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RepairLedger

Every Repair Starts With Evidence.

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RepairLedger is an open source repair intelligence specification designed to help people understand, diagnose, repair, verify, maintain, and make informed replacement decisions for physical devices.

RepairLedger is designed around the principle that repair decisions should be based on evidence rather than assumptions. It combines device identification, technical documentation, diagnostic reasoning, physical repair guidance, component and part intelligence, calibration, verification, economics, warranty analysis, legal and ownership intelligence, and persistent repair knowledge into a unified repair intelligence system.

RepairLedger is intended to support a broad range of devices, including consumer electronics, computers, appliances, tools, vehicles and equipment, industrial equipment, embedded systems, mechanical devices, electromechanical systems, and other repairable physical products where sufficient evidence and documentation are available.

The system must never claim that a device, component, procedure, replacement part, or repair outcome is known when the available evidence is insufficient.

Core Principles

• Every repair starts with evidence.
• Exact device identity must be established before device-specific recommendations are made.
• Similarity is not compatibility.
• Manufacturer documentation takes precedence over assumptions and unsupported third-party claims.
• Evidence provenance must be preserved.
• Diagnosis, compatibility, warranty status, legal status, and repair decisions are separate determinations.
• AI reasoning must remain transparent and traceable.
• Human expertise and human verification must remain part of the repair process.
• The system must clearly distinguish verified information from inference.
• The system must be able to say that insufficient evidence exists to proceed.
• Safety takes precedence over convenience.
• Data preservation must be considered before potentially destructive repair actions.
• Warranty implications must be reviewed before potentially warranty-affecting actions.
• Repair and replacement must be evaluated as competing decisions.
• OEM parts must not automatically be treated as the only acceptable replacement.
• Generic and aftermarket parts may be used when their compatibility is supported by appropriate evidence.
• User-constructed replacement solutions may be accepted when sufficiently supported and explicitly identified as human-verified.
• Manufacturer claims, replacement-part manufacturer claims, retailer claims, community reports, and user observations must remain distinguishable.
• Reconstructed schematics and AI-generated conclusions must never be presented as manufacturer-authored documentation.
• Repair knowledge should become reusable knowledge when the user permits it.
• User privacy and sensitive repair information must be protected.
• Open source repair intelligence should reduce unnecessary device replacement and extend useful device life.

Evidence Hierarchy

RepairLedger must maintain an evidence hierarchy for every material conclusion.

Evidence may include:

• Manufacturer service manuals.
• Manufacturer repair manuals.
• Manufacturer schematics.
• Manufacturer technical bulletins.
• Manufacturer parts catalogs.
• Manufacturer specifications.
• Manufacturer warranty documents.
• Manufacturer recall notices.
• Manufacturer firmware and diagnostic documentation.
• Manufacturer statements concerning compatibility.
• Replacement-part manufacturer documentation.
• Component manufacturer datasheets.
• Authorized service documentation.
• Government safety notices.
• Applicable laws and regulations.
• Verified measurements.
• Device photographs.
• Device inspection results.
• Oscilloscope captures.
• Logic analyzer captures.
• Thermal measurements.
• Electrical measurements.
• Successful controlled experiments.
• Repeated repair outcomes.
• Human-verified repair information.
• Community repair reports.
• Retailer information.
• User observations.
• AI inference.

The system must identify the source and type of evidence supporting significant conclusions.

Evidence must not be silently upgraded from weak evidence to authoritative evidence.

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Device Identification Module

The Device Identification Module establishes the exact identity of the device being repaired.

The module must identify, where applicable:

• Manufacturer.
• Product family.
• Model.
• Model number.
• Product number.
• Serial number.
• Revision.
• Hardware revision.
• Board revision.
• Regional variant.
• Voltage or power variant.
• Production generation.
• Manufacturing date.
• Firmware version.
• Software version.
• Configuration.
• Installed components.
• Device-specific modifications.

The module must distinguish exact identification from probable identification.

Device-specific instructions must not be presented as verified until the applicability of the documentation to the identified device has been established.

Device Universality Module

RepairLedger should support any device for which sufficient information exists.

The system must not artificially restrict repair intelligence to predefined device categories.

When sufficient evidence is unavailable, the system must clearly identify the limitation rather than inventing device-specific information.

The system should support:

• Electronics.
• Appliances.
• Computers.
• Mobile devices.
• Tools.
• Machinery.
• Vehicles.
• Audio equipment.
• Cameras.
• Industrial equipment.
• Laboratory equipment.
• Consumer products.
• Mechanical systems.
• Electromechanical systems.
• Embedded systems.
• Custom equipment.
• User-built equipment.

Technical Documentation Module

The Technical Documentation Module retrieves and organizes technical information relevant to the exact device.

Supported documentation includes:

• Service manuals.
• Repair manuals.
• User manuals.
• Schematics.
• Wiring diagrams.
• Board diagrams.
• Parts catalogs.
• Exploded views.
• Service bulletins.
• Technical specifications.
• Calibration procedures.
• Firmware documentation.
• Diagnostic procedures.
• Error-code references.
• Assembly specifications.
• Torque specifications.
• Maintenance schedules.

The system must preserve documentation provenance and applicability.

Documentation Applicability Module

Documentation for another model, revision, or device must not be treated as applicable merely because it appears similar.

Documentation from another device may not be used for device-specific diagnostics, repairs, disassembly, reassembly, or replacement parts unless the manufacturer of the defective device explicitly states that the documentation is applicable to that device for the relevant purpose.

Applicability must not be inferred from:

• Similar model numbers.
• Similar appearance.
• Similar chassis.
• Similar specifications.
• Similar circuit boards.
• Similar component placement.
• Product family membership.
• Manufacturer identity.
• Physical resemblance.
• Community claims.
• Retailer claims.
• Third-party claims.
• Previous AI conclusions.

When applicability cannot be established, the system must mark the documentation as not verified for this device and must not use it as authoritative device-specific evidence.

If the manufacturer explicitly states that documentation for another model is applicable, the system may use that documentation only within the explicitly stated scope.

Search and Retrieval Module

The Search and Retrieval Module locates relevant technical evidence across authorized and available sources.

The module should:

• Search exact model identifiers.
• Search revision identifiers.
• Search component identifiers.
• Search manufacturer documentation.
• Search technical bulletins.
• Search service information.
• Search recalls.
• Search parts information.
• Search repair cases.
• Search verified community knowledge.
• Rank sources according to evidence quality.
• Preserve source provenance.
• Detect conflicting documentation.
• Identify outdated documentation.
• Identify superseded procedures.

The system must not substitute search-result similarity for technical applicability.

Schematic Intelligence Module

The Schematic Intelligence Module interprets verified schematics and circuit documentation.

It should identify:

• Components.
• Reference designators.
• Nets.
• Power rails.
• Signal paths.
• Ground paths.
• Protection circuits.
• Regulators.
• Controllers.
• Sensors.
• Connectors.
• Test points.
• Subsystems.
• Expected relationships between components.

Schematic Reconstruction Module

The system may reconstruct missing schematics using available evidence.

Evidence may include:

• PCB photographs.
• Continuity measurements.
• Component markings.
• Datasheets.
• Board traces.
• Connector pinouts.
• Voltage measurements.
• Signal measurements.
• Known circuit configurations.
• Reverse engineering.

Reconstructed schematics must be clearly labeled as reconstructed and must never be represented as manufacturer-authored schematics.

Diagnostic Intelligence Module

The Diagnostic Intelligence Module converts symptoms and evidence into structured diagnostic hypotheses.

The module must:

• Record the reported symptoms.
• Identify possible causes.
• Rank hypotheses according to evidence.
• Identify missing evidence.
• Recommend diagnostic tests.
• Avoid unsupported certainty.
• Track eliminated hypotheses.
• Track unresolved hypotheses.
• Explain why a test is recommended.
• Update diagnostic conclusions as new evidence is collected.

The system must distinguish:

• Observed fact.
• Manufacturer-documented behavior.
• Measurement.
• User report.
• Hypothesis.
• Inference.
• Confirmed failure.
• Unresolved possibility.

Fault Isolation Module

The Fault Isolation Module progressively narrows a failure from symptom to root cause.

The process may progress through:

• Device.
• Subsystem.
• Module.
• Circuit.
• Power rail.
• Signal.
• Component.
• Failure mode.

The system should prefer tests that efficiently distinguish between competing hypotheses.

Pre-Repair Assessment Module

Before recommending physical repair, the system must establish the current condition of the device.

The assessment should include:

• Exact identity.
• Warranty status.
• Recall status.
• Safety notices.
• Data risk.
• Physical condition.
• Existing damage.
• Baseline functionality.
• Error codes.
• Firmware.
• Configuration.
• Modifications.
• Existing repairs.
• Environmental conditions.
• User objectives.

The system must be able to conclude that repair should not begin until additional information is collected.

Device Baseline Module

The Device Baseline Module records the state of the device before repair.

The baseline may include:

• Photographs.
• Video.
• Functional tests.
• Measurements.
• Error codes.
• Firmware version.
• Configuration.
• Calibration state.
• Physical condition.
• Existing defects.
• Working functions.
• Non-working functions.

The baseline must support meaningful before-and-after comparisons.

Visual Inspection Module

The Visual Inspection Module guides inspection of physical condition.

It should identify potential:

• Burn damage.
• Corrosion.
• Cracks.
• Broken connectors.
• Damaged traces.
• Missing components.
• Loose hardware.
• Swollen batteries.
• Contamination.
• Water damage.
• Mechanical deformation.
• Evidence of previous repair.
• Tampering.
• Thermal damage.

Visual observations must be distinguished from confirmed diagnoses.

Component Identification Module

The Component Identification Module identifies components using:

• Markings.
• Package types.
• Reference designators.
• Datasheets.
• Schematics.
• Photographs.
• Electrical characteristics.
• Board location.
• Manufacturer information.

The system must communicate uncertainty when component identification is incomplete.

Advanced Electronics Intelligence Module

The Advanced Electronics Intelligence Module provides specialized intelligence for electronic systems.

It should support:

• Analog circuits.
• Digital circuits.
• Mixed-signal circuits.
• Power electronics.
• Switching regulators.
• Linear regulators.
• Battery management.
• Motor control.
• Sensors.
• Actuators.
• Microcontrollers.
• Microprocessors.
• Memory.
• Communication buses.
• RF systems.
• Audio systems.
• Display systems.
• High-speed digital systems.
• Embedded systems.
• Protection circuits.
• Clock and timing systems.

Power Electronics Intelligence Module

The module analyzes:

• Voltage rails.
• Current paths.
• Regulators.
• Converters.
• Protection circuits.
• Inrush current.
• Startup sequencing.
• Current consumption.
• Resistance to ground.
• Shorts.
• Over-voltage conditions.
• Under-voltage conditions.
• Thermal behavior.

Digital Signal Analysis Module

The module should support analysis of:

• UART.
• SPI.
• I2C.
• CAN.
• USB.
• Ethernet.
• PWM.
• GPIO.
• Serial communications.
• Clock signals.
• Logic analyzer captures.
• Oscilloscope captures.
• Timing relationships.
• Signal integrity.

Unknown signals must not be identified with certainty without sufficient evidence.

Circuit Simulation and Modeling Module

The module should model expected circuit behavior, including:

• Voltage.
• Current.
• Power.
• Signal behavior.
• Component tolerances.
• Failure conditions.
• Component substitutions.
• Thermal behavior.
• Startup behavior.
• Shutdown behavior.

Simulated results must remain clearly distinct from physical measurements.

Thermal Diagnostics Module

The Thermal Diagnostics Module analyzes thermal behavior using:

• Thermal cameras.
• Temperature measurements.
• Component temperature data.
• Thermal gradients.
• Heat transfer observations.

It should help identify:

• Short circuits.
• Overloaded components.
• Failed regulators.
• Poor thermal interfaces.
• Cooling failures.
• Thermal runaway.
• Abnormal component temperatures.

Power-On Diagnostics Module

The module guides controlled power-up after diagnosis or repair.

It should consider:

• Resistance checks.
• Current-limited supplies.
• Expected current draw.
• Rail verification.
• Startup sequence.
• Thermal monitoring.
• Abnormal sounds.
• Odor.
• Smoke.
• Immediate shutdown conditions.

Automated Board Mapping Module

The module may generate preliminary maps of circuit boards from photographs and other evidence.

Maps may identify:

• Components.
• Reference designators.
• Connectors.
• Test points.
• Power domains.
• Signal paths.
• Major traces.
• Controllers.
• Regulators.
• Memory.
• Protection components.

Automatically generated maps must remain subject to human verification.

Measurement Guidance Module

The Measurement Guidance Module determines what measurements are needed and how to obtain them safely.

The module should provide:

• Measurement location.
• Expected value.
• Acceptable range.
• Measurement method.
• Required instrument.
• Measurement conditions.
• Safety precautions.
• Interpretation.
• Next diagnostic step.

The system must not fabricate expected measurements.

Reverse Engineering Module

The Reverse Engineering Module supports reconstruction of undocumented device behavior.

It may use:

• Physical inspection.
• Board tracing.
• Datasheets.
• Measurements.
• Firmware analysis.
• Signal analysis.
• Controlled experiments.
• Component identification.
• Comparative analysis.

Reverse-engineered conclusions must be labeled according to their verification level.

Repair Procedure Module

The Repair Procedure Module provides structured repair instructions.

Procedures should include:

• Required tools.
• Required parts.
• Required consumables.
• Safety warnings.
• Preconditions.
• Disassembly.
• Repair.
• Reassembly.
• Calibration.
• Validation.
• Expected results.
• Failure conditions.

Device-specific procedures require verified device applicability.

Physical Repair Module

The Physical Repair Module supports actual physical intervention.

It should cover:

• Opening devices.
• Removing components.
• Installing components.
• Board repair.
• Wiring repair.
• Connector repair.
• Mechanical repair.
• Structural repair.
• Adhesive removal.
• Adhesive replacement.
• Cleaning.
• Soldering.
• Desoldering.
• Rework.
• Assembly.
• Sealing.
• Fastener installation.
• Cable routing.

Disassembly Module

The Disassembly Module tracks:

• Fastener locations.
• Fastener types.
• Removal sequence.
• Hidden fasteners.
• Clips.
• Adhesives.
• Shields.
• Cables.
• Connector locks.
• Component orientation.
• Parts that should not be disturbed.

Reassembly Module

The Reassembly Module verifies:

• Component orientation.
• Cable routing.
• Connector engagement.
• Fastener placement.
• Fastener type.
• Torque.
• Thermal materials.
• Adhesives.
• Seals.
• Shields.
• Ground connections.
• Mechanical alignment.

Fastener and Hardware Identification Module

The module identifies and tracks:

• Screws.
• Nuts.
• Washers.
• Spacers.
• Clips.
• Brackets.
• Shields.
• Springs.
• Retainers.

It should prevent incorrect hardware placement, thread damage, missing hardware, mechanical interference, and electrical shorts caused by incorrect hardware.

Cable and Connector Mapping Module

The module maps:

• Connector identity.
• Pin numbering.
• Cable orientation.
• Cable routing.
• Locking mechanisms.
• Mating connectors.
• Pin assignments.

It must warn about reversed cables, incomplete insertion, damaged locks, damaged pins, and unsafe routing.

Torque and Assembly Specification Module

The module retrieves and applies verified assembly specifications.

It should manage:

• Torque.
• Fastener sequence.
• Thread locker.
• Adhesives.
• Thermal compounds.
• Gaskets.
• Seals.
• Compression.
• Alignment.

Consumables Module

The module identifies required consumables, including:

• Thermal paste.
• Thermal pads.
• Solder.
• Flux.
• Solder wick.
• Cleaning agents.
• Lubricants.
• Adhesives.
• Thread locker.
• Gaskets.
• Seals.
• Insulating materials.

Board-Level Repair Module

The module supports:

• Component replacement.
• Trace repair.
• Via repair.
• Pad repair.
• Connector replacement.
• Jumper wires.
• Solder-mask repair.
• Board cleaning.
• Microsoldering.
• Board rework.

The system must identify when required tools, equipment, or expertise exceed the user’s capabilities.

DIY Construction Module

The module supports user-created replacement solutions.

These may include:

• Custom PCBs.
• Wiring harnesses.
• Adapters.
• Brackets.
• Enclosures.
• 3D-printed parts.
• CNC parts.
• Custom circuits.
• Modified commercial components.
• Salvaged assemblies.

Human Override Module

The Human Override Module allows the user to override an AI compatibility conclusion while preserving the distinction between AI conclusions and human verification.

A user may designate a replacement as:

• User asserted.
• Human verified.
• Experimentally verified.
• Measurement verified.
• Repeatedly verified.
• Community verified.
• Manufacturer confirmed.

The user may provide supporting evidence such as:

• Measurements.
• Datasheets.
• Engineering calculations.
• Photographs.
• Videos.
• CAD.
• Reverse engineering.
• Successful prior use.
• Controlled experiments.

The AI may warn about risks but must not silently reject a human-verified solution.

Human overrides must not automatically become universal compatibility claims.

Human overrides must not bypass warranty review or safety requirements.

Replacement Part Locator Module

The module locates potential replacement parts using:

• Exact part numbers.
• Manufacturer identifiers.
• Equivalent components.
• Generic components.
• Aftermarket components.
• Salvaged parts.
• Reconditioned parts.
• User-created alternatives.

Parts Compatibility Module

Compatibility must be established independently from warranty status.

The module must distinguish:

• Manufacturer-confirmed compatibility.
• Replacement-part manufacturer-confirmed compatibility.
• Authorized distributor information.
• Verified technical equivalence.
• Human-verified compatibility.
• Experimental compatibility.
• Community-reported compatibility.
• Unverified compatibility.

Generic and aftermarket parts must not be rejected solely because they are not OEM.

A generic or aftermarket manufacturer statement that a part is a replacement for the defective device may constitute replacement compatibility evidence, but it must be attributed to the replacement-part manufacturer and must not be represented as approval by the defective-device manufacturer.

Retailer compatibility claims must not be treated as equivalent to manufacturer documentation unless they directly reference verifiable manufacturer evidence.

Advanced Component Substitution Module

The module determines whether a component can technically substitute for another.

Analysis may include:

• Voltage.
• Current.
• Power.
• Resistance.
• Capacitance.
• Inductance.
• Tolerance.
• Temperature range.
• Package.
• Pinout.
• Frequency.
• Switching behavior.
• ESR.
• Leakage.
• Mechanical dimensions.
• Environmental requirements.
• Safety certifications.

Salvage and Donor Device Module

The module identifies usable components and assemblies from donor devices.

It must verify:

• Exact component identity.
• Revision.
• Compatibility.
• Physical condition.
• Previous use.
• Known defects.
• Provenance.
• Expected remaining life.

Part Obsolescence Module

The module identifies whether parts are:

• Current.
• End of life.
• Obsolete.
• Surplus.
• Salvaged.
• Discontinued.

It should identify alternatives when sufficient evidence exists.

Parts Availability Module

The module tracks:

• Stock.
• Lead time.
• Geographic availability.
• Minimum order quantities.
• Obsolescence.
• Salvage sources.
• Authorized distribution.
• Replacement alternatives.

Counterfeit and Suspect Part Detection Module

The module evaluates indicators including:

• Markings.
• Packaging.
• Manufacturer codes.
• Lot information.
• Datasheets.
• Seller information.
• Physical characteristics.
• Electrical behavior.
• Documentation consistency.

Suspicion must not be represented as confirmed counterfeit status without adequate evidence.

Part Provenance Module

The module tracks part provenance from:

• Manufacturer.
• Distributor.
• Reseller.
• Salvage source.
• User.

It should preserve:

• Manufacturer.
• Part number.
• Lot number.
• Source.
• Documentation.
• Purchase record.
• Compatibility evidence.

Tool Recommendation Module

The module determines the tools required for a repair.

It should distinguish:

• Required tools.
• Recommended tools.
• Optional tools.
• Specialized tools.
• Calibration equipment.
• Safety equipment.
• Professional equipment.

Safety Module

The Safety Module must identify hazards before physical intervention.

Hazards may include:

• Electrical shock.
• High voltage.
• Stored energy.
• Batteries.
• Fire.
• Thermal hazards.
• Chemicals.
• Sharp components.
• Pressurized systems.
• Moving machinery.
• Radiation.
• High-current systems.
• Capacitors.
• Mechanical tension.
• Hazardous materials.

Safety warnings must appear before the relevant procedure.

The system must stop or redirect the repair process when proceeding would present an unacceptable safety risk.

Warranty Intelligence Module

Warranty review must occur before recommendations that could affect warranty coverage.

The module must identify:

• Active warranties.
• Expired warranties.
• Warranty claims.
• Repair-provider warranties.
• Replacement-part warranties.
• Retailer warranties.
• Extended warranties.
• Purchase records.
• Receipts.
• Warranty exclusions.
• Warranty-preserving options.

Warranty effects must be classified as:

• Explicitly voids or terminates.
• Explicitly excludes affected damage or repair.
• May affect coverage.
• Warranty terms restrict the action.
• Warranty terms do not address the action.
• Warranty status unknown.
• Warranty expired.
• Impact cannot be determined.

The system must not claim that an action voids a warranty unless applicable warranty evidence supports that conclusion.

Warranty review must be repeated whenever the repair strategy changes.

Recall and Safety Notice Module

The module identifies:

• Manufacturer recalls.
• Government recalls.
• Safety notices.
• Battery warnings.
• Fire hazards.
• Electrical hazards.
• Service campaigns.
• Critical technical notices.

Known safety issues should be surfaced before ordinary repair recommendations when applicable.

Data Preservation Module

The Data Preservation Module protects user data before, during, and after repair.

It must determine whether repair actions could affect:

• Stored data.
• Storage devices.
• Encryption keys.
• Authentication credentials.
• Device configuration.
• Application state.
• User-created content.
• Firmware configuration.
• Device pairing.

The module must:

• Recommend appropriate backups.
• Identify whether backups have actually completed.
• Warn before factory resets.
• Warn before firmware recovery.
• Warn before storage replacement.
• Warn before board replacement.
• Warn before destructive procedures.
• Preserve configuration where possible.
• Identify data recovery options.
• Distinguish data preservation from data recovery.

The system must never claim that data is safe without adequate evidence.

Data Recovery Intelligence Module

The module supports recovery from failed devices while minimizing additional damage.

It should consider:

• Storage condition.
• Controller failure.
• File-system corruption.
• Encryption.
• Authentication.
• Board-level failure.
• Component failure.
• Replacement-board compatibility.
• Recovery-before-repair strategies.
• Professional recovery requirements.
• Destructive recovery risks.

Calibration Module

The Calibration Module identifies when calibration is required.

It should manage:

• Calibration procedures.
• Required equipment.
• Reference values.
• Tolerances.
• Calibration dates.
• Verification measurements.
• Factory calibration requirements.

Post-Repair Validation Module

The module verifies repaired-device performance against applicable requirements.

Validation should include:

• Original failure symptom.
• Repaired subsystem.
• Safety functions.
• Normal functions.
• Performance specifications.
• Error conditions.
• Connectivity.
• Power behavior.
• Thermal behavior.
• Mechanical operation.

Regression Testing Module

The module tests functions that worked before repair to identify accidental damage or newly introduced failures.

Repair Verification Module

The module determines the verification state of a repair.

Verification states include:

• Not verified.
• Partially verified.
• Measurement verified.
• Functionally verified.
• Repeatedly verified.
• Manufacturer verified.
• User verified.

Repair Evidence Locker Module

The module stores repair evidence associated with a repair session.

Evidence may include:

• Before photographs.
• After photographs.
• Measurements.
• Schematics.
• Technical documentation.
• Warranty records.
• Parts.
• Receipts.
• Diagnostic results.
• Repair steps.
• Calibration records.
• Verification results.
• Final outcome.

Repair Session Module

The module provides a persistent workspace for an individual repair.

A session should track:

• Device identity.
• Symptoms.
• Evidence.
• Diagnosis.
• Tests.
• Measurements.
• Parts.
• Warranty status.
• Repair decisions.
• Human overrides.
• Repair procedures.
• Calibration.
• Verification.
• Outcome.

Device Passport Module

The Device Passport Module maintains a persistent history for a device.

The passport may contain:

• Device identity.
• Purchase information.
• Warranty.
• Repairs.
• Replacement parts.
• Firmware.
• Modifications.
• Calibration.
• Maintenance.
• Faults.
• Documentation.
• Repair outcomes.

Repair Case Library Module

The module stores reusable repair cases containing:

• Device.
• Model.
• Revision.
• Symptom.
• Measurements.
• Diagnosis.
• Repair.
• Replacement parts.
• Outcome.
• Verification level.

Known Failure Mode Module

The module identifies recurring failure modes using evidence.

It must distinguish:

• Statistically supported failure patterns.
• Repeated verified repairs.
• Manufacturer-documented failures.
• Community reports.
• Individual anecdotes.

A single reported failure must not automatically become a known failure mode.

Failure Learning Module

The module learns from completed repairs while preserving provenance and verification status.

New knowledge must not automatically become universal knowledge.

Repair Procedure Versioning Module

Repair procedures must be versioned as evidence, documentation, or best practices change.

The system should preserve:

• Previous versions.
• Changes.
• Sources.
• Dates.
• Verification status.
• Applicable device revisions.

Repair Knowledge Graph Module

The Repair Knowledge Graph connects:

• Devices.
• Models.
• Revisions.
• Components.
• Parts.
• Schematics.
• Symptoms.
• Failures.
• Measurements.
• Procedures.
• Tools.
• Warranties.
• Recalls.
• Repairs.
• Costs.
• Outcomes.

Every significant relationship must retain provenance.

Community Repair Knowledge Module

The module allows community contributions while preserving evidence quality.

Community information must be classified according to verification status.

The system must not treat popularity as proof.

Repair Economics Module

The Repair Economics Module calculates the full economic implications of repair.

It should include:

• Parts.
• Shipping.
• Taxes where applicable.
• Consumables.
• Tools.
• Professional services.
• Diagnostic costs.
• Calibration costs.
• Expected additional repairs.
• Warranty effects.
• Time.
• Effort.
• Risk.
• Expected remaining useful life.

Repair Versus Replace Module

The system must explicitly compare repairing the existing device against replacing it.

The comparison must consider:

• Repair cost.
• New-device purchase price.
• Used-device price.
• Refurbished-device price.
• Remaining useful life.
• Expected reliability.
• Warranty.
• Parts availability.
• Software support.
• Security support.
• Feature differences.
• Energy use.
• Maintenance.
• Data migration.
• Environmental impact.
• Future repair costs.

The system must not assume that replacement is economically superior merely because the device is older.

New Device Purchase Comparison Module

When replacement is a realistic alternative, the system should compare currently available new devices or equivalent alternatives.

The analysis should consider:

• Purchase price.
• Total cost of ownership.
• Warranty.
• Repairability.
• Parts availability.
• Documentation availability.
• Expected service life.
• Upgradeability.
• Vendor lock-in.
• Software support.
• Security support.
• Consumables.
• Known reliability information.

Current pricing and availability must be identified as unverified when they have not been checked.

Total Cost of Ownership Module

The module calculates longer-term ownership economics using:

• Purchase price.
• Repair expenses.
• Maintenance.
• Consumables.
• Energy.
• Accessories.
• Replacement parts.
• Expected failures.
• Warranty.
• Expected service life.
• Resale value.
• Disposal cost where applicable.

Repair Cost Forecast Module

The module estimates likely total repair expense before work begins.

Forecasts should account for uncertainty and potential additional failures.

Repair Success Probability Module

The module estimates repair success using available evidence.

It must consider:

• Diagnosis confidence.
• Repair complexity.
• Parts availability.
• User skill.
• Required equipment.
• Historical repair outcomes.
• Evidence quality.

The system must avoid false precision.

Repair Difficulty Module

Repairs should be classified according to required skill, equipment, complexity, and risk.

Suggested classifications include:

• Basic.
• Intermediate.
• Advanced.
• Expert.
• Professional equipment required.

Legal and Ownership Intelligence Module

The module provides jurisdiction-aware intelligence concerning:

• Ownership.
• Repair rights.
• Access.
• Documentation.
• Software.
• Firmware.
• Warranty.
• Service restrictions.
• Contractual terms.
• Licensing.
• Regulatory requirements.

The system must distinguish legal requirements from:

• Manufacturer policy.
• Warranty terms.
• License terms.
• Technical limitations.
• Industry practice.
• Recommendations.
• Unverified claims.

The system must not present legal information as legal advice.

Right-to-Repair Intelligence Module

The module identifies applicable laws and regulations concerning:

• Repair rights.
• Parts availability.
• Documentation.
• Diagnostic access.
• Software access.
• Manufacturer obligations.
• Independent repair.

The system must identify jurisdiction and applicable dates.

Ownership and Access Module

The module determines whether the user has legitimate authority to:

• Repair the device.
• Access documentation.
• Access diagnostic information.
• Access firmware.
• Use service interfaces.
• Modify hardware.
• Replace components.
• Recover data.

Technical feasibility and legal authority must remain separate determinations.

Service Documentation Access Module

The module identifies legitimate sources for:

• Service manuals.
• Repair manuals.
• Schematics.
• Parts catalogs.
• Service bulletins.
• Diagnostic procedures.
• Firmware.
• Calibration procedures.
• Factory specifications.

Repair Authorization Module

The module determines whether a repair requires:

• Manufacturer authorization.
• Authorized service access.
• Diagnostic credentials.
• Calibration authorization.
• Security credentials.
• Licensed software.
• Specialized service equipment.

The module must distinguish technical requirements from contractual restrictions.

Software and Firmware Ownership Module

The module tracks rights and restrictions involving:

• Firmware.
• Bootloaders.
• Drivers.
• Diagnostic software.
• Service software.
• Embedded software.
• Digital keys.
• Activation.
• Cloud dependencies.

Ownership of physical hardware must be distinguished from rights granted under software licenses.

Modification and Customization Legal Module

The module identifies potential legal, contractual, warranty, regulatory, and safety implications of modifications.

The existence of a modification must not automatically be treated as prohibited.

Ownership and Device Transfer Module

The module supports device transfers by tracking:

• Ownership history.
• Repair history.
• Modifications.
• Parts.
• Warranty transferability.
• Service history.
• Device credentials.
• Data removal.
• Factory reset requirements.

Security and Privacy Module

The module protects:

• Personal information.
• Device identifiers.
• Serial numbers.
• Credentials.
• Encryption keys.
• Repair photographs.
• Diagnostic logs.
• Purchase records.
• Warranty information.
• Location information.
• Private repair notes.

Sensitive information must not be automatically contributed to public repair knowledge.

Vendor Neutrality Module

RepairLedger must remain neutral among:

• Manufacturers.
• Authorized service providers.
• Independent repair providers.
• Parts manufacturers.
• Distributors.
• Retailers.
• Salvage sources.
• Used-device sellers.
• Refurbishers.

Recommendations must be based on evidence and user requirements rather than commercial preference.

AI Reasoning Module

The AI Reasoning Module provides transparent reasoning over collected evidence.

The system should explain:

• What it knows.
• What it does not know.
• What evidence supports a conclusion.
• What evidence conflicts with a conclusion.
• What assumptions are being made.
• What test would reduce uncertainty.
• Why a repair is recommended.
• Why replacement may be preferable.

The system must not conceal uncertainty.

AI Transparency Module

AI-generated information must be clearly distinguishable from:

• Manufacturer documentation.
• Human observations.
• Measurements.
• Community knowledge.
• Legal information.
• Experimental findings.

The AI must not impersonate a manufacturer or service authority.

Confidence and Verification Module

Every significant conclusion should have an associated confidence and verification state.

The system should identify:

• Evidence quality.
• Evidence completeness.
• Conflicting evidence.
• Verification level.
• Remaining uncertainty.

Confidence must never be used to disguise missing evidence.

Human-in-the-Loop Module

Human judgment remains an integral part of RepairLedger.

The system must allow users to:

• Correct device identification.
• Reject diagnoses.
• Add evidence.
• Override compatibility conclusions.
• Verify parts.
• Confirm measurements.
• Record successful repairs.
• Mark procedures as human verified.
• Document experimental results.

User Skill Adaptation Module

Repair instructions should adapt to the user’s skill level.

The system should account for:

• Knowledge.
• Experience.
• Available tools.
• Available test equipment.
• Physical ability.
• Risk tolerance.
• Desired level of guidance.

The system must not conceal critical safety information when adapting instructions.

Accessibility Module

The system should support accessible repair workflows through:

• Voice guidance.
• Text guidance.
• Visual descriptions.
• Large-format instructions.
• Step-by-step navigation.
• Voice-to-text.
• Text-to-speech.
• Alternative descriptions of diagrams.
• Adjustable complexity.

Offline and Local-First Module

RepairLedger should support local access to repair information where practical.

The system should allow users to retain:

• Device records.
• Repair evidence.
• Documentation.
• Repair histories.
• Parts information.
• Diagnostic records.

Offline operation must not be represented as available for information that has not been locally stored.

Documentation Export Module

Users should be able to export complete repair records containing:

• Device identity.
• Symptoms.
• Evidence.
• Diagnosis.
• Parts.
• Procedures.
• Measurements.
• Calibration.
• Verification.
• Costs.
• Warranty information.
• Final outcome.

Sustainability Module

The module evaluates environmental implications of repair versus replacement.

It should consider:

• Extended device life.
• Material consumption.
• Electronic waste.
• Replacement-device manufacturing.
• Shipping.
• Salvage.
• Reuse.
• Refurbishment.
• Component recovery.

Sustainability should complement rather than override safety, legal, warranty, or economic considerations.

Repair Decision Engine

The Repair Decision Engine coordinates the complete RepairLedger workflow.

The decision process should generally follow:

Identify the device

→ Verify exact model and revision

→ Determine ownership and access

→ Review warranty

→ Check recalls and safety notices

→ Preserve user data

→ Establish baseline

→ Retrieve applicable documentation

→ Determine evidence quality

→ Diagnose the fault

→ Isolate the failure

→ Determine repair options

→ Verify replacement compatibility

→ Evaluate physical repair requirements

→ Evaluate calibration requirements

→ Evaluate legal and ownership implications

→ Calculate repair economics

→ Compare repair with purchasing new

→ Compare OEM, generic, aftermarket, salvage, and human-constructed solutions

→ Select repair path

→ Disassemble

→ Repair

→ Reassemble

→ Calibrate

→ Validate

→ Regression test

→ Document outcome

→ Update repair knowledge

The Repair Decision Engine must be allowed to conclude:

• Repair now.
• Diagnose further.
• Preserve data before proceeding.
• Obtain additional documentation.
• Obtain a compatible part.
• Use authorized service.
• Use independent repair.
• Use a human-verified replacement.
• Repair only after warranty review.
• Replace the device.
• Purchase a new device.
• Purchase a used device.
• Purchase a refurbished device.
• Do not repair until additional evidence is available.
• Do not proceed because the available evidence or safety conditions are insufficient.

The system must optimize for the best evidence-supported outcome rather than maximizing the number of completed repairs.

Repair Outcome Module

The Repair Outcome Module records what happened after the recommended action.

Possible outcomes include:

• Fully repaired.
• Partially repaired.
• Temporarily repaired.
• Function restored.
• Original failure resolved but secondary failure remains.
• Diagnosis disproven.
• Repair unsuccessful.
• Repair abandoned.
• Replacement selected.
• Device retired.
• Professional service selected.

The outcome should be tied to verification evidence.

Repair Knowledge Contribution Module

Users may contribute completed repair knowledge to the broader knowledge base.

Contributions should preserve:

• Device identity.
• Revision.
• Evidence.
• Procedure.
• Parts.
• Measurements.
• Verification status.
• Outcome.
• Contributor attribution.
• Date.

Private information must not be published without appropriate permission.

Open Repair Knowledge Standard

RepairLedger should define an interoperable standard for representing repair knowledge.

The standard should represent:

• Device identity.
• Documentation.
• Evidence.
• Symptoms.
• Failures.
• Measurements.
• Components.
• Parts.
• Compatibility.
• Procedures.
• Warranty.
• Legal information.
• Costs.
• Calibration.
• Verification.
• Outcomes.
• Provenance.

The standard should support exchange of repair knowledge between compatible systems without requiring dependence on a single vendor.

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Optional Plugin Modules

RepairLedger should provide an optional plugin architecture allowing specialized capabilities to be added without requiring every installation to include every capability.

Optional plugins may include:

Vehicle Repair Plugin

Support automotive and other vehicle repair workflows.

Appliance Repair Plugin

Support household and commercial appliance diagnostics and repair.

Computer Repair Plugin

Support desktop, laptop, server, storage, and peripheral repair.

Mobile Device Repair Plugin

Support smartphones, tablets, and related portable devices.

Industrial Equipment Plugin

Support industrial machinery, controls, sensors, and equipment.

Robotics Repair Plugin

Support robotic systems, actuators, sensors, controllers, and mechanical assemblies.

Audio and Video Repair Plugin

Support amplifiers, speakers, mixers, cameras, displays, and other audiovisual equipment.

RF and Communications Plugin

Support radio-frequency and communications equipment.

Mechanical Repair Plugin

Support mechanical systems without requiring electronic components.

3D Printing and Fabrication Plugin

Support custom fabrication, printed replacement parts, and repair fixtures.

PCB Design Plugin

Support creation and modification of custom replacement circuit boards.

Laboratory Equipment Plugin

Support scientific and laboratory equipment repair.

Professional Service Plugin

Support workflows for professional repair organizations, service centers, and technicians.

Parts Marketplace Plugin

Connect users with verified parts sources while preserving vendor neutrality and provenance.

Documentation Provider Plugin

Connect to authorized technical documentation providers.

Legal Research Plugin

Provide jurisdiction-specific legal and right-to-repair information while preserving source provenance.

Warranty Provider Plugin

Connect to warranty information and service records where authorized.

Calibration Provider Plugin

Connect to calibration services, standards, and calibration records.

Community Knowledge Plugin

Connect to external repair communities while preserving source and verification status.

Knowledge Import Plugin

Import compatible repair records from other systems.

Knowledge Export Plugin

Export RepairLedger knowledge using the Open Repair Knowledge Standard.

Optional Advanced Intelligence Plugins

Specialized AI capabilities may be implemented as optional plugins, including:

• Advanced circuit analysis.
• Automated schematic reconstruction.
• Board image analysis.
• Thermal image analysis.
• Signal analysis.
• Mechanical geometry analysis.
• CAD analysis.
• Firmware analysis.
• Fault simulation.
• Predictive failure analysis.
• Automated test planning.
• Advanced parts substitution analysis.

Each plugin must preserve the same evidence, provenance, confidence, safety, and human verification requirements as the core system.

Optional Marketplace and Economic Plugins

Optional economic plugins may provide:

• Current parts pricing.
• New-device pricing.
• Used-device pricing.
• Refurbished-device pricing.
• Shipping estimates.
• Local availability.
• Repair-service pricing.
• Tool pricing.
• Consumable pricing.
• Total cost calculations.

Pricing information must include source and retrieval date where available.

Optional Legal and Regulatory Plugins

Optional legal plugins may provide:

• Jurisdiction-specific right-to-repair information.
• Warranty law information.
• Consumer protection information.
• Product safety regulations.
• Environmental regulations.
• Ownership requirements.
• Software licensing information.

Legal information must remain source-based and must not be presented as individualized legal advice.

Optional Manufacturer Integration Plugins

Where authorized, manufacturer integrations may provide:

• Service documentation.
• Parts catalogs.
• Warranty status.
• Recall information.
• Service bulletins.
• Firmware.
• Diagnostics.
• Calibration procedures.
• Authorized service locations.

Manufacturer integrations must not override the evidence and provenance requirements of RepairLedger.

Optional Professional Repair Workflow Plugin

A professional repair workflow may provide:

• Customer intake.
• Repair estimates.
• Technician assignment.
• Work orders.
• Parts tracking.
• Labor tracking.
• Quality control.
• Calibration records.
• Customer approval.
• Warranty tracking.
• Final repair documentation.

Optional Fleet and Asset Management Plugin

Organizations may use RepairLedger to manage fleets of devices.

The plugin may track:

• Asset identity.
• Repair history.
• Maintenance.
• Failures.
• Parts consumption.
• Repair cost.
• Replacement cost.
• Warranty.
• Service contracts.
• Lifecycle.
• Retirement.

Optional Predictive Maintenance Plugin

The system may use verified historical repair data to identify potential future failures.

Predictions must:

• Identify supporting evidence.
• Communicate uncertainty.
• Avoid unsupported certainty.
• Distinguish statistical prediction from diagnosis.
• Avoid claiming that a predicted failure has occurred.

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Specification Branding License (SBL)

Standard

• Fully AGPL-3.0+ compliant system
• Copyleft enforced for network deployments
• Required attribution:
  • Roxanne Ardary
  • https://www.roxanneardary.com/

Optional

• Specification Branding License (SBL)
  • Attribution-free commercial deployment
  • Pricing based on scale, usage, and deployment scope
  • https://roxanneardary.com/repairledger/

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License & Notice Requirements

RepairLedger is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later (AGPL-3.0+).

By contributing to any Open Arsenal project, you agree that your contributions will also be released under this license.

Please note the following:

• All contributions must comply with the AGPL-3.0+ terms.
• Under Section 7 of the license, all redistributions, forks, and derivative works must preserve attribution to:
  Roxanne Ardary and https://www.roxanneardary.com/
• RepairLedger specifications are free to use with attribution. A Specification Branding License can be negotiated upon request.
• The project’s notice.md file tracks attribution requirements and contributor acknowledgments. Any update that adds new contributors or modifies attribution should also update notice.md
• When submitting a pull request, ensure that any new files maintain the attribution headers where applicable.
• Network-deployed versions of this software must also remain fully AGPL-3.0+ compliant, including exposure of source code modifications when applicable under the license.

For full legal details, please refer to the AGPL-3.0+ license and the project’s notice.md file.

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Notice – RepairLedger

Attribution Requirement: Under Section 7 of the AGPL 3.0+ license, all redistributions, forks, and derivative works, including network-deployed versions of this project, must provide attribution to Roxanne Ardary and roxanneardary.com.

Contributors

This file tracks contributors and their specific contributions to the project.

• Roxanne Ardary, roxanneardary.com – October 5, 2026
  Created the repository for RepairLedger. Created the open source specification for evidence-based device diagnosis, repair intelligence, verification, repair economics, and physical repair.
• [Add other contributors here] – [Date]
  [Describe contribution in one sentence]

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License – RepairLedger

This repository is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later (AGPL-3.0+).

Key Points:

• You are free to use, modify, and distribute the code.
• All redistributions, forks, and derivative works or network-deployed versions must also be licensed under AGPL-3.0+ and provide attribution to Roxanne Ardary and roxanneardary.com as required under Section 7 of the license.
• The software is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind.

For the full license text, see GNU AGPL-3.0 License.