Sniff test? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Inverted18650
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2018, 07:29:58 pm
content: https://www.ebay.com/itm/National-Instruments-NI-ELVIS-II-Modular-Engineering-Lab/332554055828?hash=item4d6dc43094:g:CKIAAOSw-RFagP8tEmailed the seller asking for a few more details. Since it is listed as USED, "it is used but include everything has been tested" I inquired about what test were conducted. Got a reply stating, "I only turn it on and see the green light".When I asked about “It was found in the classroom closest” seller replied that he/she had sold two and the customers didn't complain, but the listing clearly shows 6 available, zero sold, and the description also states six total for sale.*And I just got another replying stating, its none of my business where they got the units.Do these units have serial numbers and can the be blocked or bricked by NI?*edit: I am sorry for posting this here, I was clicking around and thought I was in the "General Chat" thread. Tried to move it but can't.edit2: after more chat, seller is clearly lying through their teeth. avoid at all costs.

author: _Wim_
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2018, 08:52:29 pm
content: Personally I am always very careful if the seller give me incorrect information. You can also check the “sold listings” on Ebay (normally that goes back at least a couple of months), and his feedback. On both I could not find any previous sales by this seller of an NI ELVIS-board.Sometimes I take the risk anyway, but this is typically for cheaper items (so not 800$) and if the price is very good (this seems to be the typical going price for such a device, and there is another currently listed for 775$, so why take the risk with this seller?)A more important question, are you really sure this is something you want? Personally, I do not like these all-in-one devices, because it makes upgrading one part impossible, and it is very annoying is on part of it is broken. I am also not a big fan of NI software. Off course, if only very little space is available, this can off course be the only solution…

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2018, 09:24:32 pm
content: @Super Sleuth,What are you trying to prove? That fails the snif test all the way to Cleveland,OH. Nothing to gain, a lot to lose. Stolen? Does that matter to you? It would to me.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2018, 10:46:27 pm
content: At first I wasn't too sure there were any units at all, but in the feedback left for others there's feedback for a "National Instruments NI ELVIS II+ Modular Engineering Laboratory Platform" sold for $550. Apparently at least one unit has been sold before.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 01:52:11 am
content: He has sold two so far. Item #332487679363 for $550 (which corresponds to the one Mr. Scram found feedback for) and #332534135101 for $750.Since they were separate listings, the counts would not be reflected in the current listing.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 02:02:05 am
content: Quote from: bitseeker on March 05, 2018, 01:52:11 amSo the number sold seems to check out. Though I've seen people do more stupid things, I also don't think you'd list them as found in a classroom closet if they've been stolen from one.