Odp: [sdiy] Useful equipment

[Machinerygod]

Friday, August 02, 2002, 4:24:39 PM, you wrote:

>>
>> DVM
>> Beckman DM25L 3 1/2 Digit
>>
>> VOM
>> Simpson 260-8P multimeter with overload
R> protection (essential!)

R> this one I don't understand. Why 2 multimeters?
R> One is enough for
R> anyone (like 640kB of RAM, but I digres).

Not exactly...One meter with a needle and one with a display is much
better. An analog readout does have its advantages in some cases (say
if your switchmode PSU is power-cycling and you want to be able to see
it in action, or you want to watch a capacitor charging. I use my DVM
90% of the time, but I'll never toss out the old analogs.

R>  Get a
R> decent one.
R> Don't be cheap on that. I guess 150-200$ should be
R> adequate.
R> Go to meter dealer and search the specs. I don't
R> know what brands
R> are popular where you live, but I'd go for Metex
R> or Appa.

>>
>> Power Supply
>> B&K Precision 1630 0-30v, 3A linear

R> Name "precision" equals "high price". For simple
R> DIYing you don't
R> need precision power supply. Those can cost
R> 500-2000$. But you
R> really need one with bipolar output. I suggest
R> getting a used one.
R> Making your own is pain in the @ss and may be
R> dangerous.
R> And yes, this is essential purchase

Nonsense...B&K precision is a relatively reasonably priced line of
gear. I have a BK Test Bench 388A DVM, and absolutely love it (except
for aforementioned situations where I'd rather have an analog) V up to
1KV DC, 750V AC, current to 20 Amps, fused, AC/DC switch (rather than
two ranges for more knob turning), diode checker, capacitance meter function with separate terminals for
connecting said capacitor, HFE transistor checker also with separate
terminals, continuity buzzer, logic function, frequency counter that
goes to somewhere in the khz range, rugged rubber shock case.
 I think I paid $99 for it.

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