Re: How times have changed.

Posted by HH56 On 2024/4/26 13:50:43

I am definitely in grumpy geezer mode and have been for some time. Probably brought on by the fact a substantial number of brain cells are refusing to work in sync or even at the same time anymore -- or it could just be old age.

I got a chuckle out of your comment about microprocessors in toasters because it is so true. Also washing machines and refrigerators that talk telling you what you are running out of or washers saying how dirty the clothes are.

I spent 40+ years in the medical imaging industry and when I retired even the low cost machines were in the midst of transitioning to computer operation over discreet components and control switches. The main computer coordinated things but other components had on average less than a dozen microprocessors in communication with the main computer to run an entire room. Those you could at least narrow down and change a board to get operational but sometimes it was a time consuming challenge to isolate a problem down to a specific area. Today about 15 years later some of the guys still working I keep in touch with tell me it is a whole other story. Microprocessors are even more prevalent and are controlling individual functions and in addition, almost every major component has a full blown computer at its heart. Because that computer and a lot of the individual microprocessor run pieces are certified assembled items on a major failure you usually wind up changing the item. Sometimes just the computer will do it but because to keep the certification they have to go thru an extensive test process so are not considered serviceable in the field. Translation: $$$

When buying the Toyota the sales guy was pushing option packages, one of which was a special if bought with the new car deal on a 10 year cover everything in the car except tires and wiper blades service contract. Medical also pushed contracts and in some cases they saved a customers bacon but in other cases they were an expensive piece of paper. I was going to pass on the contract but when the sales guy told me this Toyota had over 200 single chip computers better known as microprocessors -- almost one running every single component -- I took notice. He said unless they are defective and fail right away they are sometimes not covered by the warranty and are on your nickel farther down the road when the warranty is over. Based on what I experienced with computer control and what my brother was quoted last month in repairing his Subaru transmission, sales guy did not have a hard sell as the price of the contract when bought with the car was less than the transmission repair.