Setting up a home lab - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:20:04 pm
content: It looks like there are going to be periods of 'working from home' in the futureSo I need to set myself up with a lab at home.What equipment do you guys think is a must have?Thanks,G

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:30:21 pm
content: Budget, location and actual equipment requirements required please.

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:33:17 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on October 20, 2020, 07:30:21 pmBudget - Not a fortune, I'm in YorkshireLocation - England (see above also)Requirements - General low voltage electronics design/test. Onboard SMPS's, digital interfaces etc

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:39:29 pm
content: OK, did you know you can place a flag in your profile to show where you are ?So, scope.....maybe MSO, meters, PSU/s, AWG ? < that sort of stuff ?Preference for new or SH ?

author: SMB784
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:48:19 pm
content: Novice Tier:5.5 Digit Multimeter, Power supply, Oscilloscope, Function Generator/Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG), Soldering StationJourneyman Tier:Logic Analyzer (USB based or otherwise), Hot-Air Rework Station, Frequency Counter, Inductance/Capacitance/Resistance (LCR) Meter, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Mats, 3D PrinterMaster Tier:Spectrum Analyzer, Reflow Oven, RF Signal Generator, Reference standards (Frequency, Voltage, Resistance, etc), Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) Camera, 500MHz+ Bandwidth Oscilloscope, >6.5 Digit Multimeter, Soldering/Inspection MicroscopeGod Tier:LINAC Particle Accelerator, Reactive-Ion Etching System, Plasma Sputtering Thin-film Deposition, Slow Neutrons Source, CNC Waterjet Cutter, Chemical Vapor Deposition Chamber, Rocket Engine Test Stand, Dilution Refrigerator, Petawatt Laser System, ExaFLOP Supercomputer, Scanning SQUID Microscope, etc...

author: jemangedeslolos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:52:32 pm
content: What is your day job or do you know on what kind of project you could work in the nect 3-6 month?I'm setting up a home lab so I know exactly what I need :All stuff in my real lab.... X2.... And with that, I will have half all I want/need

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:53:57 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on October 20, 2020, 07:39:29 pmNo I didn'tPlease excuse my ignorance, what's: MSO and AWG?I'm not bothered about new or SH.

author: jemangedeslolos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:55:45 pm
content: Mixed signal oscilloscopeArbitrary waveforms generator

author: SMB784
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:56:15 pm
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 07:53:57 pmMSO stands for Mixed Signal Oscilloscope (basically oscilloscope + logic analyzer)AWG stands for Arbitrary Waveform Generator

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:56:27 pm
content: Quote from: SMB784 on October 20, 2020, 07:48:19 pmI guess I'm Novice/Journeyman territory.I'd like a bench meter, what is recommended?G

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:58:58 pm
content: The day job is designing audio processors/amplifiers/associated ancillary equipment.I'm not looking to replicate it all, I won't do doing audio testing at home, but it would be good to be able to test the digital side of new designs at home. Characterise onboard SMPS's etc.G

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:59:22 pm
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 07:53:57 pmMixed signal oscilloscope. Analog and digital channels.Arbitrary waveform generator....modern function generator.QuoteSo let's just say you can get ~4 new units for 1500 Euro....too much ?3ch PSU4ch DSO2ch AWGBench DMM

author: SMB784
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:59:59 pm
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 07:56:27 pmWe need to know your budget range. 200 pounds sterling, 500 pounds, 1000 pounds?

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:15:16 pm
content: I've got a couple of bench power supplies, one that works, and a TTI one somewhere I need to find out that needs repairing.I guess I'd like a bench meter, I've got a load of hand held meters, but replacing batteries all the time is a PITA. Do people ever hack them to run from a power supply?A scope would be good, I'm sure many people have asked about budget scopes......I have a USB logic analyser somewhere.I've also got a Picologger somewhere too.Maybe a few hundred £ over a few months would be comfortable for a Yorkshireman......G

author: SMB784
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:23:32 pm
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 08:15:16 pmSo less than 500?

author: LootMaster
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:29:55 pm
content: powerful Fan+ microscope.those are important.The rest is like... Are you good enough to troubleshoot with multimeter and J-link ? Can postpone until...Some engineers postpone very long and debug/make their big boards with not much.But you cant verify without seeing, and you cant breath lead. #1 priority IMHO.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:36:29 pm
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 08:15:16 pmReally then you have most of what you need except a scope....and maybe a AWG.Nice job on the profile update !

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:36:48 pm
content: Quote from: SMB784 on October 20, 2020, 08:23:32 pmIn one go probably.G

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:38:53 pm
content: Quote from: LootMaster on October 20, 2020, 08:29:55 pmYES! My eyes are not what they used to be!Recommendations on magnifiers etc?G

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:45:14 pm
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 08:38:53 pmOccasional SMD and regular TH.....cheap jewellers headset. One with an additional flip down lense.Good lighting is just as/more important.

author: LootMaster
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:46:52 pm
content: The thing is... the cheap scope with the base that doesn't allow you to rotate wont let you turn to the side boards for side expection, wich I like to do, and will always be in your way... so the 300$ difference is a killer, when space constrained.I have the "standard" lens. It allows me to see well on a bard that is elevated anywhere from 2-3 inches from table, and gives me about 5 inches clearing for my hands.

author: LootMaster
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:49:34 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on October 20, 2020, 08:45:14 pmI got one of these...Its just not as good, and not for anything past occasional hobby.The pain on my nose/ears/head...Was just not cool.30$ wasted...save yourself the 30$, and add another 470$ or so. Its just THAT much better.I spent a frustrating 2 days solving shorts because I could not see well.Heres a wy that you might save on a microscope for more test gear, and maximize your comfort for fab work.The best option is a 7x glass that you can somehow hang somewhere not permanently on your head...Think of an elevated cheap ass structure to take into accountthe cheapness of the flexible conduit that holds these lights/magnifiers. The metal arm ones are too flimsy... Have inertia problems.I don't recommend cheap things that you pout on your head for hours on end. Try to build around your comfort.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:55:56 pm
content: Quote from: LootMaster on October 20, 2020, 08:49:34 pmSure, if you're working with predominantly SMD then you need the right kit.

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 08:58:00 pm
content: 99.9% SMT for me

author: Sighound36
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 09:09:18 pm
content: Do remember that Yorkshiremen are like Scotsmen but with all the goodness squeezed out

author: 0culus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 09:15:05 pm
content: Keep in mind that you don't need to get everything at once. A couple of multimeters, a scope, and a soldering station are a great place to start. As you go along, you'll identify what other things you need. Don't forget scope probes...if you want to be poking around SMPS, a quality differential probe or two should be on your list. Otherwise, normal 10X (10:1 voltage divider) probes are fine. Don't get switchable 1X/10X probes. 1X probes are of limited utility, and accidentally switching the probe to that when you didn't mean to can cause fireworks. You don't want fireworks!

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 09:48:30 pm
content: Quote from: LootMaster on October 20, 2020, 08:49:34 pmI used to buy the crap magnifiers. I spent a little bit more and bought an OptiVisor headset magnifier. I find it comfortable for extended periods of time.

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 12:56:55 am
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 07:20:04 pmStrange question... Do you want to do something else at home? You don't know what you will need without any work experience? If you don't know what is MSO and AWG are, maybe you should start equipping with tutorials?And why does England restrict you in any way worse than other countries?

author: colorado.rob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 02:43:30 am
content: Quote from: Northy on October 20, 2020, 08:15:16 pmI have a couple Agilent hand-held DMMs with NiCd rechargeable batteries. These get the most use on my bench. They last a long time on a single charge. If the battery indicator looks low, I plug it in for a charge overnight. You can get rechargeable "AA" batteries if that's what your DMMs need. Swap them out and charge them as needed.I have a 6.5 digit bench DMM. This is used primarily for precision measurement, logging, lab automation (LXI).Given your budget, I'd skip the bench DMM, buy some rechargeable batteries, and focus on DSO, AWG and soldering station.

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 07:04:01 am
content: Quote from: Sighound36 on October 20, 2020, 09:09:18 pm

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 07:10:13 am
content: Thanks all.I've designed electronics for 19 years, but never needed/had to do anything at home before beyond some very basic stuff.I'll get together what I have, but the most obvious thing missing is a scope. What to get there.......I think I've got:2 bench psu (one needs repair)Several hand held multimeters - has anyone ever made a stand or anything for such?PicologgerCheap USB logic analyserThere's an old pre-lead free Weller soldering station somewhere. Is there a way to make them work with lead free?I guess I need:ScopeMagnifierGood lightBench!G

author: uski
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 08:12:25 am
content: HiI am going through a similar process right now. I have compiled some information in this thread :https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/home-lab-setup-what-i-have-in-mind/I just purchased aDMM6500today and a2280S-60-3The reason for the 2280S-60-3 is that :- I already have power supplies for the lower voltage and needed one with higher voltage, and 3.2A output is enough- It does measure output current up to 6 1/2 digit. And many times all we want to do is measure output current precisely, so it saves me a multimeter- It has logging capabilities and a bunch of featuresThe reason for DMM6500 is that :- It has a sampling rate of 1MS/s which is almost like an oscilloscope, very helpful to look for transient signals- It's 6 1/2 digits which I believe is frankly enough for all my needs. No need for 7 1/2 or 8 1/2 digits for nowI will probably get a DMMcheck Plus as a reference. I recommend you get a a cheap GPSDO from eBay and you will get a precise time reference with an OCXO that you can feed all your lab equipmentI found a frequency counter is helpful. But I do not know why everyone seem to get a function generator, I don't see the need.Hope this helps your brainstormingPS: There are multiplemultimeter standson Thingiverse.If you don't have a 3D printer I recommend you get aCreality Ender 3 ProPS2 : "There's an old pre-lead free Weller soldering station somewhere. Is there a way to make them work with lead free?"It will most likely work as-is but if you care about regulatory compliance and contamination you need to change the tip and other accessories you have been using with it.Otherwise it is just a question of changing the temperature. In general you will see that lead free solder is harder to use and most hobbyists tend to stick with leaded solder (mind the higher health risks).Get a fume extractor if you don't have one and please ventilate your space when you solder, lead free solder or not. I found that soldering generates a lot of fine particles.

author: Zorc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 09:10:24 am
content: 2280S-60-3, looks really nice but for a private hobby lab I wouldn'nt even consider buying it, way too expensive. You could buy a DMM6500 and a multiple output bench supply for that and spend the rest on other stuff you alsno need.

author: uski
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 09:45:47 am
content: Quote from: Zorc on October 21, 2020, 09:10:24 amA bunch of what I do involves measuring power consumption, so for my use case, it makes sense to invest here.Especially with the15% discount when you buy 2 pieces of equipment, it helps sweeten the deal.I hesitated with the 2230G-60-3 (multiple outputs but "dumber").In my situation, I also have a dumb Agilent power supply that does 0-30V 0-3A which is why I was looking for a 60A PSU. For anything above 3A I will use a switching power supply..I think it is pretty close to the situation of OP : other PSUs available, so better get a different one which is a bit unique. I also expect this PSU to last me decades, if I am lucky (no reason it will fail).But as always, depends of what you do and the budget. It is true I could have ordered a second DMM6500 and a cheap power supply - but I wanted a different power supply, something with more features.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 10:57:36 am
content: Quote from: Northy on October 21, 2020, 07:10:13 amOK for a scope what did you have in mind ?BW ?2ch or 4ch ?Entry level or something better ?Screen size ? 7" or larger ?

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 03:27:36 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on October 21, 2020, 10:57:36 amI don't know really, I've never worked anywhere that had anything really nice

author: uski
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 03:54:29 am
content: Quote from: Northy on October 21, 2020, 03:27:36 pmI would recommend getting a 4 channel model. The price difference with the 2 channel models is not that big these days.This is especially important if your scope does not have a MSO (logic analyzer) capability. Sometimes it is useful to use the scope as a crude logic analyzerFor instance when looking at an SPI bus, having 2 channels is not enough... granted a logic analyzer is better, but then you cannot look at the signal quality, which is something that you sometimes need to do.Granted you can look at the signal quality channel per channel on a 2 channel scope, and then use the logic analyzer to see everything at the same place... but it is less convenient.

author: LootMaster
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 04:27:27 am
content: Its an extremely difficult choice to make sometimes.For instance.SDS2352X-E AND MSOVS.SDS2104X PLUS (150$ more)

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 05:09:56 am
content: Quote from: LootMaster on October 22, 2020, 04:27:27 amI know both these models well.....SDS2104X Plus, no contest !These new models are in another league to anything Siglent has produced before in this class.

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 12:25:57 pm
content: Well it's a start

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 01:26:51 pm
content: Quote from: Northy on October 21, 2020, 07:10:13 amYou'll need an adjustable soldering station for lead free because the temperature is much more critical to get a good joint without burning up the flux. And I strongly suggest to look at a different brand than Weller. Their tips go bad really quick.

author: Northy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 08:04:31 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 01, 2020, 01:26:51 pmWhat is recommended these days then?G

author: IDEngineer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2020, 01:56:05 am
content: Here's a novel idea: Buy today what you KNOW you will need. Then, buy additional tools as you actually need them. In a very short time you'll have acquired 90% of what you'll likely ever need, and you'll avoid buying things that "sound logical" but end up not being necessary.If I were starting over, I'd need a scope, DMM, power supply, debugger/programmer for whatever MCU's I'm using, and soldering equipment. That's enough to do a LOT of projects in both the analog and digital domains. The next followup purchase would probably be a function generator, but that may be driven by the kind of work I do - others might need a logic analyzer more, for example.I'm down the road far enough that I now have specialized T&M equipment that sits unused for weeks at a time. But when I need it, I REALLY need it... there is no substitute. When you realize that, buy that item.

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2020, 11:03:36 am
content: Sounds like the only thing you NEED is the oscilloscope.Always get the best you can.Get 4 channel, there is always the occaision where you need more channels !Since you already have a logic analyser, you do not need MSO.(Personally, after using Saleae logic analysers, I never use scope for decoding any more)Never try to convert hand held dmm to use plug in psu. They are design to use batteries to give complete isolation from mains. Joining then to mains with a psu is asking for trouble !Weller TCP range can have temperature adjusted by changing the tip.They have fallen out of favour.You do not have to switch to unleaded for hobby stuff. You only need to use unleaded for commercial work.If you repair stuff, make sure you remove the unleaded solder before replacing with leaded.As some others have mentioned, get equipment when you NEED it, or if the opportunity comes along to aquire it. I never turn down the opportunity when company I work for scrap equipment.