Must have tools for circuit testing bench 12

[machmech]

Hello Folks

I am curious and would like to see a short and simple list,( I will research the options) or ask questions regarding preference if necessary.

Basically, What are your favorite and or must have tools on your work bench? Just in case it is inappropriate to mention name brands (I don't want to advertise or offend anyone) we can refrain from this, Those in the field know what is quality . Although Minimums and maximum requirements are good.

Your input is appreciated

Thanks, Chuck

 

[Skogsgurra]

Yes. That is true. And you do not even need to measure nowadays. You just simulate. No hardware. Nothing to burn. No lethal voltages. No arcs. No problems - until you meet the dreaded Real World.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

 

[Yashu]

These days, 2-4 years of experience gets you classified as a senior design engineer. I think I've spent more time in the bathroom.

 

[Warpspeed]

Ha-ha-ha...........

The number of times I have seen baffled looks, and then the immortal words: "well, it worked o/k on Spice".

 

[zeitghost]

I was trying to simulate a two transistor multivibrator the other day.

Couldn't get the damn thing to run on the 'puter.

So I built it instead.

Student was quite impressed.

5 mins breadboarding against 30 mins cursing the computer.

 

[itsmoked]

I have used simulation software several times.. Talk about aliasing! I couldn't get expected results from hardly any of my non complex circuits. Back to the napkin for me. I laugh whenever RAF (The famous National analog designer) starts talking about simulation since he too holds it in pretty low esteem.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Keith, I assume you're talking about RAP (not RAF)... Robert A. Pease. His Pease Porridge articles in Electronic Design News (EDN) are great. I sent him an email asking for advice on testing a circuit a few years back. Boy was I surprised when he actually answered me within 24-48 hours! I can't imagine how terribly busy this guy must be, but he took the time to give a well-thought answer to some no-name off of the street. He gets extremely high marks in my book.


Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[jimkirk]

The discussion about analog versus digital scopes reminded me that I still like my old analog multimeter, even though I mostly use DMMs now. Sometimes I need to look for a very occasional disturbance on a line or a noisy pot, and there's nothing like seeing the old needle twitch.

Does D'Arsonval and VTVM still mean anything? How about a Grid Dip Meter?

Another very useful thing is my collection of jeweler type screwdrivers. Miniature slot head, Phillips, Torx, Allen, et cetera, all in several sizes.

Has anyone mentioned the Dremel(tm) or similar tool? Great for tweaking small mechanical things.

Jim

 

[Skogsgurra]

Yes Dan,

He (RAP) is an enormously productive guy. We have been discussing a few topics and I keep some of his letters (his hand-writing is even worse than mine!) in my safe. They will no doubt be collector's items within short.

RAP once said that computers can be used as rather impractical book supports. That's all he could use them for. But he has changed. There are things that can be simulated - but you have to be careful and know what you expect beforehand.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

 

[ScottyUK]

Jim,

I have a pair of AVO 8's which were old before I was born. Real early ones with the 2.5kV AC and 2.5kV DC ranges in addition to the lower ones. Beautifully built old things with a phenolic case. I think the basic movement is 50uA, with a long needle and mirrored scale.



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I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy it...

 

[Warpspeed]

I have an AVO 9 Mk 2 in my collection here, built like a brick. It is still accurate, and sometimes even useful.

Robert Pease is a genius, and apparently a bit of a character too, although I have never met him. I believe he was the brains behind most of the special application analog ICs originally produced by National Semiconductor.

He has also published at least one book. Quite a guy, and someone that definitely deserves respect.

 

[itsmoked]

I said RAF????! Oh well. Yes I meant RAP. The spel checer koudant hellp me.

I have one of his books on troubleshooting. I watch all his tech web-casts. He often cuts thru the clutter with some clear thinking.

I think he does design a lot of their stuff.

I once showed up at National with a question about a specific chip. He showed up and talked to me in the lobby. I have also run into him at a booth in a trade show.

He goes on some amazing 'walks' I guess. Doing Hymalayan treks and such.

I have used grid dips a few times.. Very clever device really.

I use a Dremel tool quite often.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[zeitghost]

I was disappointed to note that the 2.5/3.0kV ranges are deleted from the current version of the AVO 8... very useful.

I've also got a couple of AVO 7s, at 1k/Volt they're now only good for automotive type stuff...

 

[Warpspeed]

AVO were most popular state of the art meters at one time, and for very good reasons.

Fluke seem to have filled that spot today.

A student engineer today, seeing an original AVO for the first time, would likely roll around on the carpet laughing.

 

[ScottyUK]

The ignorance of youth...


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I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy it...

 

[OperaHouse]

I remember getting a nice scientific calculator. I just knew it would be invaluable when I got my first job. Ended up only using it for my expense account! I say, never take a good meter where a cheap meter will do. When Harbor Freight has a sale, I pick up a half dozen of their $2.99 DVMs. Sounds wasteful, but I use them till the battery dies and then include them for free in one of my ebay auctions. I feel a lot better when I drop a $3 meter from 20 feet or measure 440 in ohms. I'm getting old and goofy.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I expected the same from my calculator... I've yet to use it in a job. After college was over, it became a boat anchor.


Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[itsmoked]

Jesh I use my calculator ALL the time!! Probably at least once a day. HP32. I curse constantly while using that abysmal piece of garbage included in Windoz. I marvel at how an important Windoz desktop calculator could be so utterly lame, ineffective, non-flexible, error prone, limited, and confusing.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[machmech]

Hi Keith

I wondered if the calculator would be mentioned here.
Why the hp32? anything in particular you prefer about this model other than it's cost is enough to excite Allen Greenspan. Does more decimal places in cost get you more to work with calculating micro amps for example?

http://www.calculatorsource.com/hp-32siib.html

What features do you recommend looking for when purchasing a bare minimum unit.

Chuck

 

[zappedagain]

I'm still using my HP15 that I picked up in 1984. I only replaced the first set of batteries a couple of years ago. Good stuff... It is almost an antique!

I still have my dip meter that I built in about 1990. Maybe I got one of the last ones from Heathkit before they went under. I pulled it out of the box for some EMC testing about a year ago and it still works fine.

 

[TurboXS]

Hey zappedagain.......

I've still use my HP15C but I've been through a lot of batteries since I bought mine in 1984!

The HP15C is now collectable so I hope you kept the case and the box and the manual.

Check out these web sites.

http://www.hpmuseum.org/hp15.htm

http://hp15c.org/

There are even HP15C emulators.

(Showing our age)
Pete