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Minimum test equipment

Martaine2005

May 12, 2015
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Hi all,
I am having a clear out of all my RC helicopters, motorbikes, boats etc. All mainly from early 90's.
To make room for some test equipment. Now I know Fluke and Agilent etc are out of my price range as a novice even if they are second hand.

I am not a minimalist by any stretch of the imagination, just need to start somewhere.
All I own is 4 mutimeters. Two digital and two analogue. 5 soldering irons, 15w, 15-25w, 25w, 40w, and the BEAST 100w.

I want as a minimum, an oscilloscope, preferably two channel,
Bench multimeter,
Bench power supply, preferably two outputs,
And most importantly a magnifying lamp (articulated). Eyes are not what they used to be..

Any suggestions would be greatly received. And of course any other equipment that is the staple for a test bench.

Martin.
 

mofy

Dec 19, 2014
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For the oscilloscope Rigol are excellent value for money. Bench power supply, dual tracking to at least +/-15v preferably higher, at least 3A, with current limit control/monitoring as well. You also need a fixed 5v and 3.3v, but they can be just little DIY kits and only about 2A.
 

davenn

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and forget a bench multimeter a waste of money ... put the money towards the scope
 

Martaine2005

May 12, 2015
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Thanks guys.
mofy, strange you mention Rigol.. I just downloaded a pdf on the
Rigol DS1054Z £300 doesn't seem too bad for a first scope. But I heard a novice should probably start with an old CRT scope and then move onto a digital scope. Not sure how that actually works.

I was looking at the
GW Instek SPS-3610 Switching DC Power Supply Purely because the ones I really like are £1500! And I have a Maplin round the corner.. But heard they are rubbish!! Is this true?

I do have a (kind of) fixed 5v and 3.3v supply. And 12v too, from an old atx case.

@ Dave, yes totally agree now after reading some reviews. I might change that to a frequency counter as I play a lot with toys that transmit.

Thanks again for the input guys.
Martin.
 

poor mystic

Apr 8, 2011
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I think you'll find a modern scope, secondhand, at about 1/2 the price of new. There won't be any problems with it - ask on the site before you buy is a good option.
 

Martaine2005

May 12, 2015
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ask on the site before you buy is a good option.
Yes, I did think about second hand, but was put off purely because it would be my first scope. And as I have no experience at all, the warranty is probably worth the extra money to begin with.
Once I get some experience behind me with using a scope, a second hand one wouldn't worry me.
Thanks. Martin.
 

Martaine2005

May 12, 2015
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I'm also in the market for a good mag lamp. What's a good brand?
I optest for the cheapest from Maplin. £30.
I have to say that I am very impressed so far. It moves quite easily if knocked by accident. A few nylocks can fix that.
I would however say that if you wear reading glasses, try to not too o_O.
I had a headache after 5 minutes.
I now just use it further away without the glasses and works fine.
Here is the cheapo link..
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/22w-fluor...r-lamp-a29ff?gclid=CP6j5daJ_sUCFbHKtAodHHsAbg

Martin.
 

Martaine2005

May 12, 2015
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looks good .
Thanks Dave.
Warranty is three years. So I ordered it before anybody replied..
Anyhow, I am sure I will have many questions to come.
I am a Little pissed now and probably should shut up.
But this forum rocks.....Cudos to all...But Adam is my UK hero.
Tea with that scone dear?
 

davenn

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Sep 5, 2009
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cant complain with a 3 yr warranty
looks to be a really versatile PSU
my main dual rail variable supply is this one

MP3087.jpg

also have one of these so a few yrs longer
has fixed 12 and 5V outputs and a 0 - 32V variable output

$_75.jpg


both have been good supplies


Dave
 

davenn

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hahaha you may be "pushing the envelope" there mate ;)
 
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