Author Topic: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread  (Read 18212550 times)

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Offline beanflying

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24925 on: February 10, 2019, 06:06:01 am »
Just while I was in here the shiny side of my HP 5300B Counter measuring system  8)
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Offline Inverted18650

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24926 on: February 10, 2019, 06:17:24 am »
Ya know, NEO told me they have 10 cats that run around....looks like the fur-ball frenzy is rampant among the community. I suppose 'Meow-support' beats tech-support any day
 
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Offline 0culus

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24927 on: February 10, 2019, 06:21:38 am »
Meow support does more to reduce stress...at least when they are not chewing on your good coax.  :-DD
 

Offline Inverted18650

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24928 on: February 10, 2019, 06:53:15 am »
Meow support does more to reduce stress...at least when they are not chewing on your good coax.  :-DD

My wife's fur-ball loves eating iPhone lighting cables.
 
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Offline 0culus

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24929 on: February 10, 2019, 06:56:25 am »
Nice, soft, and chewy. I love Apple hardware for the most part (typing this from a mac) but I'll just say it: their zero strain relief cables SUCK.  :horse:
 

Offline Cubdriver

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24930 on: February 10, 2019, 07:03:21 am »
I currently have five of them running about and getting into mischief.  They're actually pretty good about not chewing on wires and cables (Piglet seems to do it for attention; if she did it when I wasn't watching I'd have a lot of chewed through cables by now) - the annoying thing is that they DO like to chew plastic bags.  And eat the pieces, and later barf them up.  Usually when I'm asleep.  Somewhere on the path between the bedroom and the bathroom.  Nothing quite like trying to make a nocturnal visit to the throne room while trying to stay as close to asleep as possible and stepping barefoot in a nice gooey blob of ziplock bag and partially digested Friskies.  Yep.  That'll wake you up right quick!   
:palm:

-Pat
If it jams, force it.  If it breaks, you needed a new one anyway...
 

Offline 0culus

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24931 on: February 10, 2019, 07:05:12 am »
I currently have five of them running about and getting into mischief.  They're actually pretty good about not chewing on wires and cables (Piglet seems to do it for attention; if she did it when I wasn't watching I'd have a lot of chewed through cables by now) - the annoying thing is that they DO like to chew plastic bags.  And eat the pieces, and later barf them up.  Usually when I'm asleep.  Somewhere on the bath between the bedroom and the bathroom.  Nothing quite like trying to make a nocturnal visit to the throne room while trying to stay as close to asleep as possible and stepping barefoot in a nice gooey blob of ziplock bag and partially digested Friskies.  Yep.  That'll wake you up right quick!   
:palm:

-Pat

Ahhhh life with cats....if they weren't so darn cute and loving and happy to see you when you get home, we wouldn't put up with their shenanigans.  :-DD
 
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Offline GregDunn

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24932 on: February 10, 2019, 07:18:27 am »
And they keep your keyboard warm for you...

 
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Offline mnementh

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24933 on: February 10, 2019, 07:26:03 am »
From the "Dropping the Bottom Out of the Market" Dept at Amazon...

            

Earlier today, after sucking up my pride and plopping my wife's old Dell Vostro in place of my currently dismantled and de-electrified PC... I'm looking for a cheap 120mm fan that is BOTH LED (preferably Blue to match my overall case design) AND PWM for silent fan speed control to hack into my Silent Copper Cooler, since I "Empirically Engineered" the original non-PWM fan to death. Typical cost is like $15 for no-name and $20-30 for single & 2-packs of name brand fans with both features in the same unit.  |O

Then I scroll to the bottom and Amazon puts this in front of me. A 240mm AIO in BLUE for $60! And a 120mm one for $43!  Ratings are pretty effing good, and go back a while too. Since my case has overhead mounting for just this assembly, even if the pump does die it'll provide enough cooling by convection to prevent CPU death; add 3-year warranty for $1.04 cents... I just don't see how I can possibly go wrong here. The last time I looked into AIOs you couldn't touch a 120mm unit, even no-name, for less than $80.

But wait... it gets worse... so then I go looking at cable extension kits for my OCZ PSU. I have a cheap 24-pin one buried somewhere NOT in my Computer Parts bin... if I had to I could dig it out. Probably. The kit I LIKE with blue individually braided wires is $33... really not that bad, but then I find this 1000W  :o completely modular PSU for $39.99. I think to myself how good can it be... but a quick research of other ExcelVan models shows surprisingly fair overall. Though of course, longevity is the question.  :scared:

 I really don't believe I'm going to be pushing it anywhere near its advertised limits, so I think I'm going to take one for the team and see just how bad this $40 PSU can be. I'll load it up like I do my HP power supplies and see how much it can handle and how clean the power. If I don't think it can be trusted, I'll send it back. Just to be on the safe side, though... I added the 3-year warranty and a 12-inch ATX extension... both cost less than $6 as add-on.  :-DD

mnem
*Doing the "Amazon's Bitch Build" for TinkerDwagon Tech Tips*
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Offline mnementh

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24934 on: February 10, 2019, 07:29:33 am »
Ahhhh life with cats....if they weren't so darn cute and loving and happy to see you when you get home, we wouldn't put up with their shenanigans.  :-DD

I say the same thing about my kids.  :-DD

mnem
Come to think of it, my wife says the same thing about me...   :o
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Offline beanflying

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24935 on: February 10, 2019, 07:30:31 am »
I currently have five of them running about and getting into mischief.  They're actually pretty good about not chewing on wires and cables (Piglet seems to do it for attention; if she did it when I wasn't watching I'd have a lot of chewed through cables by now) - the annoying thing is that they DO like to chew plastic bags.  And eat the pieces, and later barf them up.  Usually when I'm asleep.  Somewhere on the path between the bedroom and the bathroom.  Nothing quite like trying to make a nocturnal visit to the throne room while trying to stay as close to asleep as possible and stepping barefoot in a nice gooey blob of ziplock bag and partially digested Friskies.  Yep.  That'll wake you up right quick!   
:palm:

-Pat

You just haven't lived until in the main street of the town you live in, having to remove parts of a shopping bag from the rear end of your distressed Whippet because he was a compulsive food thief or having to clean up after scoffing a tub of butter did amazing things to his bowels  ..... :o

The Dog you have instead of a Cat, sleep 20 hours a day can jump on benches in search of Food and other desirable things no barking and no shedding of fur. Departed the world aged after peeing on a rabbit borough on his last day on earth 18+
Coffee, Food, R/C and electronics nerd in no particular order. Also CNC wannabe, 3D printer and Laser Cutter Junkie and just don't mention my TEA addiction....
 

Offline mnementh

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24936 on: February 10, 2019, 07:33:20 am »
Looks like today will probably be "Page 1000 Day" for the old TEA thread guys.  I hope I'm awake and present to see it!

If i'm not, then a hearty   :clap: and congratulations, bitseeker! Well played!  :-+

mnem
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Offline mnementh

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24937 on: February 10, 2019, 07:38:08 am »
\You just haven't lived until in the main street of the town you live in, having to remove parts of a shopping bag from the rear end of your distressed Whippet because he was a compulsive food thief or having to clean up after scoffing a tub of butter did amazing things to his bowels  ..... :o

The Dog you have instead of a Cat, sleep 20 hours a day can jump on benches in search of Food and other desirable things no barking and no shedding of fur. Departed the world aged after peeing on a rabbit borough on his last day on earth 18+

*Raises a bowl of milk to dear and departed furry family*

We all have our stories to tell, my friend. And we all have been enriched by our time with 4-legged family.

mnem
*Sigh*
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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24938 on: February 10, 2019, 07:51:17 am »
Yeah I remember grandpa telling me how sad it was they had such short lives......I thought what a silly old bugger at the time until I had my first really good working dog, what a smart brilliant mutt well breed tri-color eye dog he was.
Took me some weeks to talk myself into putting him down at ~14yrs when his time was up.

When you get a good one, treasure it as you most likely will never have as good one again......I haven't.  :'(
Still raises hairs on my neck when I remember some of the amazing stuff he did for his boss and master.  :(
« Last Edit: February 10, 2019, 07:57:22 am by tautech »
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Offline neo

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24939 on: February 10, 2019, 08:30:57 am »

GAZE UPON ME MERE MORTALS AND WEEP!

Wait, damn it, thats the wrong script.

A literal thousand miles and two days later I'm back home and with my new acquisitions.
HP 141T with three plug ins, 8552B spectrum analyzer IF section, 8553B spectrum analyzer RF section and, 8555B spectrum analyzer RF section. Will also work, supposedly, with HP oscilloscope plug ins... will look into that.
8640B Sig Gen with doubler, good to a GHz and a heavy SOB. Not as heavy as the 141T but damn if it aint close.
3456A WITH rack mount ears this time, checked and within cal.
Three, 3480Bs each with a mostly working 3482A DC range unit. In simple terms three DC voltmeters but their nixies so damn the logic regarding practicality and rejoice anyway.
8506A With allllllllll the options, except current, will have to rectify that issue in time.
7A26 oscilloscope plug in to complete my current rig.

Completely unrelated but Corky's BBQ down in Memphis has ribs which are little slices of heaven carved up, smoked and put on a plate.


kid; "Hey mister, are you a good guy or a bad guy? You look like a good guy but your dressed like a bad guy."
kid's parent, *light tap upside the head* "Manners!"
 :-DD Actually happened.
A hopeless addict (and slave) to TEA and a firm believer that high frequency is little more than modern hoodoo.
 
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Offline Brumby

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24940 on: February 10, 2019, 08:34:13 am »
Yeah I remember grandpa telling me how sad it was they had such short lives......I thought what a silly old bugger at the time until I had my first rally good working dog, what a smart brilliant mutt well breed tri-color eye dog he was.
Took me some weeks to talk myself into putting him down at ~14yrs when his time was up.

I was going to stay out of this one - but I'm in that very position right now.  An old family friend of mine has had a dog in her life for as long as I've known her.  She now has a small-medium dog that has made its 14th birthday.  I first met this dog when it was a pup just weaned off its mother, so I've known it nearly as log as she has.  When it was about 2, it came down with "white shakes".  This was very distressing to see.  The vet said the dog was in no pain, but was not expected to survive for very long, so was sent home to, essentially, die.  This turned the whole family into carers - and even me on the occasions I'd drop by.  The subsequent care allowed the dog to recover sufficiently to go running in crazy circles around the household cat and to play soccer - leading a pretty happy life.

Now age has caught up with the dog which has several other issues and the time is upon us for the final decision.  I say "us" because even though the dog isn't mine, the other family members can't bring themselves to make the call and are looking to me to do that.  I've spoken to the vet who says we are "in the zone".  The fear is if we wait too long, then the dog will be subjected to unnecessary suffering.

This is not a decision I am looking forward to - but it's not too far away.......
 

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24941 on: February 10, 2019, 08:37:58 am »
@ Brumby
You will know when.  ;)  :-X  :(

Had to do it more times than I care to remember and each time it's tough.....last one was about 6 months ago and I no longer have need for a dog.  :phew:

Then my youngest son (29) came home with a 3mth old tri-color bitch last week.......  ::)

.......................
Part time puppy obedience trainer. ::)
« Last Edit: February 10, 2019, 08:54:06 am by tautech »
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Offline beanflying

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24942 on: February 10, 2019, 08:43:36 am »
...

Now age has caught up with the dog which has several other issues and the time is upon us for the final decision.  I say "us" because even though the dog isn't mine, the other family members can't bring themselves to make the call and are looking to me to do that.  I've spoken to the vet who says we are "in the zone".  The fear is if we wait too long, then the dog will be subjected to unnecessary suffering.

This is not a decision I am looking forward to - but it's not too far away.......

It isn't ever easy I took the old nearly blind and totally deaf Whippie for his last stagger on very shakey legs to smell and pee on the Rabbits then on to the Vets were he was just able to walk himself in. Until the last week he was still doing ok but in the end we were both ready after a few long nights of him really not being comfortable at all :'(

tearing up into my G&T happy memories still   :)
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Offline Inverted18650

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24943 on: February 10, 2019, 08:45:57 am »
I think I am getting depressed and randomly buying stuff now. Another $1k gone on an HP3245A... :-//  :palm:
« Last Edit: February 10, 2019, 08:51:10 am by Inverted18650 »
 

Offline Brumby

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24944 on: February 10, 2019, 08:53:08 am »
I'd sympathise - but I have mixed feelings at the moment.  I blame you and Bean ....


Edit:
But I must also thank you both at the same time.   :D
 

Offline Inverted18650

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24945 on: February 10, 2019, 08:54:11 am »
I'd sympathise - but I have mixed feelings at the moment.  I blame you and Bean ....

Fuck the 3456A, I amy have a break down and send you the 7510..fuck it

Offline neo

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24946 on: February 10, 2019, 08:58:56 am »
@Inverted

Got it home, put it in a stack and tested the 7A26 plug in first.  It works but it's dicky as hell, well channel one works. 2 at this point is a shit show, going to have alot of fun (really i am) going through this one and casting the demons out.  :-+
A hopeless addict (and slave) to TEA and a firm believer that high frequency is little more than modern hoodoo.
 
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Offline Specmaster

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24947 on: February 10, 2019, 09:11:51 am »
@Inverted

Got it home, put it in a stack and tested the 7A26 plug in first.  It works but it's dicky as hell, well channel one works. 2 at this point is a shit show, going to have alot of fun (really i am) going through this one and casting the demons out.  :-+
Seeing your pile, I can't help thinking that you relieved Inverted of nearly all his gear, almost like house clearance styley [emoji48]
Who let Murphy in?

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Offline neo

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24948 on: February 10, 2019, 09:15:00 am »
@Inverted

Got it home, put it in a stack and tested the 7A26 plug in first.  It works but it's dicky as hell, well channel one works. 2 at this point is a shit show, going to have alot of fun (really i am) going through this one and casting the demons out.  :-+
Seeing your pile, I can't help thinking that you relieved Inverted of nearly all his gear, almost like house clearance styley [emoji48]

Don't be silly. I didn't take ALL of his stuff, just all the good stuff that i could afford. (which by this point was a decent portion of it)
A hopeless addict (and slave) to TEA and a firm believer that high frequency is little more than modern hoodoo.
 

Offline beanflying

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Re: Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread
« Reply #24949 on: February 10, 2019, 09:30:04 am »
I'd sympathise - but I have mixed feelings at the moment.  I blame you and Bean ....


Edit:
But I must also thank you both at the same time.   :D

We are perfect angels honest we are  ;D

Just a few more posts to page 1k ....... We all need to get an external life  :-DD
Coffee, Food, R/C and electronics nerd in no particular order. Also CNC wannabe, 3D printer and Laser Cutter Junkie and just don't mention my TEA addiction....
 


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