Re: Favourite Test Equipment

On 11/04/2024 3:42 am, Cursitor Doom wrote:

On Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:40:02 +1000, Trevor Wilson
<trevor@rageaudio.com.au> wrote:
 

On 1/04/2024 4:41 am, Cursitor Doom wrote:

Hi all,
>
I'm starting to get a bit fed up with having my test equipment blow up
just when it's needed. This is the drawback with vintage gear; if it's
not used frequently then it can go *bang* the next time you switch it
on. It makes for good practice in repairing stuff, but wastes a lot of
time which could be better spent doing other things.
I think it's time I modernised my test gear. I was just wondering if
anyone has any recommendations they can share. Is there a particular
piece of test equipment you couldn't live without? Something you're
particularly impressed with? I'd be interested to know so I can
perhaps acquire said item and thereby reduce the number of explosions
I experience.
>
Thanks,
>
CD.

>
**In my 55 years of servicing, I've only blown up one thing: A Micronta
DMM, which I connected to a laser power supply. I should not have done
it. Clear operator failure. Everything else works just fine. Even my
first multimeter. A Sanwa U-50D my dad gave me on my 14th birthday.
Still works fine. My first DMM. A cheap 'n cheerful SOAR. Works just
fine. My first Fluke meter. A 40 year old Fluke 85. Works fine. I've had
to clean the switch a few times. Otherwise, no problems. Ditto my other
15 or so meters. Same deal with my 'scopes.
>
I don't know what your problem is. Test equipment, when treated properly
lasts a long time.

 To be fair, these "explosions" are typically capacitors: old, dried
-out electrolytics in test gear that hasn't been used in a long time
go bang when the power's switched on - as do old X2 safety caps. Those
are the chief culprits IME.

**Oh, I see. You ignore regular maintenance. That makes sense. I hope no one buys a car from you.
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