RetroTechCollection:Citing sources

RTC:CITE

This page documents an the RetroTechCollection guideline.

Editors should generally follow it, though exceptions may apply. Substantive edits to this page should reflect consensus. When in doubt, discuss first on this guideline's talk page.

Citing sources ensures technical information on RetroTechCollection can be verified and provides proper attribution to original creators. While not strictly required for all content, proper citations enhance credibility and help readers locate additional technical information.

When to Cite

Strongly Recommended

Citations are strongly encouraged for:

Technical specifications - Voltage levels, timing parameters, component values
Safety procedures - High-voltage precautions, chemical handling, discharge procedures
Repair procedures - Diagnostic steps, calibration methods, troubleshooting flowcharts
Historical information - Release dates, production numbers, design changes
Performance data - Benchmark results, compatibility information, operating parameters

Required Citations

Citations are mandatory for:

Direct quotes - Any text copied verbatim from source material
Copyrighted excerpts - Material used under fair use provisions
Controversial claims - Information that might be disputed or challenged
Safety-critical information - Procedures involving potential hazards

Citation Formats

Service Manuals

The most common source type for vintage hardware documentation:

{{cite manual
| title = Macintosh Plus Service Source
| publisher = Apple Computer, Inc.
| year = 1986
| pages = 45-47
| url = http://example.com/manual.pdf
}}

For brief in-line citations:

The power supply outputs +5V and ±12V rails.<ref>{{cite manual |title=Apple IIe Service Manual |publisher=Apple Computer |year=1983 |page=23}}</ref>

Technical Datasheets

For component specifications and technical parameters:

{{cite datasheet
| title = MC68000 16-Bit Microprocessor
| publisher = Motorola Semiconductor
| year = 1984
| part_number = MC68000L8
| url = http://example.com/datasheet.pdf
}}

Books and Technical Publications

For published technical references:

{{cite book
| last = Hertzfeld
| first = Andy
| title = Revolution in the Valley: The Insanely Great Story of How the Mac Was Made
| publisher = O'Reilly Media
| year = 2005
| isbn = 0596007191
| pages = 156-158
}}

Web Sources

For online technical resources:

{{cite web
| url = https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/macintosh-plus-repair-guide.12345/
| title = Macintosh Plus Repair Guide
| author = TechUser123
| website = 68kMLA Forums
| date = 2023-05-15
| access-date = 2025-01-07
}}

Forum Posts and Community Sources

For community-generated technical content:

{{cite forum
| url = https://forum.example.com/thread/12345
| title = SE/30 Capacitor Replacement Success
| author = VintageRepairGuy
| forum = Vintage Mac Repair Forum
| date = 2024-03-10
| access-date = 2025-01-07
}}

Simplified Citation Methods

Basic Reference Tags

For quick citations without formal templates:

The flyback transformer operates at 15.75 kHz.<ref>Apple Monitor II Service Manual, p. 34</ref>

Manufacturer Specifications

For well-known technical specifications:

The Commodore 64 uses a 6510 processor running at 1.023 MHz.<ref>Commodore 64 User's Guide, 1982</ref>

Multiple Sources

When information is confirmed by several sources:

The standard disk format uses 40 tracks per side.<ref name="multiple">Apple Disk II Manual, 1978; DOS 3.3 Reference, 1980; Beneath Apple DOS, 1981</ref>

Source Quality Guidelines

Preferred Sources

Listed in order of preference:

Official service manuals - Manufacturer documentation for repair procedures
Technical datasheets - Component specifications from manufacturers
Engineering documentation - Schematics, design notes, technical bulletins
Published technical books - Authoritative references by recognized experts
Established technical websites - Sites with documented expertise and peer review

Acceptable Sources

May be used with appropriate context:

Community forums - When information is verified by multiple experienced users
Technical blogs - Written by recognized experts with documented credentials
Video documentation - When accompanied by written technical verification
Personal experience - Clearly marked as such, preferably with supporting documentation

Sources to Avoid

Generally not suitable for citations:

Social media posts - Unless from official manufacturer accounts
Wikipedia or other wikis - Use their sources instead
Commercial listings - eBay, Amazon, or sales descriptions
Unverified claims - Information without supporting documentation
Speculation or rumors - Unconfirmed technical information

Technical Accuracy

Verification Standards

When citing technical information:

Cross-check specifications - Verify against multiple sources when possible
Note discrepancies - Document when sources disagree
Update outdated information - Replace superseded technical data
Specify conditions - Include operating parameters, tolerances, and limitations

Measurement Citations

For technical measurements and test results:

{{cite measurement
| parameter = +5V rail voltage
| value = 5.02V ± 0.1V
| conditions = Room temperature, 2A load
| equipment = Fluke 87V multimeter
| date = 2024-06-15
| operator = TechUser456
}}

Safety Information Citations

Critical Safety Procedures

Safety information must be properly sourced:

{{cite safety
| procedure = CRT discharge procedure
| source = RCA Service Manual X-2547
| warning_level = DANGER
| voltage = 25kV
| equipment = Insulated probe, safety glasses
}}

Hazard Identification

Document sources for safety warnings:

RIFA capacitors are prone to explosive failure.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://console5.com/wiki/RIFA |title=RIFA Capacitor Information |publisher=Console5 Wiki |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>

Citation Management

Reference Lists

Organize references at page bottom:

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Additional Reading ==
* [[Related Article One]]
* [[Related Article Two]]
* [https://external-resource.com External Technical Resource]

Reference Groups

For different types of sources:

== References ==
{{reflist|group=manuals}}

== Additional Sources ==
{{reflist|group=community}}

Named References

For sources used multiple times:

<ref name="apple_manual">{{cite manual |title=Apple IIe Technical Reference |year=1982}}</ref>

Later in the article:
<ref name="apple_manual" />

Special Cases

Orphaned Documentation

For sources where copyright status is unclear:

{{cite manual
| title = Unknown Manufacturer Service Guide
| publisher = [Publisher unknown]
| year = circa 1985
| note = Copyright status uncertain - used under fair use for educational purposes
}}

Foreign Language Sources

For non-English documentation:

{{cite manual
| title = コンピュータ修理マニュアル
| trans-title = Computer Repair Manual
| language = Japanese
| publisher = Fujitsu
| year = 1984
}}

Multiple Revisions

When citing documents with multiple versions:

{{cite manual
| title = Commodore 64 Service Manual
| version = Revision C
| publisher = Commodore Business Machines
| year = 1983
| note = Supersedes Revision A and B
}}

Linking and Access

URL Guidelines

When including web links:

Use stable URLs - Prefer permalink or archive versions
Check link validity - Verify links work before publishing
Provide alternatives - Include archive.org links for unstable sources
Note access requirements - Indicate if registration or payment required

Archive Citations

For historical or hard-to-find sources:

{{cite web
| url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100615000000/http://example.com/manual.html
| title = Original Manual Page
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100615000000/http://example.com/manual.html
| archive-date = 2010-06-15
| access-date = 2025-01-07
}}

Copyright and Attribution

Fair Use Citations

When using copyrighted material under fair use:

{{cite manual
| title = Proprietary Service Manual
| publisher = TechCorp Inc.
| year = 1987
| pages = 45-46
| note = Brief excerpt used under fair use for educational purposes
}}

Permission Required

For extensive use of copyrighted material:

{{cite manual
| title = Complete Technical Reference
| publisher = Hardware Inc.
| year = 1990
| note = Used with permission from copyright holder
| permission = Email dated 2024-05-15
}}

Common Citation Errors

Incomplete Information

Avoid citations lacking essential details:

Missing dates - Always include publication or access dates
Vague titles - Use complete, specific titles
No page numbers - Include specific page references for long documents
Broken links - Verify all URLs before publishing

Over-Citation

Don't cite unnecessarily:

Common knowledge - Well-known technical facts don't require citations
Basic specifications - Standard voltages, connector types widely documented
Simple procedures - Basic maintenance steps don't need detailed sourcing

Under-Citation

Always cite when needed:

Unusual specifications - Non-standard or surprising technical information
Safety procedures - Any procedure involving potential hazards
Controversial information - Claims that might be disputed

Tools and Resources

Citation Templates

RetroTechCollection provides templates for common source types:

{{cite manual}} - Service manuals and technical documentation
{{cite datasheet}} - Component specifications
{{cite web}} - Online resources
{{cite book}} - Published references
{{cite forum}} - Community sources

External Tools

Helpful citation management tools:

Archive.org - Wayback Machine for preserving web sources
DOI lookup - For academic papers and formal publications
ISBN databases - For book identification and verification