I love this site. Earlier this year I was working to revive my sister's old WM-EX170 and was able to find a service manual for it here.
It made me appreciate how these devices are like pieces of beautiful clockwork!
I only had to replace the belt so it wasn't a complicated repair. But, in comparison to the level of documentation manufacturers of any modern electronics offer today, looking at that service manual was a reminder of what we've lost.
I would argue they've become easier to obtain, it's hard to imagine the general public getting hold of service manuals for consumer electronics devices pre–internet.
It made me appreciate how these devices are like pieces of beautiful clockwork!
I only had to replace the belt so it wasn't a complicated repair. But, in comparison to the level of documentation manufacturers of any modern electronics offer today, looking at that service manual was a reminder of what we've lost.