Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[nixiefreqq]

like the greaseman said:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=greaseman++dude&docid=608005908914571636&mid=433D34666987BEC4D5FE433D34666987BEC4D5FE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

[med6753]

like the greaseman said:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=greaseman++dude&docid=608005908914571636&mid=433D34666987BEC4D5FE433D34666987BEC4D5FE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Call me Dude? Meh, no biggie. Call me bro? Get the fuck outta here. 

[Specmaster]

I cant help it but commercial audio stuff always looks like gook inside, especially when compared to T&M stuff from a good company. The only exception is Revox, but that is long ago. Dangling parts on the PCB, rats nest wiring all over the place, brown cardboard PCBs ... Yuck.
Where are the good old days ...

No, consumer audio gear looks like shit inside; the professional stuff was/is mostly well built (prosumer, not so much). You can't get away with the appalling mess shown above if you try and stick it in flight case or an OB truck and take it on the road - MTTF would be one gig/broadcast.

My only real professional (as in getting paid for it) experience in designing and building electronics was in professional audio gear and you just can't afford to make the stuff anything other than tough. Having stuff break down in that world is expensive, you end up burning artistes time and studio time  - you can have dozens of people standing around on the clock while something gets replaced/fixed.

Worse still of course is stuff that packs up on-air/in the middle of a show. I've had the latter happen to me once (with Lenny Henry on stage acting like a petulant child, not like an entertainment professional) and I didn't want to repeat the experience. (The cause was an IEC mains cable that pulled out - very next day everything got fitted with cable retaining clips.)

Some domestic audio equipment was built with quality - QUAD. I remember hearing tales of how Pink Floyd would go on tour with a whole bunch of - I think - 303 power amplifiers which would come back scraped and dented but still working. They used to send them back for a total refurb after each tour. Hammer out the dents and resprayed and all and good as new. I don't know what they used them for, a bit low powered for main PA even then. Before my time. That would be about Ummagumma, when I was still at school.

Stage monitoring probably. We used to use them in the studio for driving near field monitors.

QUAD weren't what I'd call consumer electronics - QUAD's lifetime output of everything rolled together was probably less units than Sony, or Technics, or whoever, made of a single model of one of their consumer amplifiers. A QUAD 303 cost £55 when they were introduced in 1967 (The average UK wage for tax year 64-65 was  £15.60 a week before tax. So that quad represents 3 1/2 weeks average gross earnings).

Concur fully with you here "C", Quad have always been held up as far as I'm aware to bit above the rest and the price reflected that. Other brands that also had a similar stance I think were Armstrong and Leak and for record decks the Garrard 401 was the deck of choice for the BBC, I'm not sure what they used as tone arms and cartridges.

[Specmaster]

like the greaseman said:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=greaseman++dude&docid=608005908914571636&mid=433D34666987BEC4D5FE433D34666987BEC4D5FE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

I get the message saying that this video is no longer available?

[0culus]

Anyone have any advice on search filters to find the AVX caps I want for the 7904 project on digi-key? I'm mired down in non stock and milspec parts that cost way too much.

Why are you beating your head against the wall insisting on sticking with AVX only? Kemet's will work just fine.

And I suspect you may be having trouble finding 100uF tants in stock or at a reasonable price. Been there. Ref this pix. See those doubled up yellow tants on the right? Perfect substitute for the rare 100uF......2 - 47uF in parallel.

Dude, I'm just trying to see what's out there. Haven't bought anything yet.   

I have no issues putting two smaller ones in parallel if needed...I'm just trying to figure out which ones to get from either brand right now.

Oh. Nevermind. 

It looks like digikey doesn't even have Kemet radial tantalums in stock anyway. Where'd you get yours from for your 7904?

Mouser. And yes, as you go up in value the prices go nuts as well as availability.

Mouser only has 20V 47 uF [edit: in radial] it seems...would prefer to go with 50V...back to diggin'...

[nixiefreqq]

like the greaseman said:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=greaseman++dude&docid=608005908914571636&mid=433D34666987BEC4D5FE433D34666987BEC4D5FE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

I get the message saying that this video is no longer available?

this might work instead:

[Specmaster]

this reminded me of a TE delivery about 2 years ago.  mixed in with the crumpled newspaper was an assortment of hard candy mints.  (a lot of them!)

wtf?  still not sure if it was deliberate or the result of some kind of accidental spillage.

There was a time when some Chinese companies would throw in the odd pack of sweets as well, not quite sure why they did it. I haven't noticed it happening lately though.

[Specmaster]

like the greaseman said:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=greaseman++dude&docid=608005908914571636&mid=433D34666987BEC4D5FE433D34666987BEC4D5FE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

I get the message saying that this video is no longer available?

this might work instead:

Yep that works.

[mnementh]

like the greaseman said:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=greaseman++dude&docid=608005908914571636&mid=433D34666987BEC4D5FE433D34666987BEC4D5FE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Call me Dude? Meh, no biggie. Call me bro? Get the fuck outta here. 

mnem
 

[mnementh]

mnem's 3DP Corner: Bench Stand for FLUKE 189 & 87/IV DMM

      

This is what I've been doodling around with the last couple days... a properly rigid bench-use stand for my Fluke 189 that incorporates a lead holder. This unit snaps in place of the molded rubber test-lead keeper usually found on the back of these meters; it does not interfere with the original flip-out stand in any way. The idea was to have all my most-used accessories and the leads all tidy and right there when I need them.

         

The oversized back disc serves a purpose; it makes it easy to loop the wires over the groove one-handed and the optional wire across the middle allows similar one-handed clipping of favorite alligator leads up to 24" long as well as IC grabbit flyleads. Reliefs in the stand serve to keep loose alligator wires from causing trouble, and magnets in the pockets keep the screw-on alligators in place.

Complete details & STLs over in the Got 3DP thread.

mnem
 

[med6753]

Anyone have any advice on search filters to find the AVX caps I want for the 7904 project on digi-key? I'm mired down in non stock and milspec parts that cost way too much.

Why are you beating your head against the wall insisting on sticking with AVX only? Kemet's will work just fine.

And I suspect you may be having trouble finding 100uF tants in stock or at a reasonable price. Been there. Ref this pix. See those doubled up yellow tants on the right? Perfect substitute for the rare 100uF......2 - 47uF in parallel.

Dude, I'm just trying to see what's out there. Haven't bought anything yet.   

I have no issues putting two smaller ones in parallel if needed...I'm just trying to figure out which ones to get from either brand right now.

Oh. Nevermind. 

It looks like digikey doesn't even have Kemet radial tantalums in stock anyway. Where'd you get yours from for your 7904?

Mouser. And yes, as you go up in value the prices go nuts as well as availability.

Mouser only has 20V 47 uF [edit: in radial] it seems...would prefer to go with 50V...back to diggin'...

They have AVX radial 47uF/35V @$4.98 ea. Scroll down past the expensive ones. It's there. But only about 40 in stock so order quick.

[0culus]

Anyone have any advice on search filters to find the AVX caps I want for the 7904 project on digi-key? I'm mired down in non stock and milspec parts that cost way too much.

Why are you beating your head against the wall insisting on sticking with AVX only? Kemet's will work just fine.

And I suspect you may be having trouble finding 100uF tants in stock or at a reasonable price. Been there. Ref this pix. See those doubled up yellow tants on the right? Perfect substitute for the rare 100uF......2 - 47uF in parallel.

Dude, I'm just trying to see what's out there. Haven't bought anything yet.   

I have no issues putting two smaller ones in parallel if needed...I'm just trying to figure out which ones to get from either brand right now.

Oh. Nevermind. 

It looks like digikey doesn't even have Kemet radial tantalums in stock anyway. Where'd you get yours from for your 7904?

Mouser. And yes, as you go up in value the prices go nuts as well as availability.

Mouser only has 20V 47 uF [edit: in radial] it seems...would prefer to go with 50V...back to diggin'...

They have AVX radial 47uF/35V @$4.98 ea. Scroll down past the expensive ones. It's there. But only about 40 in stock so order quick.

Good eye...thanks. Ordered, enough to double up for the 100 uF ones too.

[beanflying]

Anyone chasing one of these for their collection? eBay auction: #284142607015

[vk6zgo]

[Sings] "There's a guy works down the chip shop swears he's Elvish..."

I used to have a "ratbag mate" who could prove it-----nice bloke, too, (so I'm sure he would forgive being called a "ratbag".).
It said "Lee Elvish" on his driver's licence.
Last time I saw him, he owned a used car yard, & was probably a lot more well off than me.
I'm pretty sure he didn't know dark magic, though.

[beanflying]

Interesting box can function as a 1Ghz SA if my quick look at the specs is correct. Lucky I am broke and 350km away  eBay auction: #293829127030

[Brumby]

Not on my radar.  However, as a result of the failed attempt at the 1900A, that "acquisition" taste bud has been stimulated - and after this mornings first foray onto Discord, I now have some items in a cart.   



Both Mnem and Bean have a hand in that.

[beanflying]

We work hard at promoting your potential acquisitions but we leave the trigger pulling to you 

[VK5RC]

Interesting box can function as a 1Ghz SA if my quick look at the specs is correct. Lucky I am broke and 350km away  eBay auction: #293829127030

If I read the manual Intro, the 3ST is the transmitter part and needs the receiver the 3SR to form the spectral analysis from 5 to 1000MHz, best system resolution they quote is 10kHz if I have read it correctly. 🤔

[Robert763]

Interesting box can function as a 1Ghz SA if my quick look at the specs is correct. Lucky I am broke and 350km away  eBay auction: #293829127030

If I read the manual Intro, the 3ST is the transmitter part and needs the receiver the 3SR to form the spectral analysis from 5 to 1000MHz, best system resolution they quote is 10kHz if I have read it correctly. 🤔

These units are for Cable TV systems.  Yes the have a usable 1GHz SA. Main function is level measurement and a sort of 2 box scalar network analyser. Unit shown is the head end. What you really want is the handheld unit SDA5000 is best, SAM4040D Stealth is OK. There are various firmware upgrades available. I have one and it's pretty good as a portable EMI system. The level meausement is accurate but for 50R you need a transformer or minimum loss pad.
Prices in UK are a lot cheaper then in North America.

Another unit with similar capabilities but strange display is the HP CALAN 2010 but make sure it has ingress.

[Neomys Sapiens]

this reminded me of a TE delivery about 2 years ago.  mixed in with the crumpled newspaper was an assortment of hard candy mints.  (a lot of them!)

wtf?  still not sure if it was deliberate or the result of some kind of accidental spillage.

After reception of such packages, I'm always VERY sensitive to any unexpected sound. Don't want someone dumping his critters on me, whether on purpose or by accident!

[med6753]

Over on the Old Tek scope Facebook page someone is asking for advice on restoring this beauty. 

I've seen basket cases before but that one is beyond help. And I told him that. If it were mine it would just go on the parts pile. 

[Specmaster]

@med6753. I bet that person is a newbie in the hobby, I'm also willing to bet that he paid a reasonable price for this heap of rubbish. I think your assessment of it is bang on the money.

It looks like it has been near some excessive moisture as well as it being extremely munted with many controls and BNC sockets bent and broken, I probably wouldn't think it was worthy of consideration for restoration.   

[Robert763]

I would not even put that on the parts pile. Looks like a source of contamination including mould. I once saw  whole storage unit full of kit ruined by one mouldy item.

[bd139]

LMAO I've had some crusty ones but that takes the piss.

Example reasonable one i.e. intact

Before, with "garage grade corrosion on it"



After clean up:

[DC1MC]

DE-960TR the proto/retro DE-5000 from DER EE 

https://www.ebay.de/itm/DE960TR-Analogue-Analog-Multimeter-Electrical-Meters/251538447956