Dave,
I would just like to thank you for your videos and the excellent content over the years. Since watching your Video Blog and reading the Forum I have completely updated my labs test equipment at least twice
I have purchased some equipment new, and some used. The result is that I have a very capable lab that can handle most real world scenarios. It all started with the Rigol DS1052E, way back. I wanted a DSO and your insight helped me decide on the model to purchase. A decision I have never regretted. Not your fault, but my bank balance has been suffering ever since discovering your Blog and Forum
BUT I have learnt a lot
Much of the test equipment that you have reviewed has been very interesting. This power supply equally so, but for a different reason. It is like Marmite (Yeast Spread) in the UK, you either love it or hate it ! I fall into the latter category for reasons that I have mentioned (I love Marmite though). BUT there will be those who love the high tech front panel and display so they may buy it. From my perspective, there are test equipments that are necessarily complex in terms of front panel layout and displays, others need not be. I have always considered a lab power supply to be a simple device containing a decent transformer/SMPSU and a variable voltage and current regulator. No need for the front panel to be too fancy, just functional. My concern with the Rigol is that it appears as if Rigol are deliberately trying to make their humble power supply appear as complex and 'whizzy' as a spectrum analyser ! This appears to me to be just a marketing ploy. Well good luck to them but I am more impressed by performance than flashy front panels. There is a place for radical user interface design, usually at the Motor shows and inside Citroen cars
but on the test bench ? As has been stated.....where is this 'precision' power supplies 'Sense' input
Without such it is missing the point of precision voltage and current completely !
It is good that your video has extracted the views of so many technical bods, maybe that will influence designers who read the blog ?
I wonder if Rigol carry out UAT (User acceptance testing) before production ? Maybe they could let you test prototypes before full production. You knowledge and that of the forum could significantly improve their products user interfaces. Maybe they could engage you as a consultant ? That might knacker your independent review status though ?
Keep up the good work, and I hope you feel better soon.