CALGARY, Alberta -- Motorcoach operators and their maintenance personnel know the drill: a signal-light switch, public-address microphone, electronic destination sign or other electrical device goes on the fritz, and theres nothing to do but toss it away and buy a new one.

Until now.

Big Rig Collision of Calgary announced it has set up an Electronics Rebuild Division with the goal of putting an end to needlessly costly component throw-aways and replacements, and a whole lot less needless waste in landfills.

"In the past, motorcoach operators and transit authorities have had to literally throw out failed electronic components and purchase new ones," said Big Rig President Brad Field.

"There was no viable option to repair them. With our new Electronics Rebuild Division we are able, in most cases, to rebuild those components and supply them back to the owner for about 30 to 40 percent of the cost of new components.

"Its a lower cost option for our customers -- and a much greener one. Why fill up landfill sites with potentially hazardous, perfectly repairable electronic components when Big Rig can repair them for a fraction of the cost?" Field asks.

Heading up the Big Rig Electronics Rebuild Division is George W. Wilson. With 20-plus years of electrical and electronic experience in the motorcoach industry, Wilson understands that most of the modern electronic components used on coaches and buses are repairable, says Field.

"I dont think most companies will replace expensive electronic components when repairing them is an option," says Wilson. "And at Big Rig, were always eager to spare our customers from unnecessary expenditures."

Currently, Big Rigs Electronics Rebuild program can rebuild more than 50 electronic components, including most types of multiplex modules, HVAC controllers, voltage regulators, battery equalizers, signal light switches, monitors, video control modules, PA microphones, radio/CD players, audio amps and electronic destination signs.

For a free estimate on rebuild costs, owners can send their failed electronic components to Big Rig Collision.

Providing the components are repairable, Big Rig says it will quickly complete the rebuild or, in an emergency, immediately send a replacement rebuild from its inventory.

For more information, go to www.bigrigcollision.com, or e-mail rpek@bigrigcollision.com.

Big Rig specializes in repairing and refurbishing motorcoaches, transit buses and other heavy equipment.