Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[med6753]

Guys & gals, from TEA's perspective   , an Extech programmable ac source, is it a good replacement for my variac ? 

With a few specific exceptions, it'll run circles around your variac. So just go for it if the price tag looks acceptable.

Can it function as an isolation device from the mains too?

[bd139]

When you can't afford to pay your electricity bill after buying it, then yes

[capt bullshot]

Guys & gals, from TEA's perspective   , an Extech programmable ac source, is it a good replacement for my variac ? 

With a few specific exceptions, it'll run circles around your variac. So just go for it if the price tag looks acceptable.

Can it function as an isolation device from the mains too?

Depends. Most probably, one wouldn't consider it as an safety isolation device but functional isolation (ground / neutral loop breaking) might be within the range. Reading the manual is required, note your "standard" variac doesn't isolate.

[med6753]

Guys & gals, from TEA's perspective   , an Extech programmable ac source, is it a good replacement for my variac ? 

With a few specific exceptions, it'll run circles around your variac. So just go for it if the price tag looks acceptable.

Can it function as an isolation device from the mains too?

Depends. Most probably, one wouldn't consider it as an safety isolation device but functional isolation (ground / neutral loop breaking) might be within the range. Reading the manual is required, note your "standard" variac doesn't isolate.

I know a standard variac doesn't isolate the mains which is why I asked. If this unit does it almost, but not quite, makes it worth the premium price.

[FransW]

"YESSIR!"

My favourite assistent.

[BU508A]

Guys & gals, from TEA's perspective   , an Extech programmable ac source, is it a good replacement for my variac ? 

With a few specific exceptions, it'll run circles around your variac. So just go for it if the price tag looks acceptable.

Can it function as an isolation device from the mains too?

Depends. Most probably, one wouldn't consider it as an safety isolation device but functional isolation (ground / neutral loop breaking) might be within the range. Reading the manual is required, note your "standard" variac doesn't isolate.

I know a standard variac doesn't isolate the mains which is why I asked. If this unit does it almost, but not quite, makes it worth the premium price.

Mine does. 

[capt bullshot]

Guys & gals, from TEA's perspective   , an Extech programmable ac source, is it a good replacement for my variac ? 

With a few specific exceptions, it'll run circles around your variac. So just go for it if the price tag looks acceptable.

Can it function as an isolation device from the mains too?

Depends. Most probably, one wouldn't consider it as an safety isolation device but functional isolation (ground / neutral loop breaking) might be within the range. Reading the manual is required, note your "standard" variac doesn't isolate.

I know a standard variac doesn't isolate the mains which is why I asked. If this unit does it almost, but not quite, makes it worth the premium price.

To me, it's worthiness is more in its other strengths, like variable frequency and voltage, independence from mains impedance and waveform, overload protection, for the more recent models various sophisticated and accurate readouts of load current and consumed power, sometimes it can be used as a variable DC source also, ...

[capt bullshot]

Mine does. 

Yes, I know. I've used this model at a former employer.

[tautech]

I gotta man up too today for the Lincoln plasma cutter on the bench that has some fault in the cutting arc supply.
Mains bridge, IGBT's or drive circuit IDK but will carefully work my way through it.
Gotta theory of operation overview diagram only that's little different from what I imagined anyways.

Shitty wet day in NZ today and been working on this ^.
Found a service manual online with a reasonably detailed circuit layout and a good amount of test points to help you find areas where faults might be.
Lincoln Procut25
https://www.red-d-arc.com/pdf/Procut25%20Service%20Manual.pdf

Much poking and prodding ensued until I came across a 12V miniature DPDT relay with a dimple in its hat. 
It's listed as RL1 on P25 and apparently controls the HF start arc but with its guts cooked some so the NO contacts remain closed the unit fails to start as safety circuits kick in to prevent it.

Replace the relay, easy one might think but not. 
Tried RS, E14, Digikey and Mouser so far but not finished although I am for today. 

> Finder Type 40.61 16A 230VAC rating. 12V 205 ohm coil <

Some are close but most are all around a pigs arse but no pork !   

Need to get this one done as a really interesting power control module from a 13 KW 3 axis programmable mill awaits. 

[BravoV]

Guys & gals, from TEA's perspective   , an Extech programmable ac source, is it a good replacement for my variac ? 

With a few specific exceptions, it'll run circles around your variac. So just go for it if the price tag looks acceptable.

Can it function as an isolation device from the mains too?

Depends. Most probably, one wouldn't consider it as an safety isolation device but functional isolation (ground / neutral loop breaking) might be within the range. Reading the manual is required, note your "standard" variac doesn't isolate.

I know a standard variac doesn't isolate the mains which is why I asked. If this unit does it almost, but not quite, makes it worth the premium price.

According to the datasheet (attached below), no isolation.

But ... I do have one .. two  1KVA isolation transformers on my disposal ... hoards. 

[VK5RC]

Re the AC power supply - I have one and I use it quite a bit - esp for powering dodgy-just repaired - old gear. Can do mixed AC DC supply with cut off current limits and vary frequency as well. They typically ask for a kidney type price - but I would hang on to mine like crazy. Much better than a variac.

[tggzzz]

Just sniped a bargain:
16 pieces of 1k resistors, Vishay S102C (Y00071K00000T9L) 0.01% for ca. 77 Euro.   

https://www.ebay.de/itm/133490619724

I've just snagged 80 0.03% resistors between 100mohm and 1Mohm for £34+35%. They are ready mounted on switches with a 2mohm resistance, and in a nice enclosure with the legend "JJ Instruments R802 Resistance Box".  There were 4 other examples, which went for £50-80+35%. I'm not sure why I was lucky; the only visible reason is that mine was upside down on the shelf

Well, I got that sort-of wrong.

There I was thinking I'd have a nice little resistance box to put on the shelf on top of my HP3468a or new Agilent 34410A. But, ... not quite ...



I'll have to build a shelf for that pit prop.

Still, at least they are 0.03% resistors, 2mOhm switches, and 25mohm excess resistance.

[Specmaster]

Ahh you got the manufacturer tools for it 

Some but not all and they didn't come from the factory. 
Also some key press sequences for 'special' tasks also that we share between distributors....they are official but secret. 

My software usually has stuff like that built into it. Usually helps with getting invoices paid down the line 

You must be a tough nut to deal with bd as I have zero issues here.
You wanna the goods you pays up front ! 

Only exception is for the military and their rules....payment under 7 days from receipt of goods....and they always do ! 

Indeed, if you don't pay bd's invoice his software bursts into flames. 

And takes the hardware with it for good measure, ensures payment is made in the future 

[Specmaster]

Item stated "Please study the photos for exact item condition". Thus return has been started.

Consumer law here is pretty hardcore so they don't have a choice but to accept the return.

That wording alone should result in good outcome for you. 

If that's the case then I would have to agree too. "Not as pictured"

Edit....hopefully it doesn't turn into a pissing contest like dragon had with that Fluke meter.

Will see what happens 

And?

It's easy to see that the weekend with the lady cop has fully recharged your batteries, you're in overdrive now. 

[bd139]

Ahh you got the manufacturer tools for it 

Some but not all and they didn't come from the factory. 
Also some key press sequences for 'special' tasks also that we share between distributors....they are official but secret. 

My software usually has stuff like that built into it. Usually helps with getting invoices paid down the line 

You must be a tough nut to deal with bd as I have zero issues here.
You wanna the goods you pays up front ! 

Only exception is for the military and their rules....payment under 7 days from receipt of goods....and they always do ! 

Indeed, if you don't pay bd's invoice his software bursts into flames. 

Gah it’s so difficult getting paid here. Even inside invoice terms. Part of British culture is bureaucracy via semi intentional incompetence. This is true of most countries but the British have turned it into a fine art. All it takes is a purchase order going missing and you have to wait an entire nanosecond for the internal pissing match to turn into an invoice not being paid. Every company I have dealt with is either that or run by someone who is either so deep in the shit that they’re paying the most threatening invoice first or had no intention of paying it on time to start with. 

Salaried now which is nice, especially as they pay on time

[Zucca]

Got an offer locally, and so worry of YALBOA. 

40 - 500Hz Full Range Adjust

 

[bd139]

Just sniped a bargain:
16 pieces of 1k resistors, Vishay S102C (Y00071K00000T9L) 0.01% for ca. 77 Euro.   

https://www.ebay.de/itm/133490619724

I've just snagged 80 0.03% resistors between 100mohm and 1Mohm for £34+35%. They are ready mounted on switches with a 2mohm resistance, and in a nice enclosure with the legend "JJ Instruments R802 Resistance Box".  There were 4 other examples, which went for £50-80+35%. I'm not sure why I was lucky; the only visible reason is that mine was upside down on the shelf

Well, I got that sort-of wrong.

There I was thinking I'd have a nice little resistance box to put on the shelf on top of my HP3468a or new Agilent 34410A. But, ... not quite ...



I'll have to build a shelf for that pit prop.

Still, at least they are 0.03% resistors, 2mOhm switches, and 25mohm excess resistance.

That’s quite funny. It certainly is an excessively large unit!

[tonyalbus]

Just sniped a bargain:
16 pieces of 1k resistors, Vishay S102C (Y00071K00000T9L) 0.01% for ca. 77 Euro.   

https://www.ebay.de/itm/133490619724

I've just snagged 80 0.03% resistors between 100mohm and 1Mohm for £34+35%. They are ready mounted on switches with a 2mohm resistance, and in a nice enclosure with the legend "JJ Instruments R802 Resistance Box".  There were 4 other examples, which went for £50-80+35%. I'm not sure why I was lucky; the only visible reason is that mine was upside down on the shelf

Well, I got that sort-of wrong.

There I was thinking I'd have a nice little resistance box to put on the shelf on top of my HP3468a or new Agilent 34410A. But, ... not quite ...



I'll have to build a shelf for that pit prop.

Still, at least they are 0.03% resistors, 2mOhm switches, and 25mohm excess resistance.

That’s quite funny. It certainly is an excessively large unit!

Did not know HP made such small meter...

[McBryce]

Just sniped a bargain:
16 pieces of 1k resistors, Vishay S102C (Y00071K00000T9L) 0.01% for ca. 77 Euro.   

https://www.ebay.de/itm/133490619724

I've just snagged 80 0.03% resistors between 100mohm and 1Mohm for £34+35%. They are ready mounted on switches with a 2mohm resistance, and in a nice enclosure with the legend "JJ Instruments R802 Resistance Box".  There were 4 other examples, which went for £50-80+35%. I'm not sure why I was lucky; the only visible reason is that mine was upside down on the shelf

Well, I got that sort-of wrong.

There I was thinking I'd have a nice little resistance box to put on the shelf on top of my HP3468a or new Agilent 34410A. But, ... not quite ...



I'll have to build a shelf for that pit prop.

Still, at least they are 0.03% resistors, 2mOhm switches, and 25mohm excess resistance.

Surely the 4mm Binding Posts should have given you an idea. That's how I judge the size of unknown equipment.

McBryce.

[bd139]

He probably thought they were 2mm binding posts 

To be fair that’s about the size of the Brennenstuhl socket block I bought and thought it would be much smaller too 

[tonyalbus]

allway dificult to see on piuctures, and if you want it bad, your mind will F* you too also...

[Specmaster]

Just sniped a bargain:
16 pieces of 1k resistors, Vishay S102C (Y00071K00000T9L) 0.01% for ca. 77 Euro.   

https://www.ebay.de/itm/133490619724

I've just snagged 80 0.03% resistors between 100mohm and 1Mohm for £34+35%. They are ready mounted on switches with a 2mohm resistance, and in a nice enclosure with the legend "JJ Instruments R802 Resistance Box".  There were 4 other examples, which went for £50-80+35%. I'm not sure why I was lucky; the only visible reason is that mine was upside down on the shelf

Well, I got that sort-of wrong.

There I was thinking I'd have a nice little resistance box to put on the shelf on top of my HP3468a or new Agilent 34410A. But, ... not quite ...



I'll have to build a shelf for that pit prop.

Still, at least they are 0.03% resistors, 2mOhm switches, and 25mohm excess resistance.

That’s quite funny. It certainly is an excessively large unit!

Did not know HP made such small meter...

Of course you do Tony, its the same size at the front as your HP3478A but not as deep being as it is portable as well.

[Brumby]

Well, I got that sort-of wrong.

There I was thinking I'd have a nice little resistance box to put on the shelf on top of my HP3468a or new Agilent 34410A. But, ... not quite ...

LOL 

Thank you.  I needed that.

[bd139]

Just got paid this morning so got my baby back again after this year's earlier disaster

[mnementh]

Recidivist muthafu**** morning coffee:

03:30 - MS Flight Sim 2020 is Massive/Epic/Will EAT your Gaming Rig Alive  (But I knew this)...

How badly will MSFS maul your gaming rig? https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/microsoft-flight-simulator-(2020)-pc-graphics-performance-benchmark-review,4.html...

Yeah, I can't believe I've been waiting over a decade for (essentially) this. I used to sim a lot back in the days when we'd get new ones on a regular basis and from more than one source.

I'm looking forward to a lot of VFR flying in this one now that we have the tech to make flying low and slow worthwhile. It looks amazing (except when it doesn't). Hopefully, they make enough to keep improving it.

Meh, I stick to X-Plane for now.

Condor Soaring, in my case. But then I like flying close to rocks and making use of them - and departing from controlled flight without the wings coming off.

Remote-controlled Condors...? They have a app for everything nowadays...    Altho arguably a good thing... you don't wanna get too close, they reek. 

I'm already running a 95th %-ile VR rig, so my beast should be just fine. My OMG was mostly that article stating they expect this single title to push enough people over the edge on upgrading that it will essentially drive $2.6B in HW sales over the next couple years...

mnem