False EconomiesSometimes the cheapest option isn't the right one. I fondly remember my neighbours going to a well-known catalogue-based store and buying the cheapest lawnmower they stocked. How we laughed as they realised it had non-rotating wheels and died when presented with grass. Tell us about times you or others have been let down by being a cheapskate.
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Scaryduck LIKES EGG, Tue 24 Jun 2014, 12:42)
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One for the geeks/techies.Cheap (Altai brand IIRC) 12volt power suply, the type you use on CB radios etc. Had one which I used for fixing car radios back in the days when it was worth it. Mate's rather posh at the time Alpine head unit had a CD stuck in it, no problem says I, bring the car round and i'll sort it.
Head unit removed from car, on the bench stripped down. Jammed disc removed no problems so far but I couldn't see a reason for it jamming in the first place. Hook it up to said power supply to test and things went a bit (lot) tits-up. Turns out when the cheapo internal fine adjust preset goes open circuit it then fries the output transistors thus sending 30+ volts out. One fried head unit, one angry mate and a good few hours work and a bunch of fairly expensive components later and it was sorted. Worst thing was I could have bought a used and bit battered but shitloads better quality (as I now know) PSU in the same shop on the same day for a few quid more.
TL;DR Don't buy cheap tools
(, Thu 26 Jun 2014, 0:15, 1 reply)
I once had anAltai battery recharger catch fire once, and two of the batteries sizzled. I think your right about the make.
(, Thu 26 Jun 2014, 3:11, closed)
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