Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[xrunner]

Well, I reckon that has to be you on the front left, no idea who the others are  . I have to say that I've been a bit preoccupied with the circus performances going on in our houses of parliament of late, so I have a few pages to catch up on and I'm reading / replying to these in chronological order, so I apologise if someone else has already made that connection 

I think maybe we're all really Mr. Harding (the guy with the glasses). Why? Because he's in the mental ward voluntarily. He put himself in there and can leave anytime he wants to - just like us and this thread. 

But, I'm staying because I need the support. 

[tautech]

Well, I reckon that has to be you on the front left, no idea who the others are  . I have to say that I've been a bit preoccupied with the circus performances going on in our houses of parliament of late, so I have a few pages to catch up on and I'm reading / replying to these in chronological order, so I apologise if someone else has already made that connection 

I think maybe we're all really Mr. Harding (the guy with the glasses). Why? Because he's in the mental ward voluntarily. He put himself in there and can leave anytime he wants to - just like us and this thread. 

But, I'm staying because I need the support. 

Yeah right, like would anyone else put up with us ! 

[bd139]

On my projects list is a nixie clock actually. But I'm going to build it with transistor ring counters instead of microcontrollers or logic 

How positively 60's of you...!

Don't forget that you can minimise the number of transistors by doing analogue division rather than digital division. I've got such circuits that divide by 5 with only three transistors; I expect /10 is practical.

The principle is that each input pulse drops a glug of charge onto a capacitor, thus raising the voltage across it. When sufficient glugs have arrived, the circuit discharges into the next stage. Somewhere back in this thread's archive, there is a circuit diagram.

That's the plan for the initial dividers for this. It's going to be mains powered and clocked from 50Hz. So there's going to be a /5 then /5 then /2. They're pretty easy to build for low frequencies. I don't fancy my chances at /10.

I've got a pretty fool proof circuit here which uses a current source to charge the cap. The current source is controlled by the incoming pulse. This triggers a "fake UJT" NPN/PNP pair at the end of the chain which discharges the capacitor and it starts again. I'll breadboard it when I get two minutes. Not much different to a staircase generator.

Edit: quick 10 minute LTspice run on it now I'm on lunch....



I loooove analogue design. Wish I was around in the late 1950s for all the fun then

Edit 2: woot just realised I can use the ratio function on my 5334B to test this 

Edit 3: Pease mode activated. Prototype on the way.

[Kosmic]

Cheap HP 34401a on ebay 230$ https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-HP-34401A-Multimeter/193093765812?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


Edit: Just checked all the pictures, the hole in the case probably explain the price   

[neo]

hey....did i miss something?

what weighed 97 lbs and came wrapped in a single layer of cardboard?  is it a secret?

Yes, fellow sinner, thou hath missed something. The beautiful HP 618B!

holy shit.....an hp618!

ok, the next time a project requires the generation of 4-8 Ghz .........can i just borrow it from you?

maybe not.

any fedex guy who could get it to my door can probably also stomp a mudhole in my ass.  you had better not be around the next time your delivery guy goes up the street or you will be at risk for a serious whooopin.

At right nigh a hundred pounds borrowing might be tricky. But yes, I DO have a 618B, and a 614A and a pair of 608Cs. And I wont stop until I have a complete set.

[mansaxel]

Isn't this not a bit like writing shell scripts with edlin? 

I have, and still do occasionally, written shell scripts in "ed". Some docs:

Code: [Select]

NAME
ed, red- text editor
SYNOPSIS
/usr/bin/ed [-s| -] [-p string] [-x] [-C] [file]
/usr/xpg4/bin/ed [-s| -] [-p string] [-x] [-C] [file]
/usr/bin/red [-s| -] [-p string] [-x] [-C] [file]
DESCRIPTION
The ed utility is the standard text editor. If file is specified, ed simulates an e command
(see below) on the named file; that is to say, the file is read into ed's buffer so that it
can be edited.

The ed utility operates on a copy of the file it is editing; changes made to the copy have
no effect on the file until a w (write) command is given. The copy of the text being edited
resides in a temporary file called the buffer. There is only one buffer.

The red utility is a restricted version of ed. It will only allow editing of files in the
current directory. It prohibits executing shell commands via !shell command.
Attempts to bypass these restrictions result in an error message (restricted shell).


[bd139]

On my projects list is a nixie clock actually. But I'm going to build it with transistor ring counters instead of microcontrollers or logic 

How positively 60's of you...!

Don't forget that you can minimise the number of transistors by doing analogue division rather than digital division. I've got such circuits that divide by 5 with only three transistors; I expect /10 is practical.

The principle is that each input pulse drops a glug of charge onto a capacitor, thus raising the voltage across it. When sufficient glugs have arrived, the circuit discharges into the next stage. Somewhere back in this thread's archive, there is a circuit diagram.

That's the plan for the initial dividers for this. It's going to be mains powered and clocked from 50Hz. So there's going to be a /5 then /5 then /2. They're pretty easy to build for low frequencies. I don't fancy my chances at /10.

I've got a pretty fool proof circuit here which uses a current source to charge the cap. The current source is controlled by the incoming pulse. This triggers a "fake UJT" NPN/PNP pair at the end of the chain which discharges the capacitor and it starts again. I'll breadboard it when I get two minutes. Not much different to a staircase generator.

Edit: quick 10 minute LTspice run on it now I'm on lunch....



I loooove analogue design. Wish I was around in the late 1950s for all the fun then

Edit 2: woot just realised I can use the ratio function on my 5334B to test this 

Edit 3: Pease mode activated. Prototype on the way.

Victory. On the "how very 60's of you" I decided to use TO18 packaged transistors just for the hell of it...

Bob Pease style as I actually lost my side cutters somewhere. Someone has probably nicked them to do toe nails with or something vile.



Output. Yellow = in, Pink = the yellow film cap voltage, Blue = out.



50Hz in 6V pulse. 10Hz out 6V negative going pulse. This would trigger a /2 using a multivibrator or something to do shaping at the same time with some speed up diodes to give it a nice tidy edge.

Had to tweak the 47k resistor down to 39k. that was the only mod 

And on that note I'm on holiday until next week which means more playing with stuff 

Edit: I'm not liking the DS1054Z today. I'm renaming it clunk-a-tron. It just hurts you sometimes. Hence eyeballing the Keysight one.

[mnementh]

Well I paid a total of 100 bucks for it and weighing in at 97 pounds it is all but certain that the seller took a hit.  I might just let it go, barring any broken glass.

...I've decided fuck it. I can complain about a dinged up corner if i want to be pissy but there isn't any broken glass and I don't need any more bad karma. The seller almost definitely took a hit as it is.

I'm right in the middle of a similar case with DHL, but you don't stand a chance. The parcel got delivered (no external damage visible), but the contents (vintage Scope) was damaged despite more than adequate padding and packaging. They will only deal with the sender, but they say they will only compensate after they have been given the item for evaluation. So they expect the buyer to send it back to the seller and then send it on to DHL (at my/our expense!!) so that they can have some idiot claim that it was worth some rediculously low price. Interesting, the claim documents also says (in very small writing) that they don't guarantee that the item will be returned to me after evaluation.

That's the point where you give up. The system is designed to avoid paying out. They didn't even give me the postage costs back. This was on a package that I paid for additional insurance too.

McBryce.

What you did wrong was to try and open the case with the carrier directly. Once you've done that, you're fucked. You ALWAYS start out through eBay with a request for the seller to open a claim; as you said, the carrier will only deal with the seller as they are the consignee. If the seller gives you hassle, or refuses to respond, then you open a dispute with eBay for "Item not as described", which it is NOT. Then the seller is responsible for return shipping. This places all the hassle on the seller's shoulders. This is your opening move and counterassault.

I've beaten every major carrier out there. It can be done. You just have to be patient. The flip side of that is it IS a major assache. Consider if it's the money or the principle at stake for you, and decide accordingly. But remember that PayPal and the eBay resolution process are your leverage; all you have to do is make a reasonable case for non-support on the seller's side and you'll win.

In your case, since there is no evidence of actual shipping damage, make a nice little timeline, from the moment you first notice ANYTHING wrong with the item, right up to showing the inside of the box to demonstrate whether there is impact damage or not. Be totally anal about this documentation; this is your protection.

Since you say there is no evidence of shipping damage, you have a solid claim for "Not as described". For all you know, this seller had 6 of the item, and you got the worst one of the lot. Happens ALL the time. Document everything, and PayPal will side with you every time.

I was the seller/sender and it wasn't through ebay.

McBryce.

D'oh!!! Well, then, you get to suck up a lot of hassle or decide if you want to be the douche who refuses to help the customer unless they return the item.

That said... your case VERY CLEARLY is not in any way a similar case. It is pretty much the EXACT OPPOSITE side of a similar class of case. But I'm going to leave this up as a PSA for those playing along at home.  

Good hunting,

mnem
"Be vewwwy, vewwwy qwiet… I'm hunting snarks on fleaBay."

[Specmaster]

Cheap HP 34401a on ebay 230$ https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-HP-34401A-Multimeter/193093765812?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


Edit: Just checked all the pictures, the hole in the case probably explain the price   

Man that has had a rough life, yep you are correct about the hole but what about the missing bumper / trim on the rear? Personally I'd give it a very wide berth.

[Specmaster]

@bd139, that looks to be pretty good, and its nice to know that I'm not the only person who suffers from side cutters, even ones specifically designed for cutting component leads flush, being used for all kinds of other uses   

[mnementh]

Yes, fellow sinner, thou hath missed something. The beautiful HP 618B!

holy shit.....an hp618!   ok, the next time a project requires the generation of 4-8 Ghz .........can i just borrow it from you?   maybe not.   any fedex guy who could get it to my door can probably also stomp a mudhole in my ass.  you had better not be around the next time your delivery guy goes up the street or you will be at risk for a serious whooopin.

At right nigh a hundred pounds borrowing might be tricky. But yes, I DO have a 618B, and a 614A and a pair of 608Cs. And I wont stop until I have a complete set.

*says a prayer for your poor hellbound soul aching back* 

mnem
*sigh... remembering when I was young and ten feet tall and bulletproof and thought nothing of "loading sixteen tons" to get to the TH400 at the bottom of the pile*

[mnementh]

@bd139, that looks to be pretty good, and its nice to know that I'm not the only person who suffers from side cutters, even ones specifically designed for cutting component leads flush, being used for all kinds of other uses   

When she was alive, it was my mother snurching my XURONs for her stained glass art, and returning them after cutting hardened wire... now it's my wife for or son for surgery on ingrown toenails.  I long ago gave up on that battle, realizing it was the same unwinnable dispute as the one with my mom.

Yesterday while sorting through the closet full of her stuff, I found one such abused pair of flush-cutters. They are of course now far more precious than any of my pristine, unblemished ones. 

mnem
*sigh* and a half...

[Mr. Scram]

Cheap HP 34401a on ebay 230$ https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-HP-34401A-Multimeter/193093765812?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


Edit: Just checked all the pictures, the hole in the case probably explain the price   

Looks like one of those Israeli jobs.

[bd139]

Bulldozer special 

[factory]

Cheap HP 34401a on ebay 230$ https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-HP-34401A-Multimeter/193093765812?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


Edit: Just checked all the pictures, the hole in the case probably explain the price   

Looks like one of those Israeli jobs.

Are you sure they didn't use Dave's box opening method with a bit too much force? 

David

[mnementh]

I think they tried to use Uncle Bumblefuck's box opener...



Or perhaps the embiggener. * 

mnem
*hiding out from THE SUCK*  *I know for quite a while his favored box opener was a cordless mini chainsaw... but damned if I can find one of those vids right now. It's like the fucking YT search engine KNOWS what I want, and deliberately feeds me everything BUT that. 

[tggzzz]

Bob Pease style as I actually lost my side cutters somewhere. Someone has probably nicked them to do toe nails with or something vile.

I've used my Lindstrom flush cutters for my nails (and important component cuts) since 1981. The same pair, the whole time.

[bd139]

Me too. Albeit not Lindstroms. I bet you actually put them back though.

[tggzzz]

Cheap HP 34401a on ebay 230$ https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-HP-34401A-Multimeter/193093765812?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


Edit: Just checked all the pictures, the hole in the case probably explain the price   

Looks like one of those Israeli jobs.

Advert copy, presumably apochryphal, for lightweight Land Rovers: "Low mileage, but parachute failed to open".

[mnementh]

I thought that ad was for the Triumph TR-7...



Confidence in the stunt relied on the belief that the British Army regularly parachuted vehicles. Only later was it admitted that nobody actually knew if the British Army had ever dropped a vehicle successfully.

EDIT: No, wait... it was MGB.  https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/12/04/mgb-8000-foot-plunge-for-tv
mnem
 

[bitseeker]

Cheap HP 34401a on ebay 230$ https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-HP-34401A-Multimeter/193093765812?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649


Edit: Just checked all the pictures, the hole in the case probably explain the price   

Looks like one of those Israeli jobs.

Are you sure they didn't use Dave's box opening method with a bit too much force? 

David

Opening packages with an angle grinder?

[bitseeker]

Edit:  I just discovered that bitseeker posted this Nixie news before I did, that is what happens when you let the forum slide for a day to watch the historic Brexit shenanigans in Westminster live 

That's OK. I've done it before, too. Sometimes, as in this case, it's actually helpful because others seem to have missed the prior instance.

[AVGresponding]

mnem
 

Clearly an early IKEA experiment

[Mr. Scram]

Bulldozer special 

I was referring to the junky Israeli kit that can often be found on Ebay for eye watering amounts of money. It often looks like it's pulled from a bombed out building or "working environment" as some would call it.

[bitseeker]

Yes, some undergo much harsher "working" than others.