Hi all-
I'm surprised that you haven't inlcuded jumper wires as part
of the "must haves". Even the cheap Radio Shack with
alligator clips are always a keep around. For me, a 1 gallon
zip lock baggie with my collection. Keeps them all easily
transportable.
The thread has been to power supplies. One of the most common
power supplies that I reach for was an oldie I built in
college, 5V 1A 'er, with a 7805 (a TO3 can with a copper base!)
The old beastie is just right for prototyping. It's in a
2X2X4 bud box. Variables done with the 3 terminal regulators
in a duplex electrical box (aluminum boxes are getting
expensive these days!
Wall worts can be a good friend as well. We have a local
surplus electronics store where there is a whole isle full
of them. Wander down and for a $1 or 2, you can find either
one that you can use directly or again, a 3 terminal
regulator. I find that I'll put a series switch in there
as I don't like to plug and unplug. A little bare board
with 3 way binding posts. Sometimes with an LED for
power (usually not). If not blessed with an electronics
store, try Good Will or Salvation Army. Usually the
voltage is right on the wort. Very handy to have around.
And a lot less sheet metal work!
I find that test equipment for me is usually done on an
as needed basis. However, if I'm tired of working on what
is in front of me, I'll tackle a little side project.
Wacking out a little power supply or the like, for a couple
of hours when there's nothing on TV can be satisfying.
DMM's- Cheapies. Usually no more than $7.00. Harbor
Freight now sells cheap ones for $2.99. Shoot, for that
price, you can buy them by the dozen! The make vs. buy is
pretty clear cut on that one. Just remember to turn them
off when finished so you don't run down the batteries.
Logic probe- Here again, the make vs. buy. I built my
first logic probe, but the packaging wasn't as good as the
cheap bought ones. So, that was a $17.00 investment. If
you have electronic flea markets around, you might wander
across a old HP logic probe. Very nice, but watch out for
the sharp tip!
Function generator- Here was a make vs. buy that went to
make. An XR2206 3 wave chip with the app note does a fine
job for me for low frequency function gen. An emitter
follower for the square wave output to directly drive TTL
logic was needed, but other than that, it's been a usefull
tool. I built it in a 4 way electrical duplex box with
a plastic front cover. Here again, it was a nice diversion
from the task at hand.
Tek 375B scope.- Took a chance on eBay and bought one for
under $400.00. This was the same type as I cut my teeth on
many years ago after college and still a favorite of mine.
Got real lucky and the "cal'ed" was indeed done on it.
Frequency counter- This was a make. Did it as an exercise
for PIC development. Still need to do a decent analog front
end. Prescaled to 100MHz, 8 LARGE LED display (my eyes
are getting old). And still have to put it in a case. I
don't use it all that much, so with a wall wort power supply, and a couple of wires,
the bare board hangs out there
on the bench........ There are several designs out there
on the internet that can be used if you want to go this
route.
Good soldering station- I've used Weller all my life at
work,
however, nowadays there are some reasonable Chinese ones out
there on the market. I took a change and got a temp.
regulated one recently and was quite pleased with the results!
Not bad and 1/3 the cost of the Wellers. Bought many spare
tips as these might be a problem replacing in the future.
My old Weller (made up of broken parts of other ones that
were piece replaced at work) now sits collecting dust.
Logic analyzer- Here was the second major investment in test
equipment for me. Recently looked at the problem. Usually
clients have one that I can use. Last client gave me a brand
spanking new Agilent scope/16 channel analyzer. Runs a
built in PC with XP. First time I had a scope that I had
to worry about malware! Left the LAN connection unplugged.
But, if it's coming out of *MY* pocketbook......
I do a lot of embedded processor work. Logic analyzer is
REAL nice to have. But, I'm not spending +$5K! Did a
little research and my choice was an Intronix, USB link
one. YMMV, but it's nice to have it conneted to an old
laptop on the bench. $400.00 works as advertised. Real
pleased with it and it has justified it's expense many times
over.
One or more (usually more) old PC's kicking around. Usually
running a dual boot linux/windows. Usefull for logging
data from rs232 inputs, complex waveform generators, etc.
USB interface for logic analyzer, programmers, etc. 300-500MHz
machines are fine with linux.
Itsmoked did it to me! O.K. I'm going to
replace my old Heathkit (Griefkit) Grid Dip Oscillator with
a home built gate dip one! There we go! A little PIC
microcontroller for an LCD frequency display, battery
operation. Cool! The summer reruns are coming on the tube
pretty soon. Should provide hours of fun.
Luddites unite!
Cheers,
Rich S.
![[ponder]](/data/assets/smilies/ponder.gif "[ponder] [ponder]")
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.![[licklips]](/data/assets/smilies/licklips.gif "[licklips] [licklips]")
. Although Minimums and maximum requirements are good.![[viking]](/data/assets/smilies/viking.gif "[viking] [viking]")
Chuck![[wink]](/data/assets/smilies/wink.gif "[wink] [wink]")
![[viking2]](/data/assets/smilies/viking2.gif "[viking2] [viking2]")
