Buying advice on budget range test equipment and precision tools. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: i0s9
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2014, 01:53:22 am
content: Hi Guys,How you guys doingFirst I'm not new to this forum as I've read many solutions from this forum and been using it when I was a student. But as a member I'm new today and as always I hope will get good support from the community.OK. Coming to the point, I'm about to start a electronics service centre in next 2 weeks and service I'll be dealing with is component level PCB troubleshooting in mobiles, computers and TVs. So for basic start I'll be slowly getting with these devices and later on go with industrial electronics.To get started I'm getting my workshop ready and I need advice on test equipments like digital oscilloscope, multimeter, component testers and other equipment. So please give me some advice on buying budget range stuff to get my workshop ready.PS: By the way I'm from UK. So if you guys advice, please do it within the UK suppliers.Many Thanks.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2014, 04:32:39 am
content: The two hottest threads in the forum right now are:"New Rigol DS1054Z oscilloscope"and"Best new multimeter for £100 or less"Maybe you could start there...

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2014, 06:27:11 am
content: I'd go with a Rigol scope, a bench multimeter, LCR meter with ESR capability.Soldering, used JBC or Metcal but get a decent variety of tipsYou'll probably need some BGA rework capability.A microscope, many mobile phones are using 0201 or even 01005 devices,A decent set of resistor and capacitor kits and a big stock of good electrolytic caps.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2014, 07:07:11 am
content: Let's face it: You'll need at least two multimeters.

author: i0s9
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 16, 2014, 04:44:05 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on October 11, 2014, 04:32:39 amThanks Fungus. I've gone thru those topics. Looks good deal.

author: i0s9
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 16, 2014, 04:48:53 am
content: Quote from: KJDS on October 11, 2014, 06:27:11 amThanks KJDS. I'm thinking to go for DS1054Z and also I'm trying to buy all my list of items at a time, so that I can bargain for discount. Just making my list and hopefully I don't miss anything. And also I might buy a normal soldering station and hot air gun for now based on my budget.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2014, 05:22:52 am
content: Yes, two multimeters, and make both of them fast logging types or with a PC connection to log things, and get ones with real safety ratings. My views on what are good meters are all over the forum and I don't need to repeat them. An isolation transformer is a must. Another really nice thing to have is a variac so you can ramp up AC voltage and see where problems are occurring before the magic smoke escapes. The popular Rigol scopes on the forum are good buys IMHO. The DER DE5000 seems to be one of the best buys for an LCR ESR meter right now. You will need a good magnifying device/microscope. I think I would also get one of the new imaging IR thermometers too.The problem with giving direct recommendations is you give no real budget numbers. It is hard to recommend "budget" equipment without knowing your price limits.

author: i0s9
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 17, 2014, 03:08:55 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on October 16, 2014, 05:22:52 amHi Lightages,Thank you very much for your reply.Sorry, I missed it. My budget range to make fully equipped lab is £1000- £1500 for now and this is just an estimation and may go high based on my business, for the time being I'll be spending in weekly basis to get the workshop and equipment ready.For example I'll spend £500 this week and then so on like that as long as my business is picking up. So if you don't mind could you please do me a list based on my budget using alternatives etc. By the way I'm not only asking for test equipment as I'm also interested to know all other must have stuff like protective personal etc.And also I've quickly gone thru your topics and read some interesting ones. Really good.Many Thanks,i0s9.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2014, 06:32:35 am
content: Although not cheap I wouldn't be without Smart Tweezers:http://www.advancedevices.com/Smart_Tweezers_LCR_Meter.htmMy meters don't do half the work they used to.Seriously good bit of gear, not just for SMD.