Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[AVGresponding]

So the "Radiation source" arrived from ebay seller Scotttrade12 today. The packing was c*%p in the bottom of  thin box with amothe old box crushed on top  Good job it's not a delicate optical instrument -not.
Anyway preditions were correct, it is an IR source with the output from the pointy end. First photo is with rubber armour removed. With the metal output tube removed you can see the output "window", photo 2. It looks like a random fibre opic bundle. Applying an external light source confirms this, photo 3. The electronics pull out of the back. Nothing special at all, Photo 4. The electro-optics are at the front a ring of 12 small emitters with filters wired as two lots of 6 plus an unfiltered photodiode in the middle, presumably feedback. The two sets of emitters might be different wavelengths. Photo 5. Trouble is the emitters are potted with hard compound into the black block of Delrin like plastic. Going to be hard to dig one out. The emitters and photodiode are coupled to 13 small fibre bundles. The fibre coupler mixes the 12 outputs in a random manner. Photo 6 with external illumination at the "output".
Interesting but not a lot of use.

Oh, I don't know. Could be quite a bit of fun, depending where you live.

Just wait for the next flight of whatevers to take off for exercises, and give them some unexpected excitement...

Please just don't.  If you were to do that, you should EXPECT some undesirable excitement.
The local authorities helping out EASA, FAA or TCCA do not take kindly to such activities.
In the GWN, it is up to $25k and some time in the clinker.

I think you're mixing this up with those turds that point powerful lasers at civilian aircraft. It's very much not the same thing, though if they located you, you'd definitely get a visit from some people with little or no sense of humour...

Correct, It is not the same thing as pointing lasers, but just as bad based on my understanding.  It won't be affecting the pilots physical eyes, but their "electronic eyes".  The IR spectrum I suspect would interfere with FLIR, which is used for wake vortex turbulence detection, micro-weather detection and ILS.  I would consider these as critical inputs to the flying and navigating functions.  Remember the pilot's (top-3) priorities in order:  Fly, Navigate then Communicate!

I doubt the intensity would be high enough for that; it wouldn't surprise me if these are meant to be used at more or less point-blank range.

It's not clear from the teardown just what the purpose of this particular device is, whether for testing the likes of FLIR systems, missile launch detection, or maybe both.

[McBryce]

My brand new Keithley 6500 just arrived. As soon as it has got up to room temperature, I'll turn it on and let it further warm

and and and ?

Review summary: It's sex on a stick! I'd write more, but I'm busy measuring "Things".

Negative: I would have preferred a bigger power button and a real one at that.

McBryce.

If you don't post a picture in the next 10 seconds we are going to come to your house and burn it down. 

I'm feeling the pressure here!

McBryce.

Seems they made the screen printed buttons blurry - send it back clearly a Friday build 

I just wanted to get this picture stuff out of the way so that I could continue measuring "things". In real life the device is not blurred*.

McBryce.

* User experience may vary depending on the amount of single malt whisky and mind altering drugs that have been consumed.

[BU508A]

I found some Vishay SMD precision resistor on ebay. 0.01% 2ppm tempco max. They sell between 15$ and 35$ new on mouser.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Calibration-Resistor-Standards-Vishay-01-2ppm-SMD-Laser-Trimmed-Kit/124549960880

Seller is asking 15$ for 14 pieces (around 1$ each) but he accepted my offer at 10$.

Cool find! I've sent an offer to the seller of 10$ per item and asking for 2 items.
If the offer is getting accepted, I'll sell here one item. Will keep you updated.

[Kosmic]

I found some Vishay SMD precision resistor on ebay. 0.01% 2ppm tempco max. They sell between 15$ and 35$ new on mouser.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Calibration-Resistor-Standards-Vishay-01-2ppm-SMD-Laser-Trimmed-Kit/124549960880

Seller is asking 15$ for 14 pieces (around 1$ each) but he accepted my offer at 10$.

Good find!  Do you think you could add another set to your order?  I assume local shipping would be less than the $23CAD that they are asking for...?

Sorry my offer was accepted and it's already marked as shipped. I paid quickly this morning while attending a boring meeting

[Robert763]

So the "Radiation source" arrived from ebay seller Scotttrade12 today. The packing was c*%p in the bottom of  thin box with amothe old box crushed on top  Good job it's not a delicate optical instrument -not.
Anyway preditions were correct, it is an IR source with the output from the pointy end. First photo is with rubber armour removed. With the metal output tube removed you can see the output "window", photo 2. It looks like a random fibre opic bundle. Applying an external light source confirms this, photo 3. The electronics pull out of the back. Nothing special at all, Photo 4. The electro-optics are at the front a ring of 12 small emitters with filters wired as two lots of 6 plus an unfiltered photodiode in the middle, presumably feedback. The two sets of emitters might be different wavelengths. Photo 5. Trouble is the emitters are potted with hard compound into the black block of Delrin like plastic. Going to be hard to dig one out. The emitters and photodiode are coupled to 13 small fibre bundles. The fibre coupler mixes the 12 outputs in a random manner. Photo 6 with external illumination at the "output".
Interesting but not a lot of use.

Oh, I don't know. Could be quite a bit of fun, depending where you live.

Just wait for the next flight of whatevers to take off for exercises, and give them some unexpected excitement...

Hell NO
1/ It does not have the range (only  couple of metres
2/ It would only get a reaction from a military aircraft with a missile warning system
3/ As an aerospace professional they would (rightly) lock me up

NEVER direct any electromagnetic source at any aircraft! 

[capt bullshot]

Update: They will not replace the card, they offered to send it to EVGA for repair, they will not exchange it for a working one, they will reimburse the money.

I told them that this will conclude, umm, terminate any business relationship and that I will not buy from them again.

Seller is Alternate.

Alternate. I had an "interesting" experience with them long time ago (when I still bought PC components, not doing that anymore since more than 10 yrs).
Bought a graphics card with that spanking new DVI connector (imagine how far this back in the past). Card didn't play well with that spanking new EIZO monitor with DVI input. Returned the card (with description what is not OK), got it back - no failure found, but still had the same issue. Turned out they'd tested the VGA output and didn't test the DVI. Returned the card again and took care before that the DVI port wouldn't work at all. Got no message for a long time, asked - they needed to check - yes. the card was returned to the manufacturer and disappeared then. Got a credit voucher at least. BTW, the EIZO monitor is still in use and works just fine.

[Robert763]

It's not clear from the teardown just what the purpose of this particular device is, whether for testing the likes of FLIR systems, missile launch detection, or maybe both.[/color][/size][/b]

It's intended for testing missile approach warning systems on miltary aircraft. Effective range of the test set is likely to be a few meters at most.   

[bd139]

Been invited to put offers on stuff for a local SK sale. Mixed and  . Not much TE but dude was a hoarder.  Will see what I end up with. Have lowballed a couple of radios for resale, a box of valves and a completely unknown “Hameg scope”.

Edit: anyone near Carlisle? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203276157425

[Saskia]

Update: They will not replace the card, they offered to send it to EVGA for repair, they will not exchange it for a working one, they will reimburse the money.

I told them that this will conclude, umm, terminate any business relationship and that I will not buy from them again.

Seller is Alternate.

Alternate. I had an "interesting" experience with them long time ago (when I still bought PC components, not doing that anymore since more than 10 yrs).
Bought a graphics card with that spanking new DVI connector (imagine how far this back in the past). Card didn't play well with that spanking new EIZO monitor with DVI input. Returned the card (with description what is not OK), got it back - no failure found, but still had the same issue. Turned out they'd tested the VGA output and didn't test the DVI. Returned the card again and took care before that the DVI port wouldn't work at all. Got no message for a long time, asked - they needed to check - yes. the card was returned to the manufacturer and disappeared then. Got a credit voucher at least. BTW, the EIZO monitor is still in use and works just fine.

Their service center is apparently manned by complete fucktards.

[Specmaster]

SK sales are difficult things I would imagine, never been involved in one knowingly at least. 

EDIT There are some DC voltage calibrators in that lot at Carlisle 

[mnementh]

I found some Vishay SMD precision resistor on ebay. 0.01% 2ppm tempco max. They sell between 15$ and 35$ new on mouser.   

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Calibration-Resistor-Standards-Vishay-01-2ppm-SMD-Laser-Trimmed-Kit/124549960880

Seller is asking 15$ for 14 pieces (around 1$ each) but he accepted my offer at 10$.

Good find!  Do you think you could add another set to your order?  I assume local shipping would be less than the $23CAD that they are asking for...?

Sorry my offer was accepted and it's already marked as shipped. I paid quickly this morning while attending a boring meeting

   Shit shit shit shit shit... I bought 2 orders at $44 shipped ($11 offered) to make another resistance PCB and paid before I saw your post. 

Fuck... we coulda saved like $20-30 on shipping by going in together... woulda still been cheaper even with the $10 duty.

mnem
 

[tggzzz]

Edit: anyone near Carlisle? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203276157425

Without lockdown that might have triggered a nice short holiday

[cyclin_al]

I found some Vishay SMD precision resistor on ebay. 0.01% 2ppm tempco max. They sell between 15$ and 35$ new on mouser.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Calibration-Resistor-Standards-Vishay-01-2ppm-SMD-Laser-Trimmed-Kit/124549960880

Seller is asking 15$ for 14 pieces (around 1$ each) but he accepted my offer at 10$.

Good find!  Do you think you could add another set to your order?  I assume local shipping would be less than the $23CAD that they are asking for...?

Sorry my offer was accepted and it's already marked as shipped. I paid quickly this morning while attending a boring meeting

Never hurts to try; thanks Kosmic!

I will be placing an order in an hour and a half or so....   @mnem, does the dragon want in on something like this?

Speaking of orders, should I expect to see something for customs & fees for an AliExpress order coming from China?  There is a TinySA stuck at local delivery for over a week now according to tracking.... could be normal, but I ask just in case since its my first time.

[mnementh]

Check your PM, buddy.

As for the TinySA - it depends on the courier. DHL will charge you twice the actual duty as a service charge plus a little blood. FEDEX will charge you based on sale price plus shipping cost plus a little blood. Unless you have notifications by SMS/eMail enabled, you won't know anything aboot it unless you go to the courier's tracking website. Assholes.

No Idea on UPS... the only thing we've gotten from them has been UPS ground gifts from family. 

mnem
*drops back & punts*

[bd139]

SK sales are difficult things I would imagine, never been involved in one knowingly at least. 

EDIT There are some DC voltage calibrators in that lot at Carlisle 

Depends who it is. This is someone I don’t know. I bought the SC110 off the guy who is organising this one a few years back for a fiver. He dropped an email to a bunch of people to put offers on it all.

[Cerebus]

Well, this I didn't expect. The Aussies are always regaling us with tales of the countryside on fire, and of course it happens here too, but not normally in winter after a week of freezing temperatures, rain and snow standing across most of the UK.

A huge fire has broken out across an area of moorland in Dartmoor, Devon.
Rob Steemson, Dartmoor national Park emergency officer, estimated the blaze to be about 5km (3.1 miles) wide and continuing to spread.
Mr Steemson said the fire, which could be seen about 20 miles away in Plymouth, was being stoked by fierce south-westerly winds.

[factory]

Edit: anyone near Carlisle? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203276157425

Without lockdown that might have triggered a nice short holiday

Those Tek generators are tempting along with the SE Labs DVM, but unless the lockdown ends soon it's a non starter though, police are randomly stopping non-local vehicles here & issuing fines.
Plus my van really needs a proper service, don't think they did bugger all to it last year.

David

[mnementh]

Waitaminnit... I thought visiting family and business dealings were both still considered legitimate causes for travel...?

mnem
 

[factory]

I don't think they would class buying stuff on ePay as family or business dealings, or essential either.

David

[factory]

Well, this I didn't expect. The Aussies are always regaling us with tales of the countryside on fire, and of course it happens here too, but not normally in winter after a week of freezing temperatures, rain and snow standing across most of the UK.

A huge fire has broken out across an area of moorland in Dartmoor, Devon.
Rob Steemson, Dartmoor national Park emergency officer, estimated the blaze to be about 5km (3.1 miles) wide and continuing to spread.
Mr Steemson said the fire, which could be seen about 20 miles away in Plymouth, was being stoked by fierce south-westerly winds.

I noticed a report of similar wildfires in the western isles of Scotland this morning after reading the about the lowest temperatures for many years.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-56021899

David

[factory]

Mixed success with the Gamers Choiceᵀᴹ HP 54615B, the replacement monitor IC arrived today, it didn't cure the fault though, although after a while of trying to get the H-hold to work it suddenly locked.  Great I thought and put the cover back on only for the problem it to reappear.  Again removed the cover, tried to find out the problem and it suddenly came good again, this time it continued to work after sliding the cover back on (no screws fitted).

As least I could now use it, I gave it a check with the HP sweeper, seems to be working on both inputs up to 500MHz. 



Oddly the built in game works without the cartridge installed. 


David

[drussell]

Good find!  Do you think you could add another set to your order?  I assume local shipping would be less than the $23CAD that they are asking for...?

Sorry my offer was accepted and it's already marked as shipped. I paid quickly this morning while attending a boring meeting

Never hurts to try; thanks Kosmic!

I will be placing an order in an hour and a half or so....   @mnem, does the dragon want in on something like this?

Oooh!!  Oooh!!!  Me, me, me!...  Me too!   

I would like a set also, I can paypal someone the money if we want to save on shipping for some sort of group buy!

Edit:  P.S. since I'm in Alberta and there's no PST I don't mind doing group buys to here on stuff like this and then re-shipping if that is ever helpful...

[EE4all]

One set of calibration resistors ordered. Sigh. You people are a bad influence. 

[drussell]

One set of calibration resistors ordered. Sigh. You people are a bad influence. 

Crap...  Don't buy 'em all out now... haha   

If they're going to be that popular I don't mind just ordering like four or five sets for us Canuckistanians, it says only six of of the twin sets left after EE4all's purchase...

[Kosmic]

I found some Vishay SMD precision resistor on ebay. 0.01% 2ppm tempco max. They sell between 15$ and 35$ new on mouser.   

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Calibration-Resistor-Standards-Vishay-01-2ppm-SMD-Laser-Trimmed-Kit/124549960880

Seller is asking 15$ for 14 pieces (around 1$ each) but he accepted my offer at 10$.

Good find!  Do you think you could add another set to your order?  I assume local shipping would be less than the $23CAD that they are asking for...?

Sorry my offer was accepted and it's already marked as shipped. I paid quickly this morning while attending a boring meeting

   Shit shit shit shit shit... I bought 2 orders at $44 shipped ($11 offered) to make another resistance PCB and paid before I saw your post. 

Fuck... we coulda saved like $20-30 on shipping by going in together... woulda still been cheaper even with the $10 duty.

mnem
 

Could be interesting to make a PCB for those. You use the base of a metal hammond box and the PCB screw on top. components inside and connectors outside.