
Cost of Replacing an HDMI Port on a TV
HDMI port replacement on a TV costs between $200 and $300. Damaged or broken ports may simply stop working or be incompatible with certain HDMI cables. In this case, a new port must be fitted and connected to the circuit board, requiring a couple of hours of labor.
TV Motherboard Replacement
TV motherboard replacements average $200 to $400. Often when a problem occurs with a motherboard, it needs to be completely replaced rather than repaired. The motherboard controls the TV’s functions and features, and a broken motherboard makes your television completely unusable.
TV Screen Replacement Cost
TV screen replacement costs at least $400 to $1,000 and often much more. The screen is the most expensive part of a TV. So usually, the cost of replacing it is higher than just buying a new unit. In some cases, this is because the screen cannot be replaced without also replacing most of the other components, particularly for TVs like LED, LCD, or plasma. Most professional repair companies do not offer screen or panel replacement as a service.
TV Panel Replacement Cost
TV panel replacement costs a minimum of $400 to $5,000 and often a lot more on some of the high-end 4K and Smart screen displays. Because the cost of a replacement panel is so high, it is usually more cost-effective to simply purchase a new television. Like the screen, this is due to the number of components involved. Therefore, most repair places will not offer panel replacement as a service.
TV Repair Prices by Problem
You might not know exactly which part of your TV is broken or damaged at first. The symptoms of a broken television vary from vertical colored lines across the screen to audio issues, power problems, and even situations where the television starts normally but then turns itself off. For this reason, most repairs start with a diagnostic so that the problem can be found and a plan made for repair. For some repairs to be made, the part will need to be replaced, while in other cases, repair or replacement of that part may not be possible. The table below shows common problems and average repair costs for each.
Problem Average Repair Costs (Labor Included)
TV Will Not Turn On $60 - $400
Damaged Cables $75 - $200
No Sound $75 - $400
Screen Lights Up and Goes Blank $100 - $200
Vertical Lines $150 - $400
Horizontal Lines $150 - $400
Cracked Screen $400 - $1,000+
Television Will Not Turn On
Repairing a TV that will not turn on costs between $60 and $400 because there are many potential causes. It might be something as simple as a blown fuse, which can be replaced quite cheaply. Or, it could be a motherboard or power supply issue, which is more costly to fix.
Damaged Cables
Damaged cables on your TV can be repaired for between $75 and $200 in most cases. Over time, cables can get frayed, twisted, or broken, but professionals can cut away the damaged parts, add in new connectors and repair the damage, or simply replace the bad cables with new ones.
No Sound on a TV
Expect to pay between $75 and $400 to repair a television with no sound. There are various reasons why your TV’s sound stopped working. It is most likely a fault with a speaker, which can be repaired or replaced. Or, it could be a deeper issue associated with the motherboard, which may also need fixing or replacing.
Image Shows Up Momentarily and Then the Screen Goes Blank
Repairs for this problem cost between $100 and $200. If your TV’s picture appears for a moment and then vanishes, it is most likely an issue with the inverter. A repairman will open it up, diagnose the issue, and decide on the most efficient solution.
Vertical Lines on a TV Screen
Repairing vertical lines on the screen averages $150 to $400. This is usually an issue associated with your TV’s control board or motherboard, which may be damaged and need to be either repaired or replaced. It could also be caused by a loose cable, but it will need to be opened up to diagnose the issue and repair it.
Horizontal Lines on a TV
Repairing horizontal lines on your TV costs between $150 and $400. It might be an issue with the motherboard, or it could be a problem with loose cables between the panel and the control board. To fix this issue, the television needs to be opened up and analyzed by a professional repairman.
Cracked TV Screen
Repairing a cracked TV screen costs from $400 to $1,000 or even more. Cracked screens cannot be repaired, they can only be replaced, and they are very expensive, sometimes exceeding the cost of a new TV. For this reason, if you have a cracked screen, it will probably have to be replaced entirely.
TV Repair Cost by Brand
There are many different brands and companies that make TVs. Some brands specialize in certain types, while others make a wider range of products. It is common for the brand to impact the cost of repair because there may be specific issues or costs related to that brand.
While you may choose a specific brand based on the technology, cost, or resolution, keep in mind that brands may also have varying costs for repairs and the repairs types that may be available. Regardless of brand, most TV repairs fall between $60 and $400, although some repairs may be higher.
Brand Repair Costs (Labor Included)
Philips $60 - $100
Sony $60 - $400
TCL $60 - $400
Samsung $75 - $200
LG $75 - $400
Hisense $100 - $200
Panasonic $200 - $400
Vizio $200 - $400
Philips TV Repair Cost
The cost to fix a Philips TV is $60 to $100. The typical issue with Philips televisions seems to be that they have a mind of their own. They turn on and off and sign in and out of apps randomly. While a solution doesn’t seem to be forthcoming, Philips is steadily losing customers due to a firmware problem.
Sony TV Repair Cost
Fixing a Sony TV will cost you about $60 to $400. This popular brand has a reputation for simply becoming disabled with no power or sound. Unfortunately, the customer service at Sony isn’t always the best. Customers are often frustrated when it comes to warranty work.
TCL TV Repair Cost
To fix your TCL TV blank screen, you should expect to pay about $60 to $400. One characteristic repair of the TCL brand is a black screen with no picture. This can be a fuse that has blown, or it may require a major change, such as a new main board.
Samsung TV Repair Cost
Damaged cables can cause a TV to flicker or grow dim. Repair prices for damaged cables are $75 to $200. Samsung TV owners cite this flickering or dimming of the screen as a common issue with this brand. Sometimes the settings for the eco sensor 1 or the energy-saving feature create this problem. Turning either of those off may fix the issue.
LG TV Repair Cost
Some of the most common issues with this brand are banding at a repair cost of $100 to $200 or sound with a cost of $150 to $400. Color problems may be related to adjustment and can be fixed for a low cost of $75 to $100, HDMI connections are often fixed at the cost of $200 to $300, and streaming problems may be corrected with a software update. Software updates can be done by the owner, but a repairman will most likely charge a minimum fee of $75 to $100. Banding presents as sections of bands where it should be smooth. Sound and color can go out over time in the LG brand. HDMI and streaming can become difficult as technology emerges and changes.
Hisense TV Repair Cost
Hisense TVs have a history of display difficulties and could cost you about $100 to $200. Typically, it means you need a new inverter, or it could signal the beginning of the end for your Hisense television.
Panasonic TV Repair Cost
Panasonic TV owners often experience the power clicking on and off and may need a new main board at the cost of $200 to $400. The reset button may help. The repairman will need to replace the motherboard of the TV if that fails.
Vizio TV Repair Cost
The Vizio TV is known for its screen of death (a blank or black screen) and usually costs about $200 to $400. The problem is most often a blown motherboard, and replacement is the only option. A factory reset may be a solution. If that doesn't work, the motherboard is the best possible answer.
Labor Costs to Repair a TV
Labor costs for TV repair vary depending on whether you have the television repaired in your home or drop it off at a repair center. Having someone come to your home will have higher costs than taking it to a technician.
A television repair technician has earned a career certificate or Associate’s degree in electronics technology or a related field. Expect to pay between $40 and $60 per hour in labor for someone to fix your television. Some technicians have minimum costs for some repairs, particularly if they travel to you. In this case, you may find that even if the repair only takes an hour, you may need to pay a minimum of two hours of work.
The amount of time to repair your TV depends on what the problem is and the availability of parts. Most jobs can be completed in 1 to 3 hours when the parts are on hand.
Most technicians charge you a diagnostic fee upfront. This fee is for determining what the problem is and can run between $75 and $150. The cost is often waived if you allow the shop’s technicians to make the repairs for you.
Replacing vs Repairing a Television
Often, you must decide whether it is worth repairing your TV because in many situations, the cost of repairs is higher than the price of a new TV. For example, when screens are cracked or damaged, the cost of replacing a panel is usually much higher than simply buying a new TV.
Consumer Reports recommends replacing electronics whenever the cost of repairs equals or exceeds half the cost of a new purchase. It is also recommended that you replace your television if the new version is less than $200, or if your screen is smaller than 32”. For example, it costs around $150 for a new motherboard in an LG Model 24LF452B 24” TV, which takes around one hour to repair. As a result, you would pay between $190 and $210 to repair your old set, while it is possible to purchase a new one for less.
If you invested a lot of money in your television, the costs of repairing an inverter or getting new backlights may be far cheaper than replacing it. This is why it is often best to ask a professional to diagnose the problem and give you a quote for the repair work. Then, you can compare the price of repairs against the cost of a new TV and decide what makes sense. If your TV breaks down repeatedly, you have multiple repair bills over the course of a year. It might be time for a new television even if a single repair does not seem too expensive.
Maintenance
To minimize repairs and help your TV stay in working order for as long as possible, take care of it as well as you can. Here are some useful TV maintenance tips:
Do not leave the TV on if you are not actually watching it. They can run for tens of thousands of hours, but there is no need to waste those hours. So, avoid leaving it on in the background, and make sure to turn it off when you leave the room.
Try not to leave your TV on for too long at a time. Like other appliances, televisions can start to get very hot the longer they are left on. They need to be turned off now and then to get a chance to cool down and rest before being switched back on.
Keep your TV clean. Over time, dust, pet hair, and bits of dirt can build up on the screen and get inside the television via vents and ports. This dust accumulation can affect a TV’s operation and make it more likely to break down.
Consider using a surge protector to keep your TV and associated devices and appliances safe. This can be especially important in areas that experience a lot of storms or frequent power cuts because sudden cuts and surges easily damage your TV’s components.
When positioning your television, leave space around it to provide airflow. This helps prevent the TV from overheating and cools it down more quickly when you turn it off.
Additional Considerations and Costs
DIY. In some cases, television repair can be performed as a DIY project. There are numerous how-to videos available that are easy to watch and understand. Parts for most sets are also available online. However, if you are not comfortable with the process, always call a technician rather than attempting the repair yourself. DIY issues. While DIY repair is often possible, it is not frequently recommended. There is some risk of electrocution, and you might also damage the TV even more by improperly installing a t-con board or ribbon connectors. If you are in doubt, it is best to leave this job to a professional. Obvious solutions. Before seeking repairs, first look for the obvious. If your set will not power on, it could be a problem with your outlet and not your TV. Try plugging your television into a different outlet to see if that resolves the problem. If that does not fix it, ensure you have not tripped a breaker, and check that the power cord is fully seated. Remote control. A set that powers on and off at random is sometimes caused by issues with the remote. Try removing and replacing the batteries or using a different remote if possible. Warranty. When purchasing a new television, buying an extended warranty can spare you the unwanted expense of repair bills in some cases. An extended warranty is largely based on the price of your television. Expect to spend between 10 and 20 percent of your set’s cost on an extended warranty to help cover damage. Ordinary warranties only cover manufacturer’s defects and, therefore, cannot be used to pay for damage due to neglect or accidents. Warranty repairs. When having warranty repairs made, drop the set off at a local shop whenever possible or have them come to you. If you need to ship the television off, get a tracking number so that you can locate your set if it gets lost. Scams. Television repair scams are quite common. Before hiring someone to fix your set, find out what experience and training that person has. Check references and online reviews as well. In-shop repairs. In-shop TV repair services may involve a pick-up and delivery charge if you do not take it in yourself. While some may do this for free, others charge between $40 and $75 to pick-up and deliver the TV back to you. Additionally, customers that live in rural areas may have to ship the television. If you do this, make sure you obtain a tracking number and proof of delivery. The repair service will contact you with the list of recommended repairs and the cost and request a debit or credit card to pay for the repairs before completing them.
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Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Telephone Wire: The Basics of Phone Line Wiring
First step
The first step to a little phone wiring is to figure out what the phone company has left you to work with. What is your network interface? They probably left you with either a punch block or a network interface. If there is a blockage and you cannot get the telephone company to install a modular jack for each POTS or CO line, you will need an extension tool. telephone wire to the interface. Most new installations consist of a network interface box. It has modular test jacks (where you can plug your phone in to check if the phone line is live) and a terminal block from where you run your internal phone wire.
Telephone line wiring
From the network interface, you want to plan how you want the wiring to be in your location. The star method (or home run) is the most common method of telephone wiring. Each extension or telephone jack runs directly from the network interface or telephone system if you install it. Another type of connection is called the serial (or loopback) method. In this method, a 1-line telephone wire connects all extensions in the series. This loop method is no longer widely used. As with the old Christmas lights, if one goes out, they all go out.
Using the star method, you will obviously need multiple wires coming from your network interface, since you will have one wire for each of your plugs. You may want to simplify wiring and reduce wiring costs if multiple wires will carry more than one line or extension.
Take, for example, a two-line installation. Each pair consisting of each of your POTS lines must be labeled. See phone connection diagram below
One of the wires on your POTS line is called the lug and the other is called the ring wire. There are quite a few possible color combinations that can make your pair. To connect your line to a modular jack, you need to connect the wire end of the POTS line to the lug of the jack, and the ring wire of the POTS line to the ring wire of the jack.
In a modular jack, you have red/green and yellow/black. In most cases, you only use the red/green pair. The green wire is the tip and the red wire is the ring. Using the table, determine which of the POTS wires is the ring and which is the lug, and connect them properly.
If you are not using the telephone system but simply want to connect your telephone jacks directly to the telephone lines, all you have to do is run a wire from the network interface to the extension jacks. This works the same way when you connect your phone system's expansion connectors to your expansions. Just plug in the right colors to get the wire going. Reattach tip to tip and ring to ring. As long as you're following the tip-to-tip rule, the fact that you're connecting the white wire with brown stripes to the green wire and the brown wire with white stripes to the red wire shouldn't be confusing.
Remember that you can run two or more lines within the same telephone wire to reduce labor and materials. At the end of the wire, you can break the two lines with an adapter that allows you to connect line 1 to an RJ-11 plug and line 2 to another RJ-11 plug; or, if you have a phone with two lines, you can simply connect an RJ-14 plug to it.
If you are using a small PBX or telephone system, it is likely that the POTS lines (commonly referred to as trunks) are connected to the system using RJ-11 connectors. If your network interface ends with a modular jack, then the job is simple: just connect the phone system using the RJ-11 connectors. If your network interface has a terminal block (the place where the pairs that make up each POTS line terminate at the junction where you directly connect the colored wires), you will need to either connect the lines directly to the PBX or connect a modular to each of the POTS lines on strip. Then to
connect the phone jacks, follow the same procedure as above to connect the phone lines directly to the phone jacks.
For your reference, below is the telephone connection diagram.
Monday, September 26, 2022
Turn Windows 10 Start Menu into Windows 7 with Open-Shell http://classicshell.net/
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Tuesday, September 20, 2022
How To Repair Scratchy Noise Volume Control Or Tone Control's
[SOLVED] Speakers Crackle When Changing The Volume
Are your speakers crackling when changing the volume? In general, this issue only occurs whenever you turn the volume up or down. The speakers sound OK whenever the volume knob remains in the same place. In this article, we will show you how to troubleshoot and fix this issue.
Cracking speakers during volume change may be due to a dirty connection within your volume knob or potentiometer. It may also be due to dust or flaked off track particles inside the volume pot. A quick and easy fix is to spray a cleaner and gently turn the pot to clean it up.
However, if the conductive track is damaged, then even a spray cleaner will not work and you will need to replace the pot.
Quick Fixes For Speakers Crackle When Changing The Volume
Here are some quick fixes for this issue:
Contact Cleaner: Spray some cleaner like deoxit through the holes on the case of the pot and slowly rotate the pot gently forwards and backwards. Its simple, just switch off the amp, open the cover and spray a little amount inside the knob assembly. Do not rotate it vigorous or you will risk causing damage to the conductive track.
WD40: If you don’t have a proper cleaner, you can use WD40. with WD40, you can do it a few times again after a few hours. In addition, wait for a couple of days before switching on the amp.
Pure Alcohol Solution: You don’t need to get specialized liquid if not necessary. Any pure alcohol would do the efficient cleaning. You could even use aftershave.
Compressed Air: Using compressed air to blow out the pot is an easy way to get rid of dust while turning the pot clockwise and counterclockwise. However this may not work if the dust is stuck to the pot.
What Causes Speakers To Crackle When The Volume Is Changed?
Speakers will most commonly crackle especially when you attempt to change volume but something interrupts the electrical current.
Remember, speakers are simply electrical transducers. They convert audio signals in the form of electrical energy into sound. Sound signals are electrical signals with alternating current. The signal produces a pop or crackle from the speaker when interrupted.
But What Does Speaker Crackling Mean?
Speakers respond to audio signals by moving linearly and in a magnitude equal to that of the applied signal.
When an AC current bearing the sound signal passes through the speaker, the drivers of the speaker move outwards and inwards. The speaker then reproduces the sound waves. This is done by the diaphragm of the speaker.
speaker sine waves
Because the signal alternates, it has both maximum and minimum points at the instances where the signal peaks.
When the signal reaches the maximum positive voltage, the speaker driver is pushed outwards to the maximum position it reaches during that cycle.
When the signal reaches the minimum or maximum negative voltage, the speaker driver is pulled to the farthest inward position it reaches during that cycle.
This kind of oscillating motion repeats as long as the speaker receives audio signals in the form of electrical wave motion.
This kind of motion is similar to the sine wave signal that is driving the speaker. However, if this pure sine wave signal is interrupted, you will hear that crackling sound.
To properly understand crackling, consider a simple sine wave signal with peak and trough. The sine wave is a good representation of a single frequency audio signal. A horizontal line passing through the middle of the wave represents zero voltage.
Because the current alternates, it reaches the maximum positive voltage when the signal peaks during the forward flow of current.
On the other hand, the maximum negative voltage is reached when the signal reaches the trough during the backward flow of current. The sine wave also represents the speaker’s motion.
As you can imagine, the speaker’s motion is as smooth as the sine wave. As a result, the speaker produces a smoother uninterrupted sound.
This continues as long as the current-carrying the sound signal flows through it. No crackling, therefore, occurs during this time until the current in the signal is interrupted.
Crackling And The Sine Wave
When the current-carrying audio signal into the speaker is interrupted, the sine wave is interrupted too.
This results in pops or clicks in the audio output, a phenomenon commonly known as speaker crackle.
Crackling And The Square Waves
This is yet another waveform but instead of taking the form of a normal wave, looks more like a square. As regular sine waves experience more distortion and interruptions, they tend to appear more like square waves.
When a speaker experiences a perfect square wave, the sound distortion will be horrible.
The sharp signal adjustments from maximum positive to the maximum negative voltage that occurs in every cycle cause an inherent speaker crackle.
A steep transition however occurs between the maximum and minimum voltages such that the speaker oscillates more linearly without struggling to appear in two places at the same time.
Is This A Clipping Problem?
No this isn’t a clipping problem if crackling only occurs when the volume is being adjusted. Clipping is different.
Clipping is an electrical problem that occurs when the output signal has reached it’s maximum level and tries to exceed that and the signal distorts and looks ‘clipped’. Clipping is sometimes the cause of regular crackling and popping.
Why Does My Speaker Crackle When Changing Volume?
As we have mentioned, a speaker crackle is caused by an electrical interruption resulting in the interruption of the audio signal passing through it.
For every audio device, changing volume means changing the magnitude of the electrical signal passing through it. Because this signal carries the audio signal in it, as the electrical strength varies, so does the sound.
Is Vinyl Crackle The Culprit?
Speaker crackle and vinyl crackle are two different things. Electrical interruption leads to speaker crackle.
On the other hand, vinyl crackle is caused by dust and static electricity. As it occurs, vinyl holds static electricity, some of which is picked up as noise by the speaker.
Can I Fix The Speaker Crackle? How?
Speaker crackles can be fixed and we in fact have a complete guide on how to fix speaker crackling and popping. Follow the procedure outlined below to fix the problem.
if the problem persists with the new speaker connected, hen the receiver is the cause of the problem.
Why Does My Speaker Crackle?
It’s advisable to first check to make sure it’s not a connection problem. A damaged or bent wire connection can cause interference and sound distortion.
How Do You Fix A Crackling Speaker?
First, check the wire and cable connections for damage or dirty ports. Replace any broken or damaged wire and clean out dusty ports. Interference may also be caused by electronic gadgets placed close by. Ensure that the speaker wires are untangled and set up away from other electric and Bluetooth devices.
Why Do My Speakers Distort At High Volume?
This happens when the amp isn’t supplying enough power to the speakers. The higher the power produced by the amp, the louder the sound produced by the speaker and the better sounding it is.
Is Crackling Bad For Speakers?
Crackling and sound distortion can damage your speaker so it’s best to resolve these problems as soon as they are noticed. Further use can worsen the problem and only except there is some protection circuitry available to reduce the effect should you continue use.
Are Digital Clicks Similar To Speaker Crackle?
Digital clicks occur when a digital audio signal is cut off abruptly. When this happens, the signal drops suddenly from some amplitude to zero.
The effect appears as an interruption in current especially when the signal is made to pass through a digital-to-analog converter.
Digital clicks are therefore very similar to speaker crackles and are the reason why crossfading is important in digital audio editing.
Conclusion
You can fix your speaker crackling when changing volume issue or with electrical interruption and deliver improved sound quality quite easily. Just clean the volume pot and ensure that it is always free of dust and other particles. Another option is to use conductive plastic pots instead of carbon.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Does Vinegar Damage Rubber Seals
https://youtu.be/p4P9M6RaDWU
Often, I get aked about using vinegar, other chemicals in dishwashers, washing machines, and other small home, and kitchenappliances. There are thousands anecdotes and testimonials from people all over the internet that have used vinegar in their rinse aid dispenser and fabric softener compartment for years (myself included). There are also (not as many) people on the other side of the fence that claim it ruins the rubber seals on the appliances. Many of these claims come from people who were told from appliance repairmen that vinegar damages rubber seals.
So is vinegar safe to use in your dishwasher or washing machine?
Here is what I found:
It is safe for natural rubber seals and any parts made from polypropelene, silicone, fluorocarbon, and virgin Teflon, as well as butyl synthetic rubber seals.
I also know the pH of vinegar. Here is a pH scale for reference:
Distilled white vinegar usually measures between 2.4-3.5 depending on the brand. Now if you look at commercial rinse aids, you will find that many of the brands' key ingredient for getting shiny spot-free dishes is citric acid. Citric acid measures pH 2.2 making it more acetic than vinegar. So how can this claim that vinegar ruins the seals in appliances be true?
My thoughts? I'm glad you asked. Have you purchased a new dishwasher or washing machine in the past few years? Guess what comes with the new appliance? A complimentary sample bottle of blue rinse aid or fabric softener with a nice postcard advertisement that highly recommends you use this brand of blue rinse aid or cuddly fabric softener in their appliance. So that makes me wonder if it's all propaganda? Hmmmm.
So this brings me back to the question: Does Vinegar Damage Rubber Seals? Maybe, but it seems unlikely. If you are unsure of the material of your rubber seals or you don't want to chance it, I recommend the following steps in your Dishwasher:
1. Place a small glass right-side up on the top rack of your dishwasher.
2. Fill it with a small amount of distilled white vinegar (1teaspoon to 2 tablespoons depending on the hardness of your water).
3. Run the dishwasher as usual.
This process eliminates the possibility of vinegar sitting on the seals of your rinse aid dispenser.
Alternatively, you can purchase our organic dishwasher powder detergent. It's free of synthetic ingredients, biodegradable and best of all it WORKS! Before committing, try our organic dishwasher powder sample pack - it's $5 and includes shipping (oh yeah!) and if the product doesn't work for you, just let us know and we'll refund you your $5!
We also make a fantastic all natural laundry detergent soap... as in it's truly all natural. There is no SLS, no fragrance, no dye, nothing synthetic. Every single ingredient comes from our ground or grows on land.
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