Technology #$^%&*

Megan and the kids are away.  So I figured I would look at some of those little mantenance issues that have been lurking in the background.

RANGE HOOD
Blanko Model BRCIS90X.
Problem: Light switch jammed.
Dismantle and discover that the switch must have had a poor contact and the switch has heated up and melted the outer cover of the switch assy.
onto the net to locate spares.  Ah the internet is not working.
have now established the spare part will cost.  Wait for it.  $131.20 and a few days delivery.  This is looking expensive.

PHONE & INTERNET
No internet.  Pick up the phone.  Its all buzzy and crackly.  Locate old T200.  Disconnect ADSL modem and the cordless phone.  Plug in T200.  Still buzzing and crackling.  Go find a paper based phone book.  Remember 1100 for service difficulties andfaults.  Well now on about page 1600 you find some other number with a fancy name like service guarantee.  This takes half an hour.  Pick up the T200 and dial.  On old and as I hold I can hear it getting better so by the time the call centre person runs the automated tests, its sort of OK.  They can't find a fault of course but log it in anyway.  Hang up.  Re connect ADSL.  Getting a bit of data through but its so slow and bursty as to be useless.  Give up.

Of course this is another reason why the NBN is a white elephant even before it starts.  Why would I have a wire or fiber bringing a stream of bits into my house only to have it stop evey time it rains.

GAS STOVE ELECTRIC START
Blanko Model BCG9SXF
Problem: When you push the gas knobs and electric start should make sparks and light the gas.  Does not work.
Pull out the kitchen draws and have a look under the gas stove.  Check power in power point - OK.  Look under unit and decide that it is gas and I do not wish to tinker with gas.  Fear I guess.  Give up until Monday.  We now have a service visit booked from Fixzit 3816 0344 for Tue 18-JAN-2011 at $79 call out and $26.40 per 15 minutes.

Dishwasher
Blanco
Problem: Trips earth leakage.

 We already threw out the Blanko microwave after the connection from the turntable to the drive motor broke.  Twice.  And the Oven had to have its clock replaced under warranty.

Moral to this story is do NOT buy Blanko.

WIRELESS INTERNET

On a more interesting note I bought one of these.  They are basically a mobile phone modem and a wifi access point coupled togeter.  They have a battery in them so for a limited time they will operate all on their own.  The computers and wot not connect by wifo.  (Limit of 5 computers).
We even have connection in Mudjimba although yo have to get the location just so in order to make a 3G connection.




Of course Telstra and Optus have similar products:-

WHO	Start Cost	Included Data	Expiry	Recharge month	YEAR	Notes
Vodafone	$99.00	3GB	1month	$29 2GB 1month $49 4GB 1month	$150 12GB 1year	Share your details with the world
Telstra	$149.00	5GB	1month	$40 1GB 1month	$150 10GB 1year	Best Coverage. Telstra Shop Mt Omany 3376 3999
Optus	$129.00	8GB	6month	$30 2GB 1month	$130 9.2GB 186days	Coverage? 1yr not available?