Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[BU508A]

New video from The Signal Noise Path:

I just love him and his lab full of toys so much. Great YT channel, he deserves 1M sub.

Yes, +1 from here. But the topic is way too specialized and sophisticated to reach this. Even Dave doesn't have 1M subscribers.

Perhaps, if Shahriar would add such topics like polishing nails, what to wear on the next TEA meeting, new hairstyles etc ...

Edit:
He could also invite guests to his show, e.g. med6753 for the topic: "How to paint testequipement blue?" 

[bd139]

Powder? I assumed that some sort of barbecuing would be the order of the day. Or sausages...

Horse meat disagrees with me terribly thus powder it is.

E3630A refund arrived this morning. I hope the numpty learns from this mistake. I’m wondering what feedback to leave now.

[BU508A]

Powder? I assumed that some sort of barbecuing would be the order of the day. Or sausages...

Horse meat disagrees with me terribly thus powder it is.

E3630A refund arrived this morning. I hope the numpty learns from this mistake. I’m wondering what feedback to leave now.

I'd suggest to use some kind of these:

[bd139]

Extrapolating your excellent idea further 

https://thesurrealist.co.uk/feedback?who=seller&quality=on&speed=on&packing=on&maxlen=80&mood=negative&vocab=frivolous

So far this is a winner:

Immensely wretched quality! Notably disfigured packaging. Ever so late delivery.

[Cubdriver]

Fluke Alert

Dave spotted that AllTest has a bunch of Fluke 27 for $38 + shipping. https://www.ebay.com/itm/382616480372

As we've noted before, their packing is some of the best, especially for big TE. However, that level seems to be overkill for a single handheld DMM. Over $35 s/h for me. The total is so-so, all things considered (I see many have sold for $50-60 including shipping), but it's definitely no longer an impulse buy. Is it better for those of you located closer to them?

Ref: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/ebay-us-fluke-27-multimeters-cheap/

$12.71 for me, too.  I'm in CT, so probably about the same distance away as Mike is.  I have two of the ex military 27/FMs, so I'm set too, otherwise it would be quite tempting.  I think (but am not 100% certain) that the yellow 27 is NOT a true RMS meter, but know that the grey 27/FM is true RMS.

-Pat

[BU508A]

Todays acquisition:  Rohde & Schwarz ADS with Option B1 (Clock Generator). ETA 8. - 9. September

This is the beast:



Information sheet available here:
https://scdn.rohde-schwarz.com/ur/pws/dl_downloads/dl_common_library/dl_brochures_and_datasheets/pdf_1/Ads.pdf

Teardown and pictures will follow.


Having considered to buy a R&S AFGU which is also a very nice machine but the advantage of the ADS is the dual channel setup.

Manual for the AFGU:
http://eww.ko4bb.com/getsimple/index.php?id=download&file=Rohde_Schwarz/AFGU_Function_generator/Rohde_Schwarz_AFGU_Function_generator_Operator_Manual_german.pdf

[tggzzz]

Fluke Alert

Dave spotted that AllTest has a bunch of Fluke 27 for $38 + shipping. https://www.ebay.com/itm/382616480372

As we've noted before, their packing is some of the best, especially for big TE. However, that level seems to be overkill for a single handheld DMM. Over $35 s/h for me. The total is so-so, all things considered (I see many have sold for $50-60 including shipping), but it's definitely no longer an impulse buy. Is it better for those of you located closer to them?

Ref: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/ebay-us-fluke-27-multimeters-cheap/

$12.71 for me, too. 

$46 for me, in the UK. Happy I don't want one, let alone need it to "complement" my Fluke 25.

[ZhuraYuk]

Does anyone knows how to get calibration code for Keithely 2000 to calibrate it from front panel?

[BU508A]

Does anyone knows how to get calibration code for Keithely 2000 to calibrate it from front panel?

I recommend to ask forum fellow TiN

He is owning a lot of Keithleys, is very experienced in this matter, is a nice guy and he is coming from Ukraine as well (afaik).

[bd139]

So stuck in a conference call this morning I didn't really need to be in so I drafted up a very high level design for the next project:



If anyone has any input on this let me know. I want to produce a well documented, tested, fully open source and actually useful curve tracer adapter for analogue oscilloscopes. This will not be a Tek 576 or a toy but somewhere up the 576 end of usefulness. Objectively I want to use it to be able to look at normal BJT and zener breakdowns as well as the usual parameters which means 200V voltage compliance at least.

Edit: there ARE mistakes in the above and the current sampling is probably wrong. I'll deal with that when I get there

[Cerebus]

Fluke Alert

Dave spotted that AllTest has a bunch of Fluke 27 for $38 + shipping. https://www.ebay.com/itm/382616480372

As we've noted before, their packing is some of the best, especially for big TE. However, that level seems to be overkill for a single handheld DMM. Over $35 s/h for me. The total is so-so, all things considered (I see many have sold for $50-60 including shipping), but it's definitely no longer an impulse buy. Is it better for those of you located closer to them?

Ref: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/ebay-us-fluke-27-multimeters-cheap/

$12.71 for me, too. 

$46 for me, in the UK. Happy I don't want one, let alone need it to "complement" my Fluke 25.

I don't need one, but I'd quite like one to complement my 25. The need to "complete the pair" of things, especially hand held things, is a basic human trait. A pair of boxing gloves, a pair of duelling pistols, ...,  a pair of Fluke 25/27s. Also, "As the swish of two Flukes to a camel^*".

^*For those who don't know the phrase - "two bricks" in the original; the meaning is, I believe, self-evident.

[Cerebus]

So stuck in a conference call this morning I didn't really need to be in so I drafted up a very high level design for the next project:



If anyone has any input on this let me know. I want to produce a well documented, tested, fully open source and actually useful curve tracer adapter for analogue oscilloscopes. This will not be a Tek 576 or a toy but somewhere up the 576 end of usefulness. Objectively I want to use it to be able to look at normal BJT and zener breakdowns as well as the usual parameters which means 200V voltage compliance at least.

Edit: there ARE mistakes in the above and the current sampling is probably wrong. I'll deal with that when I get there

You might want to consider the option of switching in log/antilog amplifiers to enable plotting on logarithmic axes, that way you can fit a lot of decades on one screen. Also a lot of diode/transistor characteristics turn into straight lines on log scales which I find is a useful way of looking at them, especially for spotting 'odd' behaviour or limits of applicability.

[tggzzz]

So stuck in a conference call this morning I didn't really need to be in so I drafted up a very high level design for the next project:



If anyone has any input on this let me know. I want to produce a well documented, tested, fully open source and actually useful curve tracer adapter for analogue oscilloscopes. This will not be a Tek 576 or a toy but somewhere up the 576 end of usefulness. Objectively I want to use it to be able to look at normal BJT and zener breakdowns as well as the usual parameters which means 200V voltage compliance at least.

Edit: there ARE mistakes in the above and the current sampling is probably wrong. I'll deal with that when I get there

Major and minor tick generator, so the screen is calibrated; axis grid is optimal.

Personally I would use programmable PSUs and multimeter's, and plot the result in a computer.

[tonyalbus]

 

[Specmaster]

Fluke Alert

Dave spotted that AllTest has a bunch of Fluke 27 for $38 + shipping. https://www.ebay.com/itm/382616480372

As we've noted before, their packing is some of the best, especially for big TE. However, that level seems to be overkill for a single handheld DMM. Over $35 s/h for me. The total is so-so, all things considered (I see many have sold for $50-60 including shipping), but it's definitely no longer an impulse buy. Is it better for those of you located closer to them?

Ref: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/ebay-us-fluke-27-multimeters-cheap/

$12.71 for me, too. 

$46 for me, in the UK. Happy I don't want one, let alone need it to "complement" my Fluke 25.

I don't need one, but I'd quite like one to complement my 25. The need to "complete the pair" of things, especially hand held things, is a basic human trait. A pair of boxing gloves, a pair of duelling pistols, ...,  a pair of Fluke 25/27s. Also, "As the swish of two Flukes to a camel^*".

^*For those who don't know the phrase - "two bricks" in the original; the meaning is, I believe, self-evident.

Why would you need a 25/27 pair  There is zero difference between a 25 and a 27 other than usually the colour (not strictly true, there are brown 27's) and 2 extra functions, REL and MIN/MAX, both of which are built into the 25 as the same boards are used in both meters, I'd rather have what I've got and that is a pair of 27's so if I want to monitor 2 rails for MIN/MAX performance, I can. 

[bd139]

You might want to consider the option of switching in log/antilog amplifiers to enable plotting on logarithmic axes, that way you can fit a lot of decades on one screen. Also a lot of diode/transistor characteristics turn into straight lines on log scales which I find is a useful way of looking at them, especially for spotting 'odd' behaviour or limits of applicability.

That's a VERY interesting idea. I have added that to the list of features. That'll be a value add afterwards though.

Designed the function generator over lunch. Had to get a bit creative with the implementation to keep it to jelly bean parts. Needs a 2x frequency for the step generator so it starts a step sweep on the negative transition of the square output. Thus I worked out if I used a standard ramp generator design and XNOR'ed the above/below zero and the integrator current direction it'd generate the desired output. There's probably a simpler way but I couldn't find one that was cheaper





And yes I know those are 741's. I have exactly one metric fuck ton of them and they are fine for this

Major and minor tick generator, so the screen is calibrated; axis grid is optimal.

Personally I would use programmable PSUs and multimeter's, and plot the result in a computer.

Already looking at that. You can actually short B-E and it'll generate a vertical calibration (in theory).

On computers, that takes the "hard way" away and replaces it with the "frustrating way"

[nixiefreqq]

looks like a good start to me.


here are some pics of my home brew pos.  take it as a suggestion of what not to do. (although it is fine for doodling around or good/bad tests)

just so the heathkit fanboys don't go nuts.....the analog transistor checker was totally ate up from battery leakage.  but the case and switches and sockets were ok.

i like your suggestion about having the ability to sweep fairly high voltages.  just tested an n channel jfet that looked fine when subjected to the +/- 12 that little op amp internal oscillator will supply, but went totally wonky at higher voltage when swept with an external source with more voltage.  (it was the only transistor in an old b&k tube tester).

mine used to just have 8 levels of base drive and it worked just fine for my purposes.  changed it to 16 levels and now it seems too busy.

[bd139]

Best thing you can do with a Heathkit is eviscerate it 

Seriously though - nice job. Really like that 

[med6753]

Let the fun begin. With some effort the 535A is on it's side. First point checked is the output from the attenuators and that looks good. Problem with the waveform distortion is further down the chain.

[0culus]

I'm taking a closer look at the Type 81 plug-in adapter I got with the 585A now that I have a manual for it. Basically, it is getting a full line voltage tap off the transformer primary, and it has it's own small transformer and bridge rectifier and power supply that is providing 75 Vdc for feeding series strung filaments (which many plugins use to tap other voltages off of by using the filaments as voltage dividers). Anyway, this is filtered by one of med's favorite cans...a 4 element 75 uF/150V apiece can. I suspect this is bad because every single one of the letter series plugins I have save for my Type Z exhibits horrible 60 Hz ripple that is all-pervasive. I suspect this is because the Type Z has it's own filtering going on, perhaps. Additionally, the Type 82 plug-in (which is made for the 585A and does not need the adapter) has zero problems.

Anyway, maybe tomorrow I will set it up and put a scope on that 75 volt rail and see if there's big ripple coming through, as I suspect there will be.

Ditch the can anyway even if it isn't the issue.....but sounds like it is.

Post up what you find.

I will for sure. First thing I want to do is figure out why the Type Z has no issues before I fix the adapter. That is certainly curious and I’d like to know why while I still have the ripple delivery mechanism intact. 

[nixiefreqq]

first i thought tape measure?

naw.....tape dispenser?

hmmmmmmm?   

ok....you got me med.  what is it?

(you are supposed to put a calculator in the shot to annoy the calculator yoda's......not a mystery object to drive me nuts)

[tautech]

first i thought tape measure?

naw.....tape dispenser?

hmmmmmmm?   

ok....you got me med.  what is it?

(you are supposed to put a calculator in the shot to annoy the calculator yoda's......not a mystery object to drive me nuts)

LED light with hanging hook and magnet, rear view.

[AVGresponding]

Todays acquisition:  Rohde & Schwarz ADS with Option B1 (Clock Generator). ETA 8. - 9. September

This is the beast:

Dammit you need to say when you're going to post pics like that, now I need a fresh pair of pants!   


Those Fluke 27's are £80 by the time you add on shipping and import duties, I'll pass.


Update on the Keithley 2000, new message from the seller:

I manage to finally see the money in may PayPal account as pending. I will dispatch the multimeter today.
Sorry again for this big delay.


And from PayPal:

Transaction ID: **********    
    Your parcel will be with you soon!   
    
***** ***** sent your parcel using Royal Mail.

Posting details
Carrier:   Royal Mail
Service type:   RM 2nd Class stamps
Posting status:   Sent
For more about your delivery, go to http://www.royalmail.com

Seller
***** *****
***** *****@yahoo.co.uk

Note to buyer
*****
*****
*****
*****
United Kingdom
Note to buyer
The seller hasn't sent a note




Description   Unit price   Qty   Amount
Item Name:Keithley 2000 Bench Digital Multimeter
Item Number *****
£251.00 GBP   1   £251.00 GBP
Subtotal   £251.00 GBP
Postage and packaging   £5.00 GBP
Insurance   £0.00 GBP
Tax   £0.00 GBP
Total   £256.00 GBP
Payment   £256.00 GBP

Custom:**********

I note the lack of insurance on the parcel... with a raised eyebrow and a half smile.
It's due 5/9-7/9, waiting with bated breath... what will arrive? A Keithley 2000 as described? A brick? A Keithley 2000 with a brick inserted? Nothing at all?

Stay tuned for our next unedifying episode of "DMMs and Numpties, can they coexist?"

 

[AVGresponding]

you are supposed to put a calculator in the shot to annoy the calculator yoda's

Jinkies, don't give me ideas. I have enough trouble suppressing my troll genes as it is!

[tggzzz]

first i thought tape measure?

naw.....tape dispenser?

hmmmmmmm?   

ok....you got me med.  what is it?

(you are supposed to put a calculator in the shot to annoy the calculator yoda's......not a mystery object to drive me nuts)

A torch, i.e. the second most useful "everyday" accessory when working inside a boat anchor. 

The most useful accessory is, of course, a head mounted visor with lenses of differing strengths.