SciArt Field Trip to 720 Repair

Where do our unrepaired, broken items end up? Usually in a landfill. 720 Repair is driven by the intention to open up other options for these difficult to repair items. One option is for the owner to fix it themselves. They’ll probably need a little help, though. A little bit of knowledge about how the item should work. Maybe a specialized tool or two. A little encouragement. That’s where 720 Repair can help.

720 Repair founder Gordon Bechtel has spent his life designing, building and maintaining complex systems. In his career, he has been an engineer, chief technical officer, project manager and product manager. He has worked on fiber optic digital telecommunications systems, built cable TV digital video systems, developed and certified digital TV applications, implemented operating systems on cable and satellite TV boxes, helped standardize and develop time-sensitive Ethernet products, designed and built custom cars, and managed and developed systems based on Internet of Things architectures. Across this wide spectrum of activity he has kept a common thread: Understanding how systems work and using that knowledge to design, implement and maintain them.

Gordon is willing to assist in fixing any small appliance that people are motivated to repair. By "small" he means an appliance that can be easily carried into the shop by one person. Typical examples are toaster ovens, coffee machines, microwaves, lamps, mixers, etc. Not washing machines or refrigerators. Think "countertop" appliances. In the two hours we have we won't be able to fix many; probably 2 or 3 at the most.

720 repair will supply tools, gloves, cleaner, etc. and attendees should plan on being active participants in the repair process.  Gordy will assist with how to disassemble, troubleshoot, correct and reassemble the appliance, but won't be the primary repair person.  The primary repair person will be the owner of the appliance.  His goal is two-fold: 1) Fix a useful gadget for a person, and 2) Teach folks a bit about repair and remove some of their (natural) fear of repair.  Participating in the repair helps a lot with the learning process.

This event is free and accessible to all. If you need more information, contact [email protected] with questions related to access and accommodation.

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