EEVlab Equipment List - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 12:00:11 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/poll-eevlabs/Given that the blue sky EEVlab idea was never going to work, I want to compile a list of gear that people think I should acquire for testing of stuff.Stuff that other Youtubers don't have and you wish they had to test gear in an equipment review.I'm not just talking electronic test gear review, could be other products as well, like people have mentioned the solar/EV market space where I have some interest.Use your imaginationI'm thinking oddball stuff like:- Proper thermal cycle chamber with maybe humidity as well?- Vibration test rig big enough to hold benchtop gear like scopes.- Compliance level ESD and CAT testing- Compilance level mains disturbance testing (I already have this, but it needs a repair)- Automated universal knob turning machine for longevity testing- EMC test chamber- Acoustic test chamber for noise measurements.Add to the list!I'm not sure a proper cal lab is needed? Kinda already have enough gear for basic cal checking.I have a Patreon, and those funds could be used to acquire such gear over time.I already have a 31sqm dungeon space to house such stuff.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 12:08:33 am
content: Such test equipment would only be useful to show how bad random items from Aliexpres are. But who cares about that anyway?

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 12:34:02 am
content: If you do not already have it, an insulation tester. A simple but an essential in my opinion. I used to use Meggers when I was working in the past many moons back!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 12:43:35 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 13, 2022, 12:08:33 amFun!

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 12:50:07 am
content: Blast shields, two people on hand at all times trained with defibrillator, check your insurance...Maybe figure out what you want to test first, then what tests you would like to run. Then sort out what equipment you need to do the job. Just buying a surge generator for example means???Of course for the drama, you may as well add arc flash testing to the mix.https://www.ecmag.com/section/safety/lets-blow-it-arc-flash-testing

author: srb1954
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 12:52:23 am
content: Quote from: andy3055 on September 13, 2022, 12:34:02 amAnd a hi-pot tester for testing whether equipment has sufficient clearances around mains wiring or adequate insulation in power transformers.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 01:01:39 am
content: Curve ball: How about taking on bigger projects (like restoring a piece of equipment) and having people over to help every now and then? Another Youtuber I like to watch does that and it makes for great videos. He is located in the NL and recently a guy who has specific knowledge about restoring something came over all the way from the US. But most of the times they just pick something from a pile with stuff that needs fixing in some way and go 'hey, let's fix this!'.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 01:22:09 am
content: We still haven't seen this.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/news/debunk-teardown-suggestion-scientology-e-meter/msg1309041/#msg1309041

author: richnormand
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 01:46:26 am
content: Integration sphere to measure LED and illumination parameters and time deterioration

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 02:07:42 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 13, 2022, 12:00:11 amMultimeters can be tested that way because they are relatively cheap, but I am not sure if any serious test equipment company would willingly contribute their equipment to be abused in this way without it providing much useful information that would actually influence purchasing decisions. And they wouldn't like their safety and EMC compliance certificates being second-guessed.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 06:10:53 am
content: Explosion containment device (Big Clive style or other model)

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 07:44:18 am
content: For long term testing you'll need some kind of measurement recorder. I smell a Yokogawa recorder or multi-channel oscilloscope entering the lab.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 09:44:26 am
content: Quote from: richnormand on September 13, 2022, 01:46:26 amMy mate Doug Ford has one of those.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 09:46:18 am
content: Quote from: Bud on September 13, 2022, 06:10:53 amTechnically my 31sqm brick and concrete dungeon is pretty blast proof

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:08:44 am
content: One of those 4-in-1 hi-pot testers/DC hi-pot/insulation resistance testers*/ground bonders (* don't pay too much for this option on a hi-pot, all it does is divide V by I for you) is pretty useful to have around. Some models also go down low enough in output voltage to serve as a crappy mains-ish or below AC power supply. You can almost always breaksomethingwith one of these. Sometimes that's the tester! Or if all else fails there's melting stuff with the ground bonder.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:57:30 am
content: I'd be interested in a channel that empirically shows the differences between "real" components and Aliexpress specials, particularly over time.eg. Power supplies, transistors, LEDs, LiPo batteries, etc.That would be a lot of work though and just because you got one good batch from one particular seller doesn't mean much.I also expect most Aliexpress specials will be good enough for Australia and they'll hold up just fine so long as you run them below their claimed power levels.

author: richnormand
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 08:33:06 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 13, 2022, 09:46:18 amUnless you are in it too while "testing"Would not recommend.This gives me an idea.Your list is extensive but you are in contact with many people and resources around Australia.Places like govt labs and large commercial outfits usually charge for their services but do you have personal and small companies contacts that might be interested to get in an agreement to give reciprocal accessto some of their capabilities in exchange for publicity or just helping each other out or just being aware of what might be available.I know of several examples of small companies in the "OK I lend or give you this broken equipment but could we have access to it once in a while" ... this is turning into a larger network when one has issues with a piece of equipment that is down for several weeks at one place but their neighboursgive reciprocal access as need be.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 09:47:54 pm
content: - Thermal/humidity chamber: a lot of products will fail within their rated temperature and humidity spec, if its industrial rated, and you push them to the edges. At least thats what we've seen. Humidity is most relevant if produce relies on exposed sensors.- Vibration: not super important for most of us, when we just have products sitting on the desk. But it is cool to see, and relevant for your automotive/canyoning stuff.- Accelerated life testing with heat and UV lamp, for outdoor gear. Will be a multi-day process.- EMI is a good one, but can take up a lot of space for radiated. Conducted would be easier to setup. Comb generators could be used as a reference to verify your setup?Quote from: richnormand on September 13, 2022, 01:46:26 amThese guys did it with a big styrofoam ball:

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:05:31 pm
content: A donkey, to tread up and down solar paths, and a donkey cart for roadways

author: richnormand
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:10:52 pm
content: Quote from: richnormand on September 13, 2022, 01:46:26 amThese guys did it with a big styrofoam ball:For years I used a styrofoam cooler for parties as initial life tests tests. Then selected the good devices to send to a real accredited lab for clients jobs.

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:11:40 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 13, 2022, 12:00:11 amThat's a bit rich, Dave. You want us to justify your ebay habit / test equipment fetish ?Don't you think we're busy enough feeding our own ?Or is it so we can own it vicariously, watching yours so we don't have to take up our own space ?

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:12:44 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on September 13, 2022, 09:47:54 pmTEM cell ?Portable lab so you can do the tests away from civilisation ?

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:19:55 pm
content: Spectograph from lwir to UVC to get definitive answers on what light devices actually produce.Admittedly it's usually Clive debunking these devices but he prefers low-tech instruments. At least you could make full measurements on the devices he flags as dodgy.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:51:00 pm
content: How about an X-ray machine and / or electron microscope?The X-ray can be used to get an idea of what something looks at the inside before opening it.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 10:58:45 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 13, 2022, 10:51:00 pmI remember him saying something about it being more restricted in AUS. But man the one Shahriar has is amazing.I wonder if these work at all with electronics:https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/302155746452edit:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/x-ray-machines-technology-and-use-in-hobby-electronics/

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 11:58:08 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 13, 2022, 10:51:00 pmYou need an radiation licence in Australia to buy one. I have looked into this before but IIRC it's a bit confusing.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 12:02:09 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 13, 2022, 11:58:08 pmHave you asked your dentist if he/she requires any special licensing ?PSTo add, if you need guidance we have a couple of Xray experts Aurora/Fraser is the first to mind that could offer some good guidance and the other is Noopy with cool threads of IC layouts.

author: bc888
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 01:02:48 am
content: Like everyone who watches them, I love the Project Farm Videos. Like Dave and like Joe, that guy is very honest (please note I didn't say all of his reviews are perfect). But his love for the craft of reviewing things he wants to use shines through and is a great thing. Unfortunately, buying 15 locking pliers is substantially different in several way to what Dave is suggesting. 1st), you can buy every damned locking vice-grip brand made relatively cheap. Next, Vice grips are a widely used item that many many many people would be in the market for. Dave's products would be in a huge magnitude less.That said, if Dave wants to do it because he wanted to see the result, likely money would follow. However, given the market/potential sales etc, it might not be productive for a while. I've enjoy craploads of Dave's videos. He has high trust with me, and I thank him for the efforts he's put into them, so awesome to be able to just click a mouse and get all of that effort put in front of my eyes. In fact, maybe it's time to shunt a bit more $ratch his way now and not take him for granted. I know that the project farm fella is getting rich with mega thousands of people both watching and clicking links, that ain't happening with Dave anywhere near that level.Even better, Dave set this site up so I can tap into this amazing community, a beginner with minimal brain cells can talk to geniuses in their fields: you all are the best! Thanks all!And thanks again to you Dave! I do take you for granted at times, sorry mate. Here's the donation link if anyone else is feeling it like I am.https://www.eevblog.com/donations/

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 01:29:54 am
content: Quote from: bc888 on September 14, 2022, 01:02:48 amSure, there are some possibilities: buy 15 different DC buck modules and test them to failure. Cost would be <$100.Hours required would be huge though.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 01:56:58 am
content: Quote from: tautech on September 14, 2022, 12:02:09 amI know that you cannot buy one (at least a serious one), import one, or sell one in this country without having some sort of license.This is why the 2nd hand xray market doesn't exist here.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 03:02:52 am
content: I do wonder how good my dungeon would be if it was converted into an RF anechoic chamber?

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 04:30:06 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 14, 2022, 03:02:52 amOnly problem I see is any emergency lights etc the building requires might create RF chatter.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 06:09:35 am
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on September 14, 2022, 04:30:06 amIf I was serious then it would be shielded and the incoming mains would be filtered. Lights would have to be converted to pure DC driven LEDsThere is another level below, but I suspect that might have metal shielding inbetween like the roof does. The concrete on the side is physical earth soil as it's underground.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 09:20:35 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 14, 2022, 03:02:52 amBut you'd need to spend north of US$ 100k to build a good one. A TEM cell is cheaper / less work and you can create very strong electric fields inside with relatively little power. Nice for testing immunity. I'm planning on building a reasonably sized TEM cell myself in the next couple of months.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 11:46:24 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 14, 2022, 09:20:35 amYeah, but not as cool looking!IIRC AVX had something like this, Ron Demcko really talked up the software side of it, might talk to them.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2022, 04:31:56 pm
content: If you want to spend even more money on EMC equipment: get an ISN (not aLISN but an ISN). This is used to measure conducted emissions on differential pairs (for example equipment being powered over ethernet aka PoE).

author: Neutrion
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2022, 06:12:33 pm
content: Any kind of high or low energy surge test equipment. The low energy ones could be useful for general commercial line powered electronics, of which we have no idea how robust they are. (Solar power included)I am especially interested in the robustness of the LNK -like switching power IC-s which are seemingly ruining thousands of tonnes of consumer electronics around the globe.The high energy ones could be useful for testing protective devices (surge protectors, household fuses or more serious stuff), and for just blowing up things in an interesting way.It's also good for the viewer counts.(As I think about it a bit more, blowing up things this way is really valuable from economical, technical, and even ethical point of view, so might the original idea behind some middle-eastern organisations was also something positive, just like with the communism. Alfred Nobel also started this way first, wonder why there is no such a thing as the Teller Final Peace Price)