New Lab For Ageing Engy - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2014, 01:41:40 pm
content: Hello all and thanks for looking and any help offered.I know this is an often repeated thread, but I have trawled and trawled for months and perhaps better to ask the questions instead.I am setting up a workshop at home, my working life has ended for now as I care for my dying father.With money being very tight, I thought I would set up a workshop/lab at home and make a few quid with repairs.Done electronics for years on and off, slowly coming back to speed with modern techniques.So to the point of equipment and budget (or lack thereof).I was given a TEK475 that appears to work.Have two weller magnastats one larger than the other.Some various screwdrivers, cutters etc.A cheapo Maplin "gold" DMM (gold my arse, loooked like crap inside with zero protection (one glass fuse).Thinking of (aside from work, paint and lighting for cellar):Better meter (UEI dm393 looked OK?).Hot air rework station (I have zero clue here).Power supply (again no clue).Hand tools that I need (will know what after sorting through three old places of work).Consumables (solder, IPA, freezer).Having trouble locating the UEI in UK, is there a supplier ?Basically any help/advice that you can offer is greatly appreciated.Thanks

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2014, 02:46:32 pm
content: for hot-air i would recommend some cheap one unless you're going to rework SMT on a daily basis. i have a cheap Pro'sKit SS-969 - something like 70Euros (probably cheaper in online shops) and i'm quite happy with that one.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2014, 02:47:16 pm
content: On the multimeter front TopLoser still has a couple not crossed off his list at the £50 to £60 (plus VAT) level (he may have sold them already and just not crossed them off yet):https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-(uk)-assorted-fluke-agilent-gossen-metrix-multimeters-as-new-40-50-off/it may be worth contacting him anyway as I think he has things coming in quite a lot.On the power supply front something like a TTi from e-bay are pretty robust and as you're in the UK the postage isn't too dire. Though I think a lot of people would recommend you build your own to save money.If you search on Thurlby Thandar you will find several e.g.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TTi-Thurlby-Thandar-Instruments-PL320-32V-2A-PSU-Power-Supply-/261486173625?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item3ce1ca5db9

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2014, 02:53:33 pm
content: As Dave and Chris mentioned on the amp hour, lighting. Don't skimp on it especially if you're "Ageing". I'm in my late 40's and good lighting makes a hell of difference.Another thing to consider is magnification of some type like microscope or magnifying lamp

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2014, 04:34:57 pm
content: Thanks for the helpI will have a look through TopLoser's list and see what's there.I am a little reluctant of meters that I have not seen in "action" due to things like slow display and continuity beeper.So will search them later when I am not "on call"!Yes, the lighting is something I will need to work on, I have the head magnifiers that are OK for now I suppose (although I am sure they screw up your eyes!).The hot air I not looked at all, and thus will need much help and research.Will post back later tonight, thanks again all

author: Thilo78
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2014, 08:50:14 pm
content: Quote from: Yago on May 30, 2014, 04:34:57 pmI can understand that.Looking at Toploser's list, I'd say that the Agilent U1232A is a safe buy @ 50 GBP.I'd also guess that it's way better than the DM393 from what I've read so far. (Have me corrected if I'm wrong)What I'd like to say on a personal note: I read your first post and it really touched me.I appreciate what you are doing for your father and I know that this is perhaps one of the hardest duties in a man's life.Stay strong and take care!I'll push my thumbs for you and your business!Best wishes from GermanyThilo