So now that I can get anything I want, what should I get? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: lazarusr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 05:54:49 pm
content: My wife said that if I got her what she wanted for Christmas, I could have anything I wanted. So now that she has what she wanted (and what she wanted was a HUGE deal), what should I get?

author: Tom45
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 06:08:09 pm
content: It would help if you said what you have already and what your interests are.

author: tsman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 06:21:39 pm
content: A price range would be useful as well. Start dropping hints for abig scope

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 06:31:29 pm
content: Your own custom built lab, fully furnished with 3 parking spots.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 07:05:46 pm
content: Perhaps just take an IOU for when you screw up big time and just use the added resources to pay the bills?

author: lazarusr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 07:34:09 pm
content: First, I should make it clear that this is the present my wife (has already) got for Christmas.(And no, it is not the watch or the sofa.)When fully grown it will be about 1.3m long. In the circumstances, I believe I am entitled to a lot for Christmas this yearAlso, there is nothing I reallyneed. I currently have a 121GW DMM, a Rigol 1054Z 'scope (hacked), an R&S RTB2004 'scope, a Rigol DP832 power supply (hacked) and a Siglent SDG2042X function generator due in a couple of weeks.However, I am welcome to suggestions as to what I mightwant. (We are talking serious test and measurement porn here.)I also, I feel I should check out the TEA group therapy group thread.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 07:36:59 pm
content: Keysight bench meter or a new pc?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 07:47:14 pm
content: Quote from: lazarusr on December 08, 2018, 07:34:09 pmjustif i get my wife that, there will be no food in the house for few days. does that <thing> rattle? sometime what we think is good is bad. ymmv.Quote from: tsman on December 08, 2018, 06:21:39 pm+1 lets see how that <thing> worth...

author: tsman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 07:47:52 pm
content: Your post history is quite short and just mentions that you're building a synthesizer and have dabbled with Xilinx CPLDs. There really isn't much to go on here but presumably you won't be after anything too specialised like RF test equipment.Fancy soldering/desoldering station?Logic analyser?LCR meter?3D printer?

author: Gary350z
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 07:48:14 pm
content: Electronic snake repellent.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 07:49:57 pm
content: I'm missing a spectrum analyser on the list.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 08:01:50 pm
content: Easy, Keysight FieldFox N9952A with all software options.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 08:10:11 pm
content: Quote from: lazarusr on December 08, 2018, 07:34:09 pmMice to feed it.

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 08:17:10 pm
content: Mice generator.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 08:22:02 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on December 08, 2018, 07:05:46 pmIt never works that way when it comes to it. Better take the shiny toy.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 08:38:26 pm
content: Quote from: lazarusr on December 08, 2018, 07:34:09 pmOnlyonemultimeter?

author: lazarusr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:07:21 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on December 08, 2018, 08:38:26 pmThe 121GW is my best DMM. I have others.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:18:36 pm
content: If you don'tneedanything then get something "luxury".I'd get a Hioki DT4282, but that's just me.(bench multimeter feel/performance in a handheld format)

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:24:36 pm
content: What sort of circuits do you play with? I think LCR meter and Spectrum Analyzer are good suggestions for general capability, but depending on what you work with, maybe something more specialized? Fancy bench meter, SMU, frequency counter, older high bandwidth scope, logic analyzer, etc. could all be nice if your projects lean in those directions.I also like the soldering equipment idea, they get lots of use and can easily be forgotten about. Maybe some magnification for smaller work? A decent microscope can be real interesting just to look at stuff and can be great for fine work or inspection.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:25:42 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on December 08, 2018, 09:24:36 pmOr something not testgear related at all.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:26:49 pm
content: High quality sources, so you can test your test equipmentMore seriously, things togeneratesignals of interest to you,whether that be digital, audio, DC, RF.But, and it is a big but, all equipment has a learning curve, both the generic theory of operation and which buttons to press on a specific instrument. Corollary: if you get a lot of equipment, you will spend all your time learning when/how to use it - which leaves little time to actuallyachieveanything with it.My attitude is to decide what I want to achieve, and thereafter figure out how and what I need to achieve it. See my .sig

author: Nightmare4u2c
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:31:35 pm
content: Microscope? Hot air rework station?

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:35:03 pm
content: Quote from: Nightmare4u2c on December 08, 2018, 09:31:35 pm+1 vote from me.You shall have soldering and hot air stations you are proud of. Microscope as well.

author: Housedad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:39:49 pm
content: A really nice Amscope double boom stereo microscopeHot air solder gunFrequency counter universaland/or this bad boy:https://www.wihatools.com/tech-tools/precision-screwdrivers/sets/precision-tool-tray-51-piece-setor anything on this site:https://www.wihatools.com/tech-tools

author: MrW0lf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:41:07 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on December 08, 2018, 09:25:42 pm

author: tsman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:41:46 pm
content: GPSDO and a distribution amp?If you want to open pandora's box then start looking at kit in the Metrology section of this forum.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:44:26 pm
content: Quote from: lazarusr on December 08, 2018, 09:07:21 pmI'm not sure what kind of prices you're thinking of, but a data logging multimeter like the DMM6500 is a wonderful tool.That being said, considering the thread title is "I can get anything I want" I'd simply get everything you want. Stuff the bench with high end testing gear and buy a nice classic car.

author: Housedad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:46:07 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on December 08, 2018, 09:44:26 pmand don't tell the wife about the Floozie that goes with the car.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:47:48 pm
content: Quote from: Housedad on December 08, 2018, 09:46:07 pmI originally added that to my post, but soon realised that's likely to halve your stuff, not add to it.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 09:53:00 pm
content: Someone tried to sell me a snake in a pub once for £20. Was it that kind of massive deal?

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 10:06:38 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on December 08, 2018, 09:53:00 pmI found a snake outside once. It depends on the snake and I assume part of the massive deal is that OP isn't as much of a fan of snakes as his better half is.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 10:26:24 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on December 08, 2018, 10:06:38 pmI sometimes find "slow worms" in my garden. Lovely creatures, that are actually legless lizards. Even though I've handled them, they've never autoamputated their tail.

author: SteveRosenlund
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2018, 03:46:05 pm
content: DC load, microscope, or thermal camera.

author: nfmax
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2018, 05:55:59 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on December 08, 2018, 10:26:24 pmA few months ago, a friend visiting from the states spotted a snake right outside my back door. I said "No, that's a slow worm", but one of my other visitors picked it up to take a closer look (she does things like that) and it was in fact a baby grass snake. It had probably been after frogs hiding up in the woodpile.It didn't shed it's tail, but it did exhibit itsdefence responseas advertised.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2018, 06:04:30 pm
content: Thermal cameras are cool, too.

author: pjakobs
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 07:13:53 am
content: If that thing was in my house, a mongoose would bei very high in my list.Gesendet von meinem HTC U11 mit Tapatalk

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 10:07:21 am
content: If we are talking a comparable, really HUGE deal, I would echo the earlier replies and suggest a first rate stereo microscope. Not something from China but either a newMeiji Technoor a refurbished model made from ca. 1980 to the early 90s, by one the big four: Zeiss, Wild, Olympus or Nikon. You will see so much more, and not just in your electronics, and have something that will bring you satisfaction for a lifetime. Your wife may end up using it too if you don't hide it in the basement.My mother has a Meiji microscope which she uses in her sewing area. I have an old Wild and would not part with it for gold and frankincense.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 10:22:39 am
content: To be fair, $600 china microscopes are absolutely amazing for the price.https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-Shipping-3-5X-90X-Double-Boon-Stand-Stereo-Zoom-trinocular-Microscope-14MP-camera-144pcs-Led/300856_32662536810.htmlSure, you can spend $10K and get a brand name scope. The optics will be better quality and the image a little bit sharper, but really is it worth that much to you?I reckon for most people it would be a waste of money. The image you get from a $600 china scope is pretty damn nice.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 04:41:01 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on December 10, 2018, 10:22:39 amA bit sharper? If you were to spend that kind of money, the difference would be like night and day!A top of the line, Meiji trinocular, research microscope on their best boom stand is about US$5000. A very good, "routine" Meiji on the same stand, more toward what I would suggest, is a bit less than half that. Either will get you something that is built and guaranteed to last your lifetime – and will be a pleasure to use.I like to look at things. I think life is too short to do that through a microscope that is largely good enough. Perhaps the OP feels the same way. I know others do. The authors ofthis article,for example, after recommending a popular Chinese-made, Amscope stereo microscope, end their review by comparing its imaging to an old Nikon SMZ-U. Look at their last picture and imagine which ’scope you would prefer to look through all day, or just look through. That is what you get with a Meiji or big four microscope.Whatever the OP ends up getting, I wish him and his family a Merry Christmas!

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 05:53:49 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on December 08, 2018, 09:53:00 pmThere used to be a used bookstore in LA which I visited, where the owner kept a pet boa in a tank. I expressed interest, so she draped him around my shoulders and he accompanied me on my shopping for half an hour or so. He wasn't full grown - only about 5-6 feet, but he still had a pretty impressive grip; when I let him crawl back into his tank, he used my arm as a makeshift branch and worked his way back in, heading to where it was nice and warm near the heater. I knew I wouldn't get that kind of opportunity very often, so it was a no-brainer...

author: vtwin@cox.net
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 09:29:46 pm
content: Quote from: lazarusr on December 08, 2018, 05:54:49 pmBarrett M107A1 50 BMG FDE 20"

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2019, 05:56:58 am
content: Quote from: jfiresto on December 10, 2018, 04:41:01 pmWould it though?I think a lot of people don't know just how good china microscopes have got in the past 10 years.i use a $600 china microscope at work every day, and i have looked through a really nice olympus microscope for comparison.The china microscope image is clear and sharp and the eyepieces have ultra-wide field of view. I liked it so much i bought my own one for home use.The olympus microscope did look a little better in terms of image clarity and the build quality was nice, it felt really solid.But i just cant see why it's worth paying $5-$10k for what seems like, at most, a 20% better experience.To give an analogy, a china microscope is like a nice $400 pair of Sennheiser headphones and a $10k microscope is like the Sennheiser Orpheus. Sure, the Orpheus is really nice, but no, i'll take the $400 pair and buy a car with the rest of the money

author: lazarusr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 11:34:42 pm
content: So thanks for all the suggestions. In the end, I went more than a little bit crazy and bought a whole heap of stuff. Here are the photos showing the post-snakegate status of my lab.

author: Mortymore
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2019, 11:51:22 pm
content: The thermal camera might be handy if the snake escapes inside the house.

author: bicycleguy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 01:57:19 am
content: You need to print up some of these!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 02:52:00 am
content: Quote from: lazarusr on February 09, 2019, 11:34:42 pmI do see one problem... so much stuff that there is no surface space left to work. You should have gotten bench DMMs instead

author: lazarusr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 10:33:40 am
content: Quote from: bicycleguy on February 10, 2019, 01:57:19 amOoh nice! Do you have the CAD source files?

author: lazarusr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 10:34:48 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 10, 2019, 02:52:00 amLook a little closer...

author: Jan Audio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 05:35:42 pm
content: Spread your buys so you wont have all stuff outdated at once.Newer stuff has always better specs.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 07:05:52 pm
content: Quote from: lazarusr on February 10, 2019, 10:34:48 amPeople see right through the keithleys. If it were an SMU he would have seen it.