Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[Cubdriver]

    Dude... my groin aches just from LOOKING at that effing .   

But wow, man... what a score. You have truly earned the title of jammy git !

mnem
Objects in rear view mirror may appear heavier than they are.

Meh...  It's only 48 lbs.  Not too bad as boat anchors go.  (I have a few that are closer to or north of 70!) 

But yes, it is in beautiful physical condition.  I'm happy with it.   

-Pat

[nixiefreqq]

    Dude... my groin aches just from LOOKING at that effing .   

But wow, man... what a score. You have truly earned the title of jammy git !

mnem
Objects in rear view mirror may appear heavier than they are.

Meh...  It's only 48 lbs.  Not too bad as boat anchors go.  (I have a few that are closer to or north of 70!) 

But yes, it is in beautiful physical condition.  I'm happy with it.   

-Pat

[GreyWoolfe]

In Other News...


Today, I made a liverwurst and swiss cheese sandwich with dijon mustard for lunch... AND I ENJOYED IT.

I am turning into my grandmother. 


I'll be back when I have time to catch up... busy with a minor paradigm shift that revolves around whether I can resurrect a medium-size UPS.

Cheers,

mnem
Getting old is the wurst.

I love liverwurst and swiss! Make me one. 

Me, too but no mustard.  Hellman's mayo only.  Mrs GreyWoolfe prefers mustard and always looks askance when I use mayo.  She can think and say what she wants but there is no teaching this woolfe new tricks.

[neo]

My search for enlightenment is not going so well... 5 hour drive and all I got to show for it is a magic eye cap tester and a broke car door 

[bd139]

Friday night! Let's hit the town. Actually screw that, let's build the VTVM probe kit.

All done and working correctly on all ranges.



Fear the genuine 1950's style probes of certain death!

Sooo how much did that little escapade cost me: £49 for a perfect V7-AU VTVM. Not bad! Seen broken ones go for that.

[Specmaster]

Good work, they are nice bits of kit especially for radio work 

[bd139]

Indeed. Going to see if I can get me a genuine 309 RF probe for it as well.

[Specmaster]

That was my intention, if I could have found, I'd have left mine as standard and maybe run it via a isolation transformer but I long since gave up on that idea.

[med6753]

Friday night! Let's hit the town. Actually screw that, let's build the VTVM probe kit.

All done and working correctly on all ranges.


Fear the genuine 1950's style probes of certain death!

Sooo how much did that little escapade cost me: £49 for a perfect V7-AU VTVM. Not bad! Seen broken ones go for that.

Looks good!. And yes, those are the proper probes for that vintage VTVM and the colors are correct too (DC probe black, AC/ohms probe red)

[med6753]

Indeed. Going to see if I can get me a genuine 309 RF probe for it as well.

Here you go....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heathkit-PK-3A-RF-Probe-NIB-Unassembled-Kit/173513685468?hash=item286638b9dc:g:nhEAAOSwmOZbjZMM

[xmo]

So...  It's pretty well established that this "group therapy" thread is not about curing but rather about enabling - I will join in and try to send one or two of you further down the path.

Want a nice network analyzer?  How about a Rohde & Schwarz ZVB?  Pretty late model.  Windows based.  Lots of features.  USB ports for keyboard, mouse & memory do-dads.

Here are two numbers.  (item numbers that is):  372420131096 372420156284.

The first is for the more active risk-takers.  It shows a reference error.  The same screen also shows "ext ref" in the status line.  Who knows?  Maybe just change a setting?  Or  - need to fix a reference.  But it is way cheap.  A couple of these sold for big bucks.  Also, several others are currently listed for big bucks.

The second number appears to have no issues and costs more but is still a super deal.  At least I think so.

These are awesome instruments.  Ask me how I know.  Actually, I had no real "need" for another network analyzer - but what has "need" got to do with things when you are afflicted with TEA?

And , I was sure one of you would come along at the last second and out-bid me.  It happens all the time to me.  If I see something at an attractive price - usually all my bid does is help the seller make more money.  BTW, this is the first time I have bought from this seller.  The shipped right away & packed well so there were no issues in transit.

Anyway, if a couple of you jump on these - let us know when you get them.  We can start a Rohde & Schwarz network analyzer thread to discuss applications, user tips, operational questions, cal kits, test cables, etc.

[Mr. Scram]

So...  It's pretty well established that this "group therapy" thread is not about curing but rather about enabling - I will join in and try to send one or two of you further down the path.

Want a nice network analyzer?  How about a Rohde & Schwarz ZVB?  Pretty late model.  Windows based.  Lots of features.  USB ports for keyboard, mouse & memory do-dads.

Here are two numbers.  (item numbers that is):  372420131096 372420156284.

The first is for the more active risk-takers.  It shows a reference error.  The same screen also shows "ext ref" in the status line.  Who knows?  Maybe just change a setting?  Or  - need to fix a reference.  But it is way cheap.  A couple of these sold for big bucks.  Also, several others are currently listed for big bucks.

The second number appears to have no issues and costs more but is still a super deal.  At least I think so.

These are awesome instruments.  Ask me how I know.  Actually, I had no real "need" for another network analyzer - but what has "need" got to do with things when you are afflicted with TEA?

And , I was sure one of you would come along at the last second and out-bid me.  It happens all the time to me.  If I see something at an attractive price - usually all my bid does is help the seller make more money.  BTW, this is the first time I have bought from this seller.  The shipped right away & packed well so there were no issues in transit.

Anyway, if a couple of you jump on these - let us know when you get them.  We can start a Rohde & Schwarz network analyzer thread to discuss applications, user tips, operational questions, cal kits, test cables, etc.

Neither item number seems to be a valid item, or we're suffering once more from the mysterious eBay geofiltering.

[Specmaster]

I understand that some UK members are a little nervous about buying anything from USA on Ebay because of the shipping and import fees along with the uncertainty of the sellers and also because of the cost of returning anything for a refund should it turn to be a pile of dog poo when you get it. I was one of those people myself once but after honing my skills in detecting a diamond in the rough, careful examination of the photos, description, sellers feedbacks, etc I think I've good it sorted, as this latest stateside purchase will demonstrate that it is possible to pick up some real gems if you're careful.

I purchased from this seller http://www.ebaystores.co.uk/Express-Equipment-Auctions a HP3468A meter that was advertised as
"SOLD AS-IS / UNTESTED, Unit Is In Good Cosmetic Condition, Minor Wear and Tear
UNIT POWERS ON AND DISPLAY IS FUNCTIONING.
NO FURTHER TESTING DONE."

The display was showing a voltage reading with no leads attached to the inputs but that is a known feature with this kind of meter and is due to the very high input impedance, the rest of the description seemed to be in keeping with the photos and the feedback was impeccable. It should be noted that this was not my first purchase from this seller either, I had a couple of weeks prior bagged a Fluke 8840A that was not quite in as good a condition as the 3468 was because the metal casing had some dents, but the front and rear plastic parts were perfect and so was the meter when I changed the voltage selector to 240v it spring to life and a perfectly usable meter and passed the calibration tests easily.

I was hoping that I was going have myself another great meter that was in calibration (I can calibrate this type with ease if it wasn't) so I took it out of the packing (which is excellent with this seller), opened it up and changed the voltage tappings, gave it a once over for damage or anything wrong, looked OK so powered it up and bingo, it worked and I ran some calibration tests on it and it passed them again, like the Fluke, with ease.

So in the end I got myself an excellent piece of TE for £133.86 shipped and all duty paid that would cost here in the UK far more and when you see the photos, it looks (after I cleaned off all the users ID marks etc) as if it has just been taken out of its box as a brand new meter for the first time, it certainly does not look like a 30 year old meter which it is.

I'm extremely pleased with this meter it sits proudly alongside my other great purchases from both sides of the pond using the same techniques of thoroughly researching the product before looking for suitable rough diamond. My bench is looking great now with gear that looks as if it was purchased new recently, before it was decidedly a mix of rough looking and just about working gear that for years got me by.

Its a great feeling buying something that is either new like my Brymen 867s or something with a little effort can be made to look like new and as an added bonus, needs no repair work being done, thumbs upto that. 

[xrunner]

"SOLD AS-IS / UNTESTED, Unit Is In Good Cosmetic Condition, Minor Wear and Tear
UNIT POWERS ON AND DISPLAY IS FUNCTIONING.
NO FURTHER TESTING DONE."

The display was showing a voltage reading with no leads attached to the inputs but that is a known feature with this kind of meter and is due to the very high input impedance, the rest of the description seemed to be in keeping with the photos and the feedback was impeccable.

Yep I've gotten some good gear taking a chance like that. They just don't have the time or knowledge to test it, and if it looks OK and it powers on it's worth a chance, but they don't have to worry about returns because they honestly told you that you are buying with the condition unknown.

[Specmaster]

Yep I've gotten some good gear taking a chance like that. They just don't have the time or knowledge to test it, and if it looks OK and it powers on it's worth a chance, but they don't have to worry about returns because they honestly told you that you are buying with the condition unknown.

Yep, but by being diligent you minimise the risk to a very low level indeed.

[bitseeker]

Today, I made a liverwurst and swiss cheese sandwich with dijon mustard for lunch... AND I ENJOYED IT.

I am turning into my grandmother. 

I love liverwurst and swiss! Make me one. 

Me, too but no mustard.  Hellman's mayo only.  Mrs GreyWoolfe prefers mustard and always looks askance when I use mayo.  She can think and say what she wants but there is no teaching this woolfe new tricks.

Liverwurst sandwich. Yum! No need for condiments (mayo or mustard). To me, liverwurst is a condiment — for the bread.

[mnementh]

@mnem: you have thoroughly put me off 3d printing now 

Been talking with some folks who know their stuff; the driver current rabbit-hole I went down the other day... was the answer/cause.

Y-axis shift in my case almost certainly caused by lack of proper adjustment therein; have found some recommended settings for the Tornado and the drivers I have that I've been able to corroborate with several sources.

The paradigm shift I was talking about was going to be moving the printer into another room; I've been emptying stuff out of my old office, then sorting it, then putting the sorted bins back in one corner. Things have gotten pretty chaotic in there. BUT... (butt?) if I get my butt in there and work on it for an afternoon, which I need to do but have been putting off for over a month, I'll have more than enough room to set the printer up on one of my old drafting tables in there.

This is where the UPS comes in... the whole reason I set up on my bench was because of being able to plug into my monster UPS that the TV, cable modem & router, my PC etc are plugged into. I wanted to see if one of a smaller UPS I have would power it; but alas, while it does have sufficient current capacity, at high load (with bed & hotend heating) the output turns very ragged and makes the controller freak out.

So it's time for me to drop back & punt... Now I've got the driver current set, the printer is MUCH noisier. So it NEEDS to be out of the corner now. Guess my only solution now is going to be to live with a extension cord strung through to that room when I'm doing multi-day prints during storm season.

Yeah, "cart" wasn't the right word. Definitely don't want wheels on it. In any case, a more true-to-TEA solution would be to put the printer on top of a stack of  

I had it on my bench for just that reason. I suppose I could go face the wall of JENGA in the garage and find enough old gear to stack it on; then it'd look like I made some progress on that front...   

mnem
It is sometimes more important to appear to be making progress than to actually do so.

[mnementh]

Indeed. Going to see if I can get me a genuine 309 RF probe for it as well.

Here you go....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heathkit-PK-3A-RF-Probe-NIB-Unassembled-Kit/173513685468?hash=item286638b9dc:g:nhEAAOSwmOZbjZMM

https://www.ebay.com/itm/382558878912

    Dude... my groin aches just from LOOKING at that effing .   

But wow, man... what a score. You have truly earned the title of jammy git !

mnem
Objects in rear view mirror may appear heavier than they are.

Oh good I can pass the crown on then, it was getting bit heavy wearing it all the time.

Here you go Pat. 

Today, I made a liverwurst and swiss cheese sandwich with dijon mustard for lunch... AND I ENJOYED IT.

I am turning into my grandmother. 

I love liverwurst and swiss! Make me one. 

Me, too but no mustard.  Hellman's mayo only.  Mrs GreyWoolfe prefers mustard and always looks askance when I use mayo.  She can think and say what she wants but there is no teaching this woolfe new tricks.

Liverwurst sandwich. Yum! No need for condiments (mayo or mustard). To me, liverwurst is a condiment — for the bread.

I had no idea that offhand comment would generate so much gusto.

I've NEVER really LIKED liverwurst in general. I was always like... maybe one day in a YEAR when I'm in the mood for something LIKE a liverwurst sandwich, and I make one and it is at best OK... and I'm good for another year or so.

This is first time in my life I ever actually LIKED it.

'course, I'm the same way about SPAM too. I'd rather watch Gallagher do Sledge-O-Matic to it than eat it most days. Occasionally like it fried then scrambled with eggs and stuffed in a breakfast taco. VERY occasionally.

mnem
There is no such thing as bad bacon.

[bitseeker]

Liverwurst sandwich. Yum! No need for condiments (mayo or mustard). To me, liverwurst is a condiment — for the bread.

I had no idea that offhand comment would generate so much gusto.

Yeah, didn't know that many people liked liverwurst.

I've NEVER really LIKED liverwurst in general. I was always like... maybe one day in a YEAR when I'm in the mood for something LIKE a liverwurst sandwich, and I make one and it is at best OK... and I'm good for another year or so.

This is first time in my life I ever actually LIKED it.

I see. I don't like liver (pork, fish, etc.), just liverwurst. Somehow the recipe hits the right sensors.

'course, I'm the same way about SPAM too. I'd rather watch Gallagher do Sledge-O-Matic to it than eat it most days. Occasionally like it fried then scrambled with eggs and stuffed in a breakfast taco. VERY occasionally.

Mmm, fried spam. Best on rice as spam musubi.

[tautech]

Had to grab my borrowed demo DSO from Dubbie today for a 'show and tell' for a customer next week. Man has he got a cool engineering workshop or what ! Envious.
Then shot over to hendorog's for coffee and a yarn about progress on fixing his 26 GHz counter. It's a bit sick. 
That lasted all of ~20 mins then had a delightful arvo fixing all that's wrong with the world. 
Lots of  finished off with an ale, a great couple or so hours. 

[BravoV]

Had to grab my borrowed demo DSO from Dubbie today for a 'show and tell' for a customer next week. Man has he got a cool engineering workshop or what ! Envious.
Then shot over to hendorog's for coffee and a yarn about progress on fixing his 26 GHz counter. It's a bit sick. 
That lasted all of ~20 mins then had a delightful arvo fixing all that's wrong with the world. 
Lots of  finished off with an ale, a great couple or so hours. 

Gentle reminder .... 

[tautech]

Had to grab my borrowed demo DSO from Dubbie today for a 'show and tell' for a customer next week. Man has he got a cool engineering workshop or what ! Envious.
Then shot over to hendorog's for coffee and a yarn about progress on fixing his 26 GHz counter. It's a bit sick. 
That lasted all of ~20 mins then had a delightful arvo fixing all that's wrong with the world. 
Lots of  finished off with an ale, a great couple or so hours. 

Gentle reminder .... 

<pic of Siglent DSO removed>
 
Can't go 'round taking pics of mates stuff ! 

[Cerebus]

It is sometimes more important to appear to be making progress than to actually do so.

Only when you have a boss , or a boss keeping an eye on you.

[GreyWoolfe]

Liverwurst sandwich. Yum! No need for condiments (mayo or mustard). To me, liverwurst is a condiment — for the bread.

I had no idea that offhand comment would generate so much gusto.

Yeah, didn't know that many people liked liverwurst.

I've NEVER really LIKED liverwurst in general. I was always like... maybe one day in a YEAR when I'm in the mood for something LIKE a liverwurst sandwich, and I make one and it is at best OK... and I'm good for another year or so.

This is first time in my life I ever actually LIKED it.

I see. I don't like liver (pork, fish, etc.), just liverwurst. Somehow the recipe hits the right sensors.

'course, I'm the same way about SPAM too. I'd rather watch Gallagher do Sledge-O-Matic to it than eat it most days. Occasionally like it fried then scrambled with eggs and stuffed in a breakfast taco. VERY occasionally.

Mmm, fried spam. Best on rice as spam musubi.

Mrs GreyWoolfe brings home liverwurst like every other month and we both enjoy it.  I enjoy chicken livers either as a pate or deep fried.  Don't care for beef liver.  People tell me it's great prepared properly but I have never had it prepared properly.  Fried spam sammiches with american yellow cheese on white bread, of course with mayo are good also.  I have been thinking about spam lately and how I want some.  The missus is giving me funny looks on that.

[mnementh]

It is sometimes more important to appear to be making progress than to actually do so.

Only when you have a boss , or a boss keeping an eye on you.

Not at all.

With sufficient hyperbole and grandiose overtures, advanced practitioners of the denial arts can even fool themselves into believing they've made progress. 

Yeah, didn't know that many people liked liverwurst.

I've NEVER really LIKED liverwurst in general. I was always like... maybe one day in a YEAR when I'm in the mood for something LIKE a liverwurst sandwich, and I make one and it is at best OK... and I'm good for another year or so.  This is first time in my life I ever actually LIKED it.

I see. I don't like liver (pork, fish, etc.), just liverwurst. Somehow the recipe hits the right sensors.

'course, I'm the same way about SPAM too. I'd rather watch Gallagher do Sledge-O-Matic to it than eat it most days. Occasionally like it fried then scrambled with eggs and stuffed in a breakfast taco. VERY occasionally.

Mmm, fried spam. Best on rice as spam musubi.

Mrs GreyWoolfe brings home liverwurst like every other month and we both enjoy it.  I enjoy chicken livers either as a pate or deep fried.  Don't care for beef liver.  People tell me it's great prepared properly but I have never had it prepared properly.  Fried spam sammiches with american yellow cheese on white bread, of course with mayo are good also.  I have been thinking about spam lately and how I want some.  The missus is giving me funny looks on that.

I'll eat sweet onion sandwiches on toasted rye bread, with or without corned beef/pastrami until it gives me cramps and not a regret in the world.

  I'll eat these and peach yogurt till my teeth start floating.

And don't get me started on Pillsbury "Flaky layers" biscuits... I'll eat 'em with sausage/bacon & eggs inside, open with butter & honey, or drowned in brown gravy & black-eyes peas until I bust a gut. I'll eat a proper cornbread biscuit exactly the same way, but only a few people know how to make a PROPER cornbread biscuit with crispy edges and moist insides. My grandmother was one... and I've done it a few times by accident.

But I've never been a liver-anything fan. 

mnem
Mmmm... bacon... *GHAAAAAAHHHH*