Another Newbie

[Arlea]

Hi all, I joined yesterday out of a long time desire to learn more about the process of recovery from electronics. I've been taking electronic stuff apart and storing the boards etc in a pile. I also break down the other parts into alum. stainless and junk metal (I give my junk metal to a scrapper friend of mine and in return he sells me his electronic stuff). I do not expect to retire from this hobby... but find it fascinating (and saves landfill) I have been reading a lot of the forums and downloaded some of the recommended reading.... there is much to learn. I have no questions at this time as I feel I need to explore much of the basics before I know enough to ask anything! If you see me online feel free to say hi.

Cheers

Rob

 

[Woodworker1997]

Welcome to the forum!

I think you will go far with this hobby, you seem to have the proper attitude about learning and self discovery.
Download Hoke's book as a start and read it twice. All other information is on the forum.

Have fun and good luck.

Derek

 

[Pantherlikher]

Welcome aboard...

It is very nice to have a "newbie" introduce themself without the first round of simple questions about how to get the gold out of my acid?...

While you are reading Hoke's book, you can download it here...somewhere...(LOOK!) You can look in the main index and find where to find etc. You'll be supprised how much PM(Precious Metal) you are still giving to the scrap guy.

Sounds like a good match as long as you don't pay for his e-waste. Even trade, sure, it's your labor you're losing but hay...if it works.

I buy cheap box lots at a local auction and have found anything with a switch most likely has some silver contacts. Even the kidsw trinkits that use a battery have a circuit boad...some with gold traces.
I scrap everything myself as the "crap scrap", copper,aluminum, steel,etc., pays for everything so Pms are free except labor.

Good luck and always enjoy what you do.
B.S.

 

[maynman1751]

Great to have you aboard for the above mentioned reasons. Look at my sig line it will send you to the right places.

 

[Arlea]

Thank you all for your kind welcome it is much appreciated! Spent a good few hours on this forum today and realized how much knowledge is here and how nice to have a community willing to share so openly. Spent more time using a heat gun to remove all the parts from a couple of motherboards..... Not quite sure what to save so I am saving it all..... I know I will learn. Those capacitors (I think) really pop so i've taken to removing them before I apply heat, I hope that is the right approach. I've decided to harvest parts until spring, giving me adequate time to learn and accumulate inventory, not to mention the weather will be nice and I can work out doors. I have a degree in biology (although I work in construction, long story) with enough knowledge of chemistry to make me nervous.... lol.

Reading Hoke right now..... a bit dry which is, I guess why it is recommended to read a couple of times..... and learning much

As a side note I am also interested in hydrogen generators (not to mention solar and geothermal) for auto's and am in search of some good stainless steel, I gather it is plates in hard drives (am I correct?). If so I am looking to obtain some if anyone has any they are willing to part with for a fair price I would be interested (I am in Philly). Any one interested in this topic although also a newbie (I have built one) I would gladly share any info/knowledge I have.

Cheers

Rob

 

[Pantherlikher]

Arlea...
I'm in Denver, Pennsylvania. Up here between Reading and Lancaster.
I've delved into hydrogen generators a bit...Made some explosions etc.
Then got a few interesting How tos and realized it's great and works however, for a car to use it, you need to reprogram all sensors so the computer doesn't compensate wrongly for the O2 readings.

"Those capacitors (I think) really pop so i've taken to removing them before I apply heat" Definately take those off as they do damage...But save them untill you find out why. In fact, save everything in piles, containers untill you find out what has what.

B.S.
...Remember...Patience is the hardest thing to learn and is the most important thing in anything you endeavor...

 

[Arlea]

We are almost neighbors Panther, my GF lives in Stevens, so we are here most weekends.... as for the generator you are correct regarding newer cars.... and it is not a major fix regarding the sensors,. Hoping to have one installed soon.

 

[Harold_V]

Reading Hoke right now..... a bit dry which is, I guess why it is recommended to read a couple of times..... and learning much

I'd be the first to admit it's poor reading, but if you take the book to your lab and follow the exercises she recommends, suddenly everything starts making sense and it piques your interest. You'll find yourself wanting to pursue each of the chapters with a vengeance, as it's all very fascinating when it's new to you.

I still recall the first day I spent in my makeshift lab. The 14 hours went by in what seemed like just a few minutes. I was totally involved with learning, all from Hoke's book. It might help for you to understand that, by then, I could think of nothing but gold.

From the lab experiments, you'll learn how to identify metals and solutions. It's very rewarding to test an unknown and determine what it is---which is knowledge that you'll use on a daily basis, as long as you recover and refine. Trust me, the time you're spending now is going to return to you in spades. How I wish others would emulate your plan.

Once you have a firm understanding of her teachings, pursue the "work around" methods promoted here on the forum. They're indispensable for the guy who can't procure some of the acids or other reagents that are essential to refining.

This board is a huge wealth of knowledge, but has been badly abused by those who are unwiling to do their part. Take note how other readers have already commented on your approach. It should serve as an example for others. You are a very welcome and valued addition to this board.

Harold