what are you using your top notch equipment for? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xchip
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 05:16:29 pm
content: Just curious...Cheers!xchip

author: cyr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 05:49:56 pm
content: To be honest, mostly checking, troubleshooting and calibrating yet more "top notch" equipment.It's an addiction

author: mzzj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 05:53:38 pm
content: Quote from: cyr on August 25, 2014, 05:49:56 pmAgilent 6632B power supply for battery charging6x Agilent 6632B power supplies used as a space heater in winter months

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 06:56:50 pm
content: I do not remember the model number but I once used a very expensive signal generator to get rid of some dogs. We could not hear the signal sweeping from 25 KHz to 50 KHz and back again but they sure could.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 07:28:06 pm
content: Thurlby Thandar PL303QMD mostly for powering microscope lamp.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 07:34:57 pm
content: I have a fluke 54 II for measuring room temperature and my main desktop's northbridge temperature.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 07:41:11 pm
content: I use an HP6632B to recharge my electric shaver as I've lost the wallwart for it

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 07:45:02 pm
content: I sometimes use my Agilent 53132A (OCXO and 3Ghz option) to monitor grid frequency.

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 08:29:35 pm
content: A Fluke 574-CF just to see if the coffee is not too hot.

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 08:34:45 pm
content: I once used a climatic test chamber for drying pants. It was raining. There was also a tour in the lab that day.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 08:44:04 pm
content: Because a dirty mind is a joy forever I'm not going to post my answer

author: lewis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 09:16:32 pm
content: Fluke TI10 thermal imager to check steak is frying at the correct temperature

author: larry42
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 09:21:25 pm
content: Quote from: owiecc on August 25, 2014, 08:34:45 pmUsed one in our ATE system for beer cooling back at uni...Also Agilent CV/CC PSU as a liion charger because I'm too cheap to buy a replacement charger for the one I lost.Sent from my One S using Tapatalk

author: alimirjamali
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 09:25:57 pm
content: We have a Catu Electric 36kV phase comparators (1 meter) + Telescopic sticks which could be extended to 2 meters. It is not a measurement equipment but a delicate medium voltage comparator for safety applications of power lines.We used it to drop some Walnuts from a walnut tree nearby to eat them.Picture of the device (without telescopic stick):

author: MrsR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 09:34:53 pm
content: Might interest some. I have designed a Current Probe for my DS2000 DSO. Actually 2 versions.I am thinking that I might put the schematics, BOM and a PDF of the PCB on EEV BLOG as some smart people here might come up with a simple way to calibrate it for different current values.Have to much work Taking up my time at present.CheersRachael

author: ovnr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 09:44:13 pm
content: Gathering dust?I've currently got a couple 18650 battery holders hanging from my TTi CPX400A PSU (dual-channel 60V 20A/420W) because I couldn't be arsed tracking down my charger. I run my extra workbench lights from a Tek PWS4233 programmable PSU most of the time.The rest isn't quite as prone to being repurposed. My Flir E4 (*cough* E8) has looked at alotof unusual things, though!

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 01:40:41 am
content: I have a long lab grade thermometer sandwiched between 2 heavy books, poking out the side of a shelf. I drape all my test leads off it

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 02:03:08 am
content: Used my Lecroy's CAL output to blink an LED

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 03:36:10 am
content: Quote from: AlfBaz on August 26, 2014, 01:40:41 amExcellent multi tasking measuring Lab temp. as well as keeping desk clear of leads.Have used a U1252a and thermocouple in glass tube to monitor low slow cooking temperature (70 odd degrees) for a meat roll in cling wrap

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 04:00:33 am
content: Agilent U1253b and thermocouple for my daughter's grade 4 science experiment, hey aluminium foil DOES slow down the rate of cooling of hot coffee (a little).!

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 04:42:50 am
content: My Fluke 287 is considered my top notch T&M equipment, its like a slow but high resolution handheld scope.Example when I did a test run last year, in a room with a new installed AC unit straight for 8 hours to see how good it regulates the temperature which was set at 25C, logging screen shots from 8 hours zoomed down to 10 seconds resolution ->[8 hours temp charts], just happy with the results for both meter and the AC performance.

author: Terabyte2007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 03:48:48 pm
content: I use my Flir to check for cat urine! Works a treat!

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 04:37:49 pm
content: Quote from: Terabyte2007 on August 26, 2014, 03:48:48 pmCan you explain? (We have a Flir E4+ and we have a cat).

author: Terabyte2007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 05:47:41 pm
content: Quote from: zapta on August 26, 2014, 04:37:49 pmThermal imagers such as the Flir can detect differences in temperatures as little as .1 degree or better. Moisture, even if it cannot be seen will be slightly cooler than the dry surrounding material which can be detected by a thermal imager. Cat urine contains water along with many other substances which even when dry to the touch can produce a slight temperature change, enough to be seen clearly with a thermal imaging camera.. Only when the urine is months old will it be difficult to detect with a thermal imager, Although I have been in homes that spots can still be detected even after several months due to the build-up of substances in the urine which cause small crystals to form in the porous surfaces allowing for a slight temperature variation that can be picked up by a thermal imaging camera.I have easily detected urine spots in homes weeks after the cat has urinated. Looking at the carpet or porous floor with your Flir will allow you to identify these areas easily. And for the really old stuff, when a Flir won't work. Get yourself a 3W UV torch and turn out the lights, the dried substances in the carpet will fluoresce under UV. It's best to use a higher wattage UV LED torch or CFL type, works better!

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 06:37:02 pm
content: Quote from: Terabyte2007 on August 26, 2014, 05:47:41 pmPics or it didn't happen. I never thought I would be interested in someone else's cat's urine

author: Terabyte2007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 06:51:17 pm
content: Quote from: owiecc on August 26, 2014, 06:37:02 pmYou want radiometric images to prove this? It is common knowledge that thermal imagers can easily detect moisture due to temperature changes. In fact, home inspections are often conducted with thermal imagers to detect dampness and moisture problems. Certainly, if you want to see some cat urine images, I can post a few!

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2014, 09:32:55 pm
content: Quote from: Terabyte2007 on August 26, 2014, 06:51:17 pmI've used a cheap blacklight torch that I bought for HVAC repair on my car to detect mouse urine in my mums house who had a mouse infestation. It really glows! Does feline pee show up the same? My dogs wee certainly didn't.

author: charlespax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2014, 01:13:50 am
content: I use my Flir thermal imaging camera on myT400 dataloggerproject. I recently posted a [urlhttp://paxinstruments.com/2014/08/19/t400-pcb-thermal-debugging/]video where I use it.

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2014, 06:10:06 am
content: Quote from: Terabyte2007 on August 26, 2014, 06:51:17 pmGo for it!Quote from: charlespax on August 27, 2014, 01:13:50 amThere seems to be plenty of cat urine on the board

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 27, 2014, 10:06:38 am
content: Quote from: owiecc on August 27, 2014, 06:10:06 amPervert liking cat urine detected

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2014, 12:56:49 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on August 27, 2014, 10:06:38 amSouthpark's Cheesing per chance? :p

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2014, 03:12:09 pm
content: Quote from: charlespax on August 27, 2014, 01:13:50 amNice web site. It's says 'Arduino compatible'. You may want to look into the Arduino at Heart programhttp://arduino.cc/en/ArduinoAtHeart/HomePage

author: jlmoon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 27, 2014, 05:15:13 pm
content: Quote from: MrsR on August 25, 2014, 09:34:53 pmThat would be nice, I would like that!.. 1 vote from me

author: jlmoon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 27, 2014, 05:22:41 pm
content: A well calibrated and stable Hp 3458..4ppm standard. It helps to remove the uncertainties in my uncertain job at times

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2014, 04:17:01 am
content: I'm using a Panavise to hold a 120mm Delta case fan in order to use it as a very nice desk fan.

author: jlmoon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2014, 04:20:29 pm
content: NiH.... you can never have enough Panavise's laying around. That and Pomona wall mount test lead holders.

author: Allan88
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2014, 05:43:41 am
content: I agreed what is said above!Agilent U1253b, good one. Work very well. Use the double show and get the Heat range in Deg Celsius on the main and Deg F on the additional display.

author: PointyOintment
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2014, 10:35:08 pm
content: I use my side cutters to trim my fingernails and remove annoying flaps of skin so they don't catch on things.Quote from: Terabyte2007 on August 26, 2014, 05:47:41 pmAmbientdifferential thermographicanalysis!

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2014, 03:18:28 am
content: My new lab area is in our future assembly room. I'm the only one in there right now and we don't have HVAC fully setup. So one of my analog lab supplies is hooked to a 120mm case fan. Probably the lease efficient way to power it. But between 8 and 13V, I find a speed I like for that time.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2014, 01:38:02 pm
content: HP CC/CV power supply (forget the model number) and a kapton heater... Because the thermostat thinks it's smarter than me, but its definitely wrong.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 03:29:07 pm
content: I used my ($23k when new) HP85644A 7GHz tracking generator as a non slip load or counterpoise when transporting a door home today.I needed something reasonably heavy (about 12kg) and portable with non slip non scratch rubber feet to put at one end of the door to stop the door vibrating or tipping up as I drove the car.I can now report that it performed really well in this role

author: _Sin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 04:03:22 pm
content: I use my FLIR to check if it's OK to ice my cakes.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 04:14:22 pm
content: QuoteIt could become the norm in a few years' time when the price of thermal sensors falls. I guess there will come a time when thermal imagers will be alongside all the other low cost cooking utensils seen on a supermarket shelf.I sometimes use my FLIR to find the coldest beer bottle in the fridge!

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 09:36:52 pm
content: Quote from: G0HZU on September 26, 2014, 04:14:22 pmNow there's a good use for FLIR's phone attachment, holding the barkeep to account

author: d3javu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 03:21:59 am
content: So today i learnt that most of the folks using high end tools for everything except what it is made for.For example: top notch high precision bulky signal generatoranimal chaser - checkdoor wedge - checkweight lifting - checkPaper holder - check

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2014, 09:25:08 am
content: If you run a Keithley 2015THD upside down, it gets to the perfect temperature for proving bread dough.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2014, 10:21:21 am
content: Quote from: KJDS on October 02, 2014, 09:25:08 amEnvironmental test chambers are a superior solution for that.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2014, 04:36:18 pm
content: I used to use the avionics computer under test as a cup warmer. The guys next door used the navigation computer as a pie warmer. The ATE room was used as a walk in cooler, seeing as it was kept all year round at under 10C.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2014, 09:35:03 pm
content: In the previous apartament that we were renting, the kitchen oven was kinda old, and all the digits on temperature know have worn off. I used Fluke 87 to monitor temperature during baking