Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[VK5RC]

Trying to get all those digits to line up, you NEED an AC standard (ok a bit past its prime) Fluke 510A

[HighVoltage]

Trying to get all those digits to line up, you NEED an AC standard (ok a bit past its prime) Fluke 510A

I have been looking at them for a while and was not sure how good they really are on today's standard.
Let us know how good or bad this one works for you.

[tggzzz]

Trying to get all those digits to line up, you NEED an AC standard (ok a bit past its prime) Fluke 510A

Surely you just need a stable voltage.

If you want to get as many 0s/9s as possible, add a 10-turn pot and a resistor. If you want several meters to agree, add a small screwdriver for the calibration trimpots. If you want other people's meters to agree on the value, open your wallet.

[alm]

How do you get a stable AC voltage beyond the stability a standard function generator can provide? Build your own by using a precision DAC with a stable voltage reference?

[Vgkid]

Nice. I got one of those 510A/2.4KHz , about a year ago. It was when a bunch of them and 731's went on the-bay. It was pretty decent.

[WastelandTek]

Trying to get all those digits to line up, you NEED an AC standard (ok a bit past its prime) Fluke 510A

Surely you just need a stable voltage.

If you want to get as many 0s/9s as possible, add a 10-turn pot and a resistor. If you want several meters to agree, add a small screwdriver for the calibration trimpots. If you want other people's meters to agree on the value, open your wallet.

 

[bd139]

I know someone with calibrated kit that is better than mine. I bring him beer when I want to check mine. Beer is cheaper than voltage standards!

[tggzzz]

I know someone with calibrated kit that is better than mine. I bring him beer when I want to check mine. Beer is cheaper than voltage standards!

I want someone to calibrate my 10V reference; my highest resolution DVM indicates ~30ppm error, but is that just the DVM?

Currently I'm thinking of taking it to Germany, because that might be least expensive. But it might be fun persuading the airport checkers that it is switched on aand working!

[bd139]

I've got a REF02 10v reference. I wish someone did a mail in service who for say €20 would measure it and send it back.

[tggzzz]

I've got a REF02 10v reference. I wish someone did a mail in service who for say €20 would measure it and send it back.

I've had a price indication of £275ish from RS But they do offer calibration certificates.

[alm]

I can not imagine a cal lab willing to calibrate a reference for €20. The calibration club idea is the only affordable option. If you live in the UK, you might be able to get Alex's standard shipped to you and back for that kind of money. You would then have to do your own transfer, and print your own pretty piece of paper.

[bd139]

Interesting idea. Would be nice if someone with a standard turned up at a hackspace or something as well.

I've got a REF02 10v reference. I wish someone did a mail in service who for say €20 would measure it and send it back.

I've had a price indication of £275ish from RS But they do offer calibration certificates.

Everything from RS is expensive

[med6753]

That's the one thing my bench is lacking. Accurate and stable AC voltage references. I need references up to at least 190V RMS to adequately calibrate the AC volts on the DMM option on the Tek 2465 DMS scope. I can't even get a stable 19.0V RMS with the equipment I have. I do have good DC volt and resistance references. But I'm not to the point where I'm going to spend ridiculous amounts of cash for something like a Fluke AC calibrator. Nor am I going to visit a cal lab and get fleeced.

In October the local amateur radio club will be having a hamfest and I plan on attending not only to look for goodies but to see if someone will be willing to help out a fellow hobbyist.     

[WastelandTek]

to see if someone will be willing to help out a fellow hobbyist.   

local/regional calibration clubs would seem to be a really good idea

[med6753]

to see if someone will be willing to help out a fellow hobbyist.   

local/regional calibration clubs would seem to be a really good idea

Yep, and I'd be willing to help others with my DCV and resistance references. While they are not super duper accurate they are close enough to verify and tweak 4.5 digit DMM's and more than adequate for 3.5 digit DMM's. And I keep a written record of any variations and calibrations.

[tautech]

I want someone to calibrate my 10V reference; my highest resolution DVM indicates ~30ppm error, but is that just the DVM?

What about member IanJ ?

He makes these precision voltage sources:
http://www.ianjohnston.com/index.php/onlineshop/handheld-precision-digital-voltage-source-v2-detail

[bd139]

That's interesting. That'd cover my somewhat too numerous 4.5 digit meters nicely.

[WastelandTek]

I want someone to calibrate my 10V reference; my highest resolution DVM indicates ~30ppm error, but is that just the DVM?

What about member IanJ ?

He makes these precision voltage sources:
http://www.ianjohnston.com/index.php/onlineshop/handheld-precision-digital-voltage-source-v2-detail

you BASTARD!  oh god...my wallet

jk, that thing looks GREAT!

[bitseeker]

Uh oh. Someone forgot to leave their wallet at the door before entering the TEA house. That could be problematic. 

[bd139]

This is a serious problem.

Just joining this forum has cost me a new scope and second hand power supply in the last two weeks already.  Then I see this thread and the next thing I know I am suddenly the owner of a Fluke 8050A because it will stack nicely with my 8010A and 8600A. My inhibitions are gone about too many bits of kit.

This could end badly.

[neo]

This is a serious problem.

Just joining this forum has cost me a new scope and second hand power supply in the last two weeks already.  Then I see this thread and the next thing I know I am suddenly the owner of a Fluke 8050A because it will stack nicely with my 8010A and 8600A. My inhibitions are gone about too many bits of kit.

This could end badly.

It could, but only if you stop. 

[tautech]

I want someone to calibrate my 10V reference; my highest resolution DVM indicates ~30ppm error, but is that just the DVM?

What about member IanJ ?

He makes these precision voltage sources:
http://www.ianjohnston.com/index.php/onlineshop/handheld-precision-digital-voltage-source-v2-detail

you BASTARD!  oh god...my wallet

jk, that thing looks GREAT!

Don't you speak to me like that ! 

You need thank me, I'm an TEA enabler. 

[neo]

I want someone to calibrate my 10V reference; my highest resolution DVM indicates ~30ppm error, but is that just the DVM?

What about member IanJ ?

He makes these precision voltage sources:
http://www.ianjohnston.com/index.php/onlineshop/handheld-precision-digital-voltage-source-v2-detail

you BASTARD!  oh god...my wallet

jk, that thing looks GREAT!

Don't you speak to me like that ! 

You need thank me, I'm an TEA enabler. 

I looked up some of the expensive bits in those precision supplies and he is definitely being reasonable on the price.

[bitseeker]

This might be considered IEA, instead of TEA, but the lesson is the same, nonetheless. Beware of seemingly harmless $20 listings on eBay.

[VK5RC]

That is devotion to TE !  But what a bargain! 
I want one but my wife says I can't have one.
My thinking is if I got a pick and place machine it would mean a lot less room for other "critical" test gear! Like the Agilent 3499B and 2x 44470A modules (with connectors) I just bought on fleabay.