Template:A/V Overview

Overview

Welcome to A/V Testing! The goal of A/V Testing is to identify A/V devices that can be reused, ensure that they function properly, and prepare them for sale by the Thrift Store, Bulk Sales, or Online Sales. This allows us to contribute to both the reuse of gizmos which might otherwise have been discarded, and to helping fund the organization. The path of an A/V device through Free Geek in general depends on the type and present state of the device in question, but a basic rundown is as follows:

Incoming!

• A/V gizmo is donated to Free Geek at the Receiving area
• Receiving staff or volunteers determine whether the device can be reused based on the A/V Triaging procedures:
  • A/V devices deemed unfit for reuse have any attached cords cut off and are taken to Recycling
  • A/V devices deemed potentially reusable are taken to the A/V storage area in the hallway near Receiving

Triage

A/V staff do a second triage pass, and then select specific devices for testing:

• Certain types of devices (e.g. niche, vintage, or specialized equipment of limited interest to general public) are taken directly to the bulk buyer shelves in the Warehouse
• Some devices which are more difficult to test may be taken directly to the Warehouse for storage
• Testable devices are loaded onto one of the A/V Testing carts, which is taken to an available work area and set up for testing

Testing

Devices are tested according to the process laid out in the A/V Testing Procedures pages.

Distribution

• Any device with a major functional failure is unplugged, the power cord is clipped, and is taken to Recycling
• Devices with partial or minor failures are assessed by A/V staff on a case by case basis - most will be recycled, but some may still be usable and may be sent to Bulk Sales or the Thrift Store
• Devices which pass all their tests are labeled as tested and sent to the Thrift Store, Bulk Sales, or Online Sales depending on the item type and its value