repair-guides

Capacitor bulge on a receiver — when to recap vs replace

Tj

12 Jul 2026

TL;DR: Bulging capacitors mean the power supply is failing — recap can save a beloved receiver if caught early.

Signs

Unit won't power on, or clicks then dies
Visible dome or leaking electrolyte on caps near the PSU board

Safety

Capacitors store charge. Unplug for 24+ hours before opening. If you're not comfortable with mains voltage, we can recap it.

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Data recovery before you reformat — when software help is enough

TL;DR: If the drive still spins or the phone still boots, software recovery may save photos and documents before you wipe. When DIY is reasonable * Accidental delete, corrupted partition, phone stuck in boot loop but recognized by PC * Clicking hard drive, no spin, or encryption without keys — stop and

Phone battery swelling — what to do before it punctures

TL;DR: A swollen battery is a fire risk. Stop using the phone, do not press on the screen, and get the battery replaced. Do this now 1. Back up data if the phone still boots — then power off. 2. Do not charge it. Do not "squeeze" the

Laptop won't charge — check the USB-C port first

TL;DR: Inspect the USB-C port for lint, bent pins, or a loose connector before assuming the battery is dead. What to try 1. Try a known-good charger and cable (USB-C PD, correct wattage). 2. Look inside the port with a bright light — pocket lint is the #1 cause. 3.

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