hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Kiotto G-5040R Oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Hexureus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2013, 12:09:15 am
content: Hello,My uncle offered me this Kiotto G-5040R oscilloscope, its a 2 channel 40Mhz scope.I was wondering if anyone has ever worked with one and where can i find a manual for it.I will post some photos in a few days.Thank you.

author: Hexureus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2013, 10:58:57 am
content: Any one please?...

author: MartinX
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2013, 04:17:28 pm
content: I have never heard of Kiotto, how old is it? Maybe it is a re branded scope from another manufacturer, post the pictures and someone will probably recognize it

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2013, 10:14:33 pm
content: Kiotto seems to be an OEM as I see this brand in some other equipment (hereandhere- all in portuguese).Regarding oscilloscopes, I found just a single post of someone selling a g5040 (a terrible picture ishere, among others that have nothing to do with the equipment)Other models seem to be more popular, and by searching for "osciloscópio Kiotto" (in portuguese) I foundthis discussionwith a link to a G5020 service manual (or the guy says his in the link, despite the different name). It may help. Not sure.I couldn't find much more on this brand, which may be an indicator of its popularity, age (before internet) or short lifespan. I suggest you search for the portuguese expression above and... good luck in your hunting!

author: pmcouto
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 16, 2013, 08:38:29 am
content: Hi,Kiotto is just a brand created by the Portuguese company NIPOSOM (www.niposom.pt) in the late 70s.All Kiotto branded instruments were in fact standard models manufactured by Taiwanese companies (some Kiotto DMMs were manufactured by Escort, now part of Agilent).Chances of finding online a manual for Kiotto G-5040R scope are almost null…You may try to contact NIPOSOM – Maybe they still have in their archives a hardcopy of the manual and can send you a copy.Best regards,Pedro Couto
TTi EL302P Power Supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2013, 06:00:45 am
content: I've just been having a quick play with my new EL302P power supply from Thurlby Thandar Instruments. This thing is beautiful. It is, as Dave would say, "sex on a stick".Some reasons I like it include a digital display with rotary encoder control knobs for voltage and current, a small case (about the size of the Rigol DS1102), dead quiet fan-less design, and very robust regulation. Using the control knobs you can dial voltages to exact decimals like 8.32 V and the output voltage matches on my multimeter to the display resolution. I dial in 8.00 V and my DMM says 8.00 V. When the output is off you can dial the current limit directly without having to short the output terminals.The output side has been tuned with the current loop much faster than the voltage loop, so that the current limit is rigorously obeyed. That suggests to me that it would be very hard to blow things up accidentally by momentary over current. The voltage regulation is slow and smooth with no detectable overshoot in any of the tests I have performed. If I connect a 12 V automotive bulb the current limit reacts fast enough to catch and stop the cold filament current surge.When switching on the output the voltage ramps to the limit and sticks there. Load regulation is fast, but not at the cost of the device being powered. For instance when I added a significant load instantaneously the voltage blipped about 80 mV away from the 10 V set point before recovering.For one illustration of the output voltage response, the trace below shows the result of setting the voltage limit to 10 V, the current limit to 30 mA, and turning on the output with a 2.3 V red LED connected up. The LED is quite safe.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2013, 01:18:01 am
content: Thanks for showing us the data. Are TTi power supplies sold in the US? Are they still made in the UK?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2013, 02:31:06 am
content: Yes, on the back it says "Made in England". I got it new from Saelig.
TEST - Fluke 8921A, 20MHz true RMS voltmeter: some performance measurements - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: CarlG
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2013, 09:47:01 am
content: [NOTE: this post is moved fromEEVBlog #406 thread]Upon request, I have made some measurements on a vintage True RMS voltmeter.The 8921A is 4 1/2 digits, has up to 20 MHz bandwidth, 700V max input, and resolution down to 0.1 uV on lowest range, and also selectable dB scale. Great stuff! Very useful for measuring residual noise on (switching) power supplies for instance.Quote from: robrenz on January 03, 2013, 01:17:55 amSo, here's some measurement on the Fluke 8921A. The noise floor is about 20-22 uV for the lo range which limits the bandwidth to 2 MHz.Fluke 8921A noise measurementsNoise floor:Condition Displayed level NoteInputs open 22  Inputs floating (Zin = 1 Mohm)1.55  LO = GND1.68  LO=GND; Low range enterm=50 ohmHI to LO 0.091  Inputs floating0.105  LO=GND0.022  LO=GND; Low range en0.021  Inputs floating; Low range enInputs shorted 0.022  Inputs floatingAccuracy measurementsUsed equipment:1) Signal generator: Agilent 33522A2) RF step attenuator: hp 355D3) 50 ohm BNC feed through termination4) BNC to banana plug adapter50 ohm coax from generator to attentuator50 ohm coax from attenuator to terminationtermination plugged into adapter which is inserted in the DUT----------------------------------------------------------------------Attenuation 0 -20 -40 -60 -80 -100 -120 Generator outputSine 2Vrms 1.97 0.197 -- -- -- -- -- Noise 200 mV 187.5 18.79 1.849 0.186 0.031 0.0244 0.0243 BW=2MHzNoise 1 Vrms 901 89.2 8.86 0.901 -- -- -- BW= 30MHzNoise 1 Vrms 942 94.3 9.32 0.936 -- -- -- BW=500 kHzA rough calculation for the measured value for Noise, BW=2MHz , -100dB (based on the -60 dB value)en= sqrt[en12+ en22= sqrt[222+ (1.846/100)2] = 29 uV which I think is reasonable close to the measured 31 uV.So my conclusion is that even though the 8921A accuray is not specifed for reading < 180 counts, it's still usable for basic masurements down in to around 30-40 uV.Note also that the instrument isn't calibrated during the last 5 years. I don't have the calibration manualHope it's good enough for you (robrenz).Comments on the picture. Display reading 18.8 uV; "mV" and "2 MHz max" LEDs are lit but hard to see//C
Good agilent power supply deal? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: somlioy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 04:42:26 pm
content: I've been looking around for a powersupply recently and I came over a local dealer selling E36xxA including a free U1272A. Not sure if this deal is local worldwide tho.This is the prices I got from the distributor.E3610A 443 EURE3611A 443 EURE3612A 443 EURE3614A 695 EURE3615A 695 EURE3616A 695 EURE3617A 695 EURE3620A 604 EURE3630A 604 EURE3640A 726 EURE3641A 726 EURE3642A 774 EURE3643A 774 EURE3644A 946 EURE3645A 946 EURE3646A 1006 EURE3647A 1006 EURE3648A 1213 EURE3649A 1213 EURU1272A 429 EURDyu think this is a good deal? All prices including the U1272A. Prices are probably higher than you might be used to but thats because I converted from norwegian kroner, and as you might know everything is more expensive in norway.Edit:Also, prices are without VAT.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 05:27:19 pm
content: Quote from: somlioy on January 03, 2013, 04:42:26 pmWe did discuss this promo before. From Agilent:QuoteQuote from: somlioy on January 03, 2013, 04:42:26 pmThe price looks to be on the high side. See, for examplehttp://export.farnell.com/agilent-technologies/e3610a-u1272a/bundle-psu-bench-30w-free-u1272a/dp/2250753304 GBP are roughly 375 EURYOu would have to add international shipping costs, customs (and VAT) to that. But the problem you might run into is to find an official distributor outside of Norway, allowed/willing to sell to Norway.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 07:36:59 pm
content: Look: In my opinion if you already have some equipment you shouldn't waste your money....

author: larry42
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 06:00:07 pm
content: If you are based in Norway, then I guess those prices are from 4Test.For simple equipment, I would consider checking out farnell.no - they are authorized Agilent retailers as well I think....

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 08:04:13 pm
content: I think they're a little bit expensive. For the E3612A, farnell has it at 371,46 euros (tax not included). That's much less than 443 euros.You may want to try :http://www.mesurezpascher.fr/182-promotions-agilent?n=50&id_category=182It's the "outlet" of Distrame SA, an authorized french Agilent distributor.I've purchased my U3606A from them deeply discounted because the calibration was over a year old. And I guess they sell those instruments cheaper because of the out of date calibration.
UNI-T UT61E Multimeter - Peak testing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: alexig
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 12:50:42 pm
content: Hi all,I think my meter might be faulty and I'm wondering if anyone who has the UNI-T UT61E Multimeter can replicate the results of the video below?Thanks,Alex

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 02:47:00 pm
content: OK, now I see what you mean.All I found is this:QuoteThe manual certainly mentions the "cal", but I have a hunch it's not meant to work that way all the time. Maybe it's in some sort of service mode, giving you the return "cal" values. Try removing the battery (since you're at it check that it's good), draining any caps (try to power it on without the battery, then put it back together.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 02:50:58 pm
content: They all do that. It is quite normal. After calibration, Pmax appears on the screen.Calibration mode can be forced in peak mode at any time, by holding the 'Peak' button for more than 2 seconds (2 beeps).'Entering Peak mode will automatically execute peak calibration, if peak calibration was never done before. The Calibrationprocess measures and stores the offset voltage of internal operation amplifiers. High precision is achieved by substracting this offset from reading. When power off the ES51922 or switch the measurement mode to °F temperature mode, the calibratedoffset value will be cleared. ES51922 will automatically execute peak calibration, if peak mode was activated again after the calibrated offset value was cleared.'

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 04:06:26 pm
content: Note that 'peak' or 'fast' min and max is not a substitute for regular min and max functions. It uses a much shorter integration time and is subject to noise and transients normally filtered out during longer integration periods. About the only use I've ever found for it is to approximate the positive and negative peaks of a sinusoid (in ACV mode.)

author: alexig
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 04:23:44 pm
content: Quote from: dr_p on January 04, 2013, 02:47:00 pmI checked the battery and it's good (more than 9V), tried another battery but got the same result. I left it unpowered for 5 minutes and the first time I did the peak function it read 0.7xx before it jumped to -28V and then back to 0.2 to 0.3A.

author: darrylp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 06:44:51 pm
content: The datasheet ( I think it was ) ahs leads disconnected for the calibration ion peak mode.I personally altered wiring to get the min / max function instead of peak min and peak max.DarrylSent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Mini review / teardown of 70's vintage function/sweep generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 04:48:27 pm
content: Here's a little video I put together showing the overall design, construction and layout of a 70's vintage sweep / function generator. It's an interesting unit, with all of the I/O located on the front panel, and featuring fully discrete design. The only integrated components are a handful of ua741 opamps, transistor arrays, 3-terminal voltage regulators and a quad 2-input NOR gate.

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 05:45:16 pm
content: I've have to say, I really enjoy your channel. You choose very interesting and relevant content, thank you.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 06:14:05 pm
content: Lovely unit, very nicely laid out with the one and only logic chip hiding in front of the power stage.

author: WV1800es
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 06:34:59 pm
content: Ahh, the Good Old Days, when controls were of a size and spaced so a man could get ahold of them! A classy presentation on a classic design, Thank You!!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 02:04:17 am
content: Quote from: WV1800es on January 02, 2013, 06:34:59 pmThe good old days, indeed!

author: sorin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 03:52:46 am
content: can you share the schematic...

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 12:51:52 am
content: I have an Exact 516 function/Sweep generator has a fmax. around 11MHz. Built in a rather sleek bench form factor casing.I love the fact its all discrete, very easy to use and very functional.Only minor repairs done, ie shorted tantalum's. But the switch contacts are noisy and using contact cleaner/lube will only work for a bit of time before another treatment is needed!.

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 03:29:51 am
content: Interesting design. I have a Wavetek 187 which is also from the 70s I believe, looks identical inside. It's interesting that all the connectors have caps, is there any reason they'd need to be shielded?

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 03:56:32 am
content: Quote from: poodyp on January 05, 2013, 03:29:51 amI think it was designed for the military, and the caps were included to keep dirt out of the connectors.

author: jancumps
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 09:13:51 am
content: Great video. Together with your other oneit 'll help to complete thehackthat I'm doing to get at those sweep signals.

author: WV1800es
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 11:36:36 pm
content: This is a grand old firm I've been doing business with since the 70's- they're listing 2 - Exact units :https://www.fairradio.com/catalog.php?mode=view&categoryid=178The site has quite a bit of the unexpected, Enjoy~!
Jinko JK2817B bench LCR meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ales22
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2012, 07:53:31 pm
content: Hi, precisegauge.com sells quite interresting unit:http://www.precisegauge.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106&products_id=526&zenid=27ifvsumakgn5qg18ar88uma86It,s not much nice, but has good specs - basic accuracy 0.1 %, a lot of measuring freq., selectable output signal level ...Please, has anyone experiences with this (or similar) unit? Do you think it's good value for $368?Btw. There is 200kHz version too.http://www.precisegauge.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106&products_id=524for $435.

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 02:56:31 am
content: it's a Tonghui knockoffhttp://www.tonghui.com.cn/en/goods/index/60.htmlBuy Tonghui (TH2822B or D) if you have little money, or buy an agilent U1733C. If you have $1000+, get a used Fluke PM6304. Avoid BK precision like plague.
Short quick review - TENMA  72-7245 bench PSU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Tony.
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 25, 2012, 10:44:57 am
content: Just picked up one of these:http://www.newark.com/tenma/72-7245/power-supply-bench-30v-60v/dp/22H6396BUT.... I did not buy it there. I was able to score a new one on eBay for less than $150 shipped to California.At that price I think it's a pretty sweet deal. It's my first bench PSU.Pros2 independent channels 0-30v @3Aseries and parallel trackingSeems to be pretty well built, knobs and switches seem to be pretty good quality.Selectable mains voltage inputDown to 0A and 0V no probCurrent and Voltage LCDs look great, excellent contrast.CV, CC green/red LED indicatorsCame with 2 pairs of nifty aligator leadsConsOnly 1 load switch for both channels.No multi turn pots! GrrrLCD only has 100mV and 10mA resolutionHave to short output to set current limitUnfortunately I don't have my Oscope to measure noise and overshoot under load and the like. I'm in the market for a new one of those as well.Anyways, I like this power supply quite a bit. It wouldn't be great for most EE work. In that case you'd want precision rather than power. But I love the power capabilities. It's great for testing and profiling high power LEDs and laser diodes. I do alot of RC and robotics stuff too so it makes testing motors and servos convenient. Since the LCDs don't offer much resolution you can sort of forgive the lack of 10 turn pots. Shorting the outputs to set the current is annoying, but it's to be expected at this price point. I did have a peek inside, and as far as my first semester EE knowledge goes it looks pretty well designed and laid out. Temp sensors on the semi heatsinks, nice beefy toroidal transformer, lots of open airflow inside, killer fan... I'll rip it apart again and post pictures if enough of you are curious.Other thoughtsWhen you turn the load switch off the current LCD drops to zero as you'd expect. But, so does the voltage reading. In fact I was using the PS to charge a li-ion battery and when I shut off the load the display showed the voltage from the battery. In other words if you feed a voltage into the unit with the load switch off the LCD acts like a volt meter. Not sure if thats a good thing or not. I was kinda hoping it would always display the voltage setting even when the output was off.Tenma seems to be highend low range or mid range quality stuff.I hope it lasts a long time.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2012, 02:15:21 pm
content: The voltmeter thing is common in cheaper power supplies. They have to get the reading right off the panel jack so it isn't affected by current losses in the wires, so naturally it is in front of the load switch. The load switch would have to be DPDT and switch the sense line as well. Most of these don't have any sort of microcontroller that can do this intelligently.
recommendation for a digital o'scope for around $450  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: firehopper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2013, 07:52:02 pm
content: I'm looking at the sds7102 from owon, I can get one for about $428 including shipping, I wonder if other EEVBLOG users can figure something better for cheaper.
Buying the Amprobe AM-270 multimeter in Europe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2013, 09:18:11 pm
content: A number of people on the forum have expressed an interest in the AM-270, which is apparently not distributed in Europe.It does appear to be available from this UK company:http://www.tizaro.com/product/TI2I9F/amprobe-270-digital-multimeter-ac-5000-5000-mvIt's around £75 including VAT and free UK delivery, but UPS shipping to mainland Europe is another £17.50.I haven't ordered from them myself, so can't offer any opinion on service.

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 02:16:32 pm
content: well, for UK that's 120$ and the rest of Europe pays nearly 150$, so it no real deal. But it's good to know anyways

author: SolarSunrise
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 02:48:53 pm
content: I found one on Amazon UK. It's only £58.99 with £6.95 UK delivery. This is roughly 92 US Dollars including the UK shipping.Hope you found that useful :/

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 05:14:43 pm
content: Quote from: SolarSunrise on January 02, 2013, 02:48:53 pmI would if I could find it!I have looked on Amazon UK previously and have just checked again - it doesn't come up on a search for 'Amprobe AM-270' or 'AM-270 multimeter' - what search terms did you use?I did find an AM-240-D on Amazon sold by Conrad for £58.99 + £6.95 delivery, but that's a completely different and inferior meter. Are you sure it was an AM-270 you found?
Rigol DG4102 - Square wave output?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: svsalt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 07:28:28 am
content: I recently purchased a Rigol DG4102 Arbitrary waveform generator. I have been playing around and just wanted to ask the wealth of experience here about what I am seeing.When I generate a 5 MHz square wave (or any frequency square wave for that matter) and view it on my Rigol DS2102 scope I am seeing what I think is ringing (maybe) . I have attached a screen capture of the scope and was hoping someone could comment on if this is correct or typical of a square wave produced on a function generator or if something funny is happening with my scope.Thanks

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 08:19:29 am
content: Not implying you're an idiot, but, what are your connections?

author: svsalt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 08:27:05 am
content: What I am asking is if it should have the oscillation present at the top and bottom of each cycle. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I don't have any one I can ask.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 08:42:23 am
content: poodyp actually already asking the crucial aspect about the connection, cause when working at high frequency, the connection (alias the cable) between the measuring tool (your scope) and the measurement subject (dut, your generator) will affect "significantly" on the result.Check this thread, I believe you will understand why poodyp asked that question ->https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/new-video-oscilloscope-probe-ground-lead-length's-affect-on-signal-integrity/

author: svsalt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 09:12:25 am
content: Thanks BravoV and poodyp it was the ground lead on my scope that was causing the ringing, I swapped it for the short coil type ground connection and the signal is what I would have expectedThanks for your help, it is much appreciated, I have attached another screen capture to show the difference. Hopefully this will help someone else inexperienced like me from asking such a trivial question!

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 09:17:04 am
content: Glad this helps !And don't be embarrassed, every moment had it's 1st time.Btw, if you really want to see the "REAL" output, use coaxial cable with both BNC connectors at both ends, assuming your scope has 50 Ohm termination mode, hook them up directly, it will be an eyes opener.

author: svsalt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 09:39:00 am
content: The function generator was supposed to come with a bnc to bnc coax cable but somehow it didn't make it in the box. Unfortunately I live in the bush and will have to order some bnc fittings and coax to make some leads up for my new toy. I'm just starting to get back into electronics and have never had the luxury of owning a scope or a function generator. The last few weeks have been a steep learning curve!! Thanks again for your help.
Lowest cost True-RMS AC+DC multimeter? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 01:23:37 am
content: Just doing a bit of research here on True-RMS AC+DC multimeters (not just AC True-RMS). What is the lowest cost meter you know that's capable of this?

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 03:19:21 am
content: The BK 2712 does this for just over $100. That is the cheapest one I know of, but I haven't really looked. Overall I think it is not as nice as the 2709B that was in the $100 shootout, but if DC+AC RMS is a killer feature it might work for you.Of course, if you want really cheap you can always just measure AC RMS and DC separately and do the math yourself.

author: helloworld922
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 05:26:25 am
content: I recently happened upon theExtech EX430which is on sale for $50 over on Amazon, thoughRetiredCaps was saying that the probe had horrendous over-shoot. I don't have one so I can't say one way or the other how good or bad it is.

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 06:28:50 am
content: Quote from: helloworld922 on December 14, 2012, 05:26:25 amJust checked the specs but it seems that the EX430 only measures True RMS AC, not AC+DC.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 08:05:42 am
content: The cheapest one is probably the Uni-T 71A, Franky.It sells for about USD90.00, plus postage (Chinese sellers on eBay)You can probably get it for slightly less, directly from China.It is very good value for money, if one can get past the weak input protection.Its real CAT rating is probably closer to CAT II 250V only.Unusual features for a 'cheap' meter:TRMS AC+DCMultidata display (3) with one of the best screens in the business.Dual brightness backlightAural warning on the amps range4~20 mA loop20,000 count with 2 types of analog bargraphSleep modeUSB loggingPeak hold/Max/Min

author: mazurov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 07:15:12 pm
content: It depends on what is considered 'true', see this ->http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_RMS_converterThe thermal ones are the best overall, new are very expensive, old ones are aplenty on eBay, HP 3400A,B, 3403C, Fluke 8920, 8921.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 01:48:48 am
content: The thermal ones are not the best overall. They are not very precise and are best used to measure waveforms with high crest factors . They have a low impedance and thus suffer from a high burden voltage.That's the reason why they have become very rare nowadays.The old true RMS voltmeters in good condition are not exactly cheap on eBay and AFAIK don't measure true RMS currents.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8922A-True-RMS-Voltmeter-3-5-Digit-/300679690507?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4601e7f90b
IR adapter for Agilent clamp meters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2012, 02:10:32 am
content: I wish I could have mentioned this in that recent thread about the QNX series, but it was a little too soon. Agilent has released new battery covers for the U1210 series clamp meters that allow you to attach and use the IR adapters for wireless use while maintaining the CAT rating of the meter. It's way easier for remote current readings in my work than trying to set up clamp sensors and this way it automatically shows you a Current reading (vs. a V reading with a clamp sensor). It took a while, but it proves that Agilent DOES listen to its usersThere are also updates to the METER and LOGGER software.http://www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/presrel/2012/30nov-em12147.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2012, 02:32:38 am
content: Glad to know this news, definitely will buy one to complement my U1213A, thank you,

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2012, 04:39:21 am
content: I don't see the new battery cover on the website yet but it looks like it's already shipping with the U1210 series, you probably just have to call.
Power supply current limiting - 150mA limit? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: NJ-Tom
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 12, 2012, 12:00:55 am
content: I recently purchased a Tenma 72-8345a power supply from MCM Electronics. It may be sold by Farnell / Element 14 in other countries. I'll do a review of it later, but at this point I am trying to decide whether to keep it -I found that thecurrent is only adjustable down to 150mA. Is that normal? This is my first "real" power supply so I have nothing to compare it to.Other than that the specs are reasonable - 1-36V, 0-3A (so it claims! It should say 0.15-3 A), switchmode. Price: $150. In my initial tests with a 6V motor (which is what I was trying to current-limit at 50 to 100 mA) both the displayed volts and amps were reasonably close to my multimeters; if I do a full review I will get specific readings.That is, IF I keep it... your advice; please!-- Tom

author: cybergibbons
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2012, 06:30:03 am
content: Some supplies struggle with lower current limits, but the spec sheet says 0-3A, so it should go down to 0.
looking for LCR + ESR meter (UNI-T UT612 V/S Mastech MS5308) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jtronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 12:35:24 pm
content: i want to buy LCR + ESR meter. please suggest me good quality cheap Meter.i've seen UNI-T UT612 and Mastech MS5308 which one is good among this two??please share your experience....is UT612 is genuine UNI-T product?

author: jarvis
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 01:04:26 pm
content: Quote from: jtronix on November 15, 2012, 12:35:24 pmOf course, it is.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 02:30:46 pm
content: MS5308, simply because it isn't a UNI-T product which can be hit-and-miss quality and plus you get a kelvin alligator clip

author: jtronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 03:01:12 pm
content: which is the best comparing accuracy, reliability, quality and life???
AD9854 100 MHz function generator from eBay - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: zibadun
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 05:26:00 am
content: Ran across this listinghttp://bit.ly/QCX2zQDoes this look like a good buy or is it a hundred bucks down the drain? I'm a ham and looking for a basic two channel generator 1-30 MHz or so

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 05:36:59 am
content: first its old serial. 2nd the software is chinese.

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 05:45:22 am
content: The AD9854 itself is around $30 from Digikey, and is capable of being clocked at 300MSPS. 100MHz is probably about right. Considering the work that goes into the design and manufacture, $100 is probably worth a shot.I can't comment on the schematic, because its not letting me download it.

author: poptones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 06:30:57 am
content: Why not combine one of those $5 modules with a $10 arduino nano and make your own usb version?

author: zibadun
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 01:21:27 pm
content: Quote from: Zad on November 13, 2012, 05:45:22 amI managed to pull down the schematic -https://dl.dropbox.com/u/28207218/generator/Schematic%20Prints.pdfLooks like it's the DDS chip with output filters and an Atmel controller and not much elsethe RS232 port doesn't bother me. It can be easily fixed with a usb converter module. There is a source code for the atmel included, with comments in Chinese

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 02:11:12 pm
content: Quote from: zibadun on November 13, 2012, 01:21:27 pmthe signal goes out directly from the dds chip to sma with just some passive filters in between, look bad to me, whats the ad9854 output magintude? ±1V and no offset control? if you are me i'll buy the $5 kit and program the arduino myselfAD9850 Module and DDS3x25 DDS based FG Comparedthe problem is.... you are not meedit: and 1Kohm output impedance? you got to be kidding me.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 05:19:14 am
content: Maybe one of these and some of those ebay 9850 modules will work for you:http://www.pongrance.com/DDS-9850.html

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 05:28:12 am
content: the recentAscel AE20125 Function Generator Review and Teardownis even better. $70 with casing and both standalone + pc control capability, proper output circuit, triangle fsk etc. but it will distort at 10MHz, so YMMV.

author: zibadun
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 01:04:09 pm
content: Thanks for the links. After reading various posts here it looks like 3x25 would be the right choice for me...
Hameg HMO3524 Video on YouTube - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: chscholz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 02:46:21 pm
content: Just noticed that Ole Wurtz uploaded a quick walkthrough of the Rohde & Schwarz HAMEG HMO3524 to YouTube.The interesting think is Ole is not some product marketing manager but the Head of the US support center for Rohde & Schwarz! How cool is that?http://youtu.be/9xR7tovYLxI
MS5308 LCR Tester Software and Serial Port - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: neikalo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2012, 06:07:47 pm
content: I've lost the CD that came with my MS5308. Anyone willing to take an ISO of theirs and email it to me?Has anyone got this device working when connected to a PC using a USB serial port and terminal software? I am not having much success. I know these sorts of things often use the handshake lines to power up the receiver in the connector that attaches to the instrument. I don't see any IR activity using trick on pointing a camera at the IR transmitter. I have pressed the "RS232" button!

author: ryanblace
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 09, 2012, 08:16:59 am
content: USB driver:http://www.silabs.com/products/mcu/Pages/USBtoUARTBridgeVCPDrivers.aspx(VCP Driver Kit)Software:http://www.ietlabs.com/de5000-lcr-meter.html(DE-5000 PC Software Zip)The DE-5000 software is way better than the junk that comes with the MS5308.Let me know how it goes.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2012, 09:48:05 am
content: Sadly IET seem to have a broken software link. Can anyone provide the DE-5000 software via a file server please ?I own the Mastech MS5308 unit and would like to try the DE-5000 softwareKind RegardsFraser

author: ryanblace
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 09, 2012, 06:45:24 pm
content: This link works:http://www.ietlabs.com/pdf/options/DE_5000.zip

author: ryanblace
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 10, 2012, 12:00:25 am
content: I'm interested to what you guys see. My setup works about 60% of the time. It jumps around and displays garbage the rest of the time. Same problem on both software packages so it is either the driver (doubtful since it is directly from the mfg) or my Win7 64bit confuses it.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2012, 01:35:59 am
content: Software works fine on the DE-5000

author: ryanblace
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 10, 2012, 03:42:06 pm
content: Do you have the USB or RS232 cable?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2012, 08:36:34 pm
content: Quote from: ryanblace on November 10, 2012, 03:42:06 pmusb
Fluke 196B Scopemeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Ferroto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2012, 08:25:49 pm
content: I got a loan of a Fluke Scopemeter from an instrumentationist who maintains and services quality control equipment at a local paper mill. He said I can borrow his Fluke scopemeter for a few days.First I'll start by saying that I'm an electronics hobbyist not an EE so I'm probably over my head here. My first impression was that it would be convient to have a meter and a scope in one. In reality the absence of a crowed front pannel means an abundunce of menus for everything from changing the triggering level in scope mode and changing the measurement in meter mode. The touch hold does work in both the scope and the meter mode and there is a recorder mode that can do a trend plot in meter mode or scope mode. Theres also a save print option which will save a snapshot of a waveform into memory for later retrieval. You can hear a relay kick in when you switch between scope and meter mode as well as when you switch between different measurement modes within meter mode and when you turn the unit on.Needless to say navigating menus all day gets old very quickly my impression is that It would be easier to use a seperate scope and a seperate meter. Unfortunitly there won't be a teardown of the scopemeter as it belongs to the company. But if theres any aspect of the meter that you'd like me to cover just post down below.

author: brainwash
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2012, 10:57:15 pm
content: Seems like a nice unit, but weighing in 2kg is at the limit of portability.Here are the specs for those that don't want to search (196B):http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/Download/Asset/1629083_6120_ENG_F_W.PDFIf the price falls below 800$ it would make for a really good buy.

author: biot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2012, 09:57:38 pm
content: I borrowed a Fluke 199B Scopemeter, and fortunately do not have your reticence towards doing a teardown of other people's equipment :-)http://sigrok.org/wiki/Fluke_ScopeMeter_199B
can i use Agilent U1733C as a in circuit tester - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jtronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 03:53:53 pm
content: i'm going to buy LCR+ESR meter.i have few question regrading this meter please help meIs this meter use as in circuit measurement like in circuit capacitor and ESR measure (without desoldering from board)i also have interest in mastech MS5308. but i have same question is this meter measure in circuit measurement

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2012, 04:05:02 pm
content: AFIK in circuit test means the excitation voltage is low enough to not turn on any semiconductors, the 1733C is worst case .79V rms which would be 1.117V peak. I don't think this qualifies as in circuit test voltage level. Even if it did you have to make sure other components are not going to effect the reading like another cap in parallel with the one you are testing. There is no magic in circuit tester that can automatically give a valid reading no mater what.
Not 1 ... BUT 2 SCOPES! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 04:14:57 pm
content: Yes, just got them for 14 bucks eachThere were like 4-5 of them and i was like "F!@# IT! I'm buying two"And yes, it's perfectly functional, but the bottom one has gone through quite a rough time, the BNC sockets for the bottom one need replacement

author: tlu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 05:33:56 pm
content: Nice fine. What a deal at $14/ea.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 06:40:29 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on November 05, 2012, 04:14:57 pmDid you buy it in a local store or on ebay?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2012, 04:12:47 am
content: Local store

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2012, 11:23:51 am
content: Interestingly they look identical to my Kenwood CS-4025 (apart from bandwidth) -- hadn't realised the Kenwood was a badge-engineered job, but I suppose that makes sense. Thought it might be in-house, since I believe they did make some test gear themselves when they were still called Trio.Live and learn!

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2012, 02:42:43 pm
content: Is your CRT a panasonic? I really like the CRT backing of this scopeI didn't even need to clean it! Man that's really very clean ... This unit is about 12 years old while the other one is 18 years old and is in a much better nick even having descended from the same company
Kikusui COM7101A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: mcookieman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 11:05:57 am
content: I recently bought a hybrid oscilloscope off ebay, 4 channels at 100MHz with a 50Ms/s digitizer, as some may have seen in the buy/sell forum.When I got it the cursor/readout display was too far to the right (half of it was not shown) so I opened it to adjust it, following the instructions inkikusui.co.jp/kiku_manuals/C/COM7000A_E2.PDFThere were also some other issues (overscan of the trace, underscan when in B timebase) that I couldn't figure out how to adjust so I just left it.Overall, I'm pretty pleased with it, the only real problem seems to be the scope takes a few minutes for the display to stabilise. (Before that it shows up compressed horizontally and is jittery)Took some photos while I had it opened.Front panelquite a lot of toshiba chips, CRT is toshiba as well I think.Does anyone know what the crud near the bottom is?More crudBottom of the Oscilloscope with most of the adjustment pots and a lot of hybrids.A few more photoshttp://imgur.com/a/P7PLN

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 03:51:34 pm
content: Check the caps in the power supply and in the X and Y amplifier.

author: mcookieman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2012, 06:54:56 am
content: Opened it up again (more photos!http://imgur.com/a/IjHUk)I couldn't figure out how to open up the power supply section fully but visually inspecting the capacitors all of them seemed to be fine, no bulging.I think the squashed display might have something to do with the time base switches as the squashness of the display changes when the switch is rotated (or the x10 mag is pressed)I've attached a photo of the power supply caps and what the display looks like on startup.
You haven't seen a poor continuity range until you've seen this - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 11:18:21 pm
content: Seriously, it sometimes locks up -- will continue beeping with probes open (or not beeping with probes shorted.) Plus the lag... I mean, why did they even bother?

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 11:36:24 pm
content: Dreadful.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 01:56:56 am
content: Dave.

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 02:29:19 am
content: Terrible.... You see that bunch of zeros and think "Wow, that must be very accurate!".

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 05:00:37 am
content: I seldom use Continuity,even as a "buzzer" for checking cable connections,because some meters are quite happy to beep "OK" with up to 50 Ohms in a high resistance joint.In any case,the lag would make it useless.More importantly,what are the Resistance ranges like?

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 05:15:50 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on November 03, 2012, 05:00:37 amThe cheapies, like the Mastech 830, beep continuous for readings less than 1500 ohms (as per page 4).http://www.mastech.com.cn/down/MAS830L%20MAS830.pdf

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 05:54:48 am
content: I have a competitor, a Voltstick. Continuity is defined as anything under 300k, and the voltage accuracy is done using the battery as a reference voltage. It has it's uses though, as it can tell if there is voltage present or not, just not accurately. It will measure between live and earth without tripping a RCD like the Steinel Hobbytest will, so still is around.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 11:21:48 am
content: Quote from: ablacon64 on November 03, 2012, 02:29:19 amIt is actually reading in kohm...

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 07:09:15 pm
content: It's not a flaw.. didn't you read the marketing material that came with it?"Featuring the new temporal displacement continuity tester which automatically adds a 1 second temporal displacement to the audio signal so as to ensure that even half-asleep technicians can use this bench meter after a hard night on the boozeThis is the only meter in its class with such a feature -- buy now, stocks are limited!"

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 08:40:38 pm
content: It's not a bug ... It's a feature
Fluke 15 & 17 Burden Voltage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Soertier
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 08:43:21 am
content: Has anyone measured Flukes 15B or 17B's burden voltage on any current range? There's no mention about on the manual provided on Fluke's website.I am especially interested in the 4A and 10A range.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 09:15:26 am
content: From the manual, get the shunt resistance, and use ohms law?

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 09:17:12 am
content: My 17B shows 0.05 Ohm in A range, 2.23 Ohm in mA range, 101.3 Ohm in uA range for series resistance at the sockets. Each of its supplied leads shows 0.05 Ohm. Measured with MS8218 delta zeroed. From there maybe you can estimate.

author: Soertier
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 09:20:21 am
content: Quote from: Rerouter on November 02, 2012, 09:15:26 amI don't think that's specified in the manual.

author: Soertier
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 09:34:01 am
content: Quote from: Salas on November 02, 2012, 09:17:12 amThanks Salas!So roughly it would be 0.2V on the 4A range (0.05V per Amp ) and 0.4V on the 10A range (0.04V per Amp)? Of course excluding the leads.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 09:52:18 am
content: Have a look at this:

author: Soertier
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 10:36:09 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on November 02, 2012, 09:52:18 amInteresting, actually it was me who contacted that user and asked him about current measuring capabilities, but I did not check his channel after that.So if I do another rough estimate with 0.040 Ohm on the 4A range it would be 0.16V (0.04V per Amp). This is similar to Fluke 289 (burden voltage according to Fluke's manual).