FA (Aus Sydney) Heads up on a sale of test equipment  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 10:54:43 am
content: /.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:33:55 am
content: Bugger, we need a good man/ woman in Sydney.Also what is the moral etiquette on these thing's ?Do you broadcast it to the world, potentially increasing bidder's and price,or do you discreetly keep it under your hat and hope nobody knows about it.Every man for himself or share the bounty ? What would you do ?Muttley

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:42:58 am
content: Grays is always expensive so dont worry you wont miss any bargains.The last time Grays had an electronics auction some wild-eyed short fella who claims to be an engineer from Baulkham hills bought up half the items, bid everyone out of the market.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:53:17 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 11, 2015, 11:42:58 amThere are a dozen test gear dealers who trawl grays and other sites who outbid almost everyone.

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 12:43:04 pm
content: There is a local auction house here in Perth (Western Australia) that is just around the corner from my work. I have had a few good wins with things, but as Wilfred said, the auctions with a few varied bits and pieces are probably better.For example, there was a auction that was from a visual design company, lots of screens and projectors etc... There was a lonely 19" rack sitting there with some bits and pieces in it. While not the best quality, it had a manson linear dual tracking 0-30v 0-3a per channel power supply, the 15RU rack with wheels, door and 3 shelves, a AWA low noise oscillator and a distortion meter. Final bid was $160. I was about to order a power supply for the bench (Looking at that exact model) and that retails for $600 odd dollars by itself. The rack is in much better condition than my current rack, so I look at that as a free bonus.Other times I have seen auctions where they have more catalogue listings for electronics test gear and the prices went very high very quickly to the point it was nearly at the retail prices so not worth risking it on second hand gear.

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 10:22:47 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 11, 2015, 11:53:17 amAre they all from baulkham hills?Exactly!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 10:40:31 pm
content: Quote from: Cside on March 11, 2015, 10:22:47 pmYou are obviously pissed off that I outbid you on something. Get over itI win very few of the Gray's auctions that I enter. Most of the time I don't even bid because I see how crazy it's gone.I met one of the "pros" at an auction once, he admits he bids crazy prices and then whacks'em on ebay for even more crazy prices, but someone eventually buys it, even if it takes a year. If you have enough cash flow backing you, and you do it for enough stuff, you can make a full time living from it. And this was just an individual, who admittedly doesn't know much about the stuff, apart from the fact that test gear is worth money to someone. The dealers are usually more strict on their prices as someone mentioned.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 10:50:37 pm
content: Quote from: wilfred on March 11, 2015, 12:28:44 pmOr it's simply not on their radar.For example, that CSIRO rubidium standard standard I got was bundled with a bunch of other stuff like the Agilent Frequency counter, but was advertised as some "reference thingimabob" and they obviously didn't know what it really was, but the Frequency counter was listed. So I got a bargain on the pallet of stuff because they had their eyes on the big juicy lots of gear on the other pallets in the auction of clearly labeled and photographed gear are went for insane prices. And by insane I mean $8k for a pallet I thought was worth $1k, maybe $2k at a stretch.As I watched the other pallets fall for insane prices and was massively outbid, I thought I'd get nothing, but that CSIRO pallet slipped under the radar and my bid was enough. I was stunned.I didn't even have to go into emergency "Ah, I'm not going to get ANYTHING from this huge auction" psychological panic mode!

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 10:52:25 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 11, 2015, 10:40:31 pmWhat does any of this have to do with baulkham hills?Grays is crazy expensive I know.And no I'm not angry at you at all just abusive at random. Therapy for capitalism

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 10:59:42 pm
content: Quote from: Cside on March 11, 2015, 10:52:25 pmI can fix that problem for you with the ban button if you'd like?And BTW, yeah, you do seem kinda angry at me at me for buying test gear, you've done it before:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-656-auction-score/msg500472/#msg500472

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:09:33 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 11, 2015, 10:59:42 pmWhat is the problem that we are fixing and how does said action fix problem?I smell empty rhetoric here.Beating your chest again are ya?

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:12:14 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 11, 2015, 10:59:42 pmare you on flux?The point of that rant was that you shouldnt be asking for donations if you are using that money to hoard up equipment from auctions because it makes you look like an asshole.I didnt even go to the auction In fact im not even registered at grays.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:27:11 pm
content: Quote from: Cside on March 11, 2015, 11:12:14 pmHere we go again...For those playing along at home, you can see Cside's fully coherent argument about this starting here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-656-auction-score/msg500386/#msg500386and it goes on for pages and pages of simply brilliant logicI don't just hoard them, I do videos on them and then get around to selling them or sometimes giving them away.I've been buying selling test gear as a hobby for several decades now.And BTW, in Australia, it's "arsehole".

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:30:53 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 11, 2015, 11:27:11 pmOK Dave. If you can afford to buy expensive test gear as a hobby then why are you asking for donations unless you were an asshole?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:36:53 pm
content: Quote from: Cside on March 11, 2015, 11:30:53 pmWho said they were expensive?I buy them, I play with them, I sometimes restore them, and I sold them at a profit in order to fund the hobby. Put in a few hundred bucks seed money to buy the first one and it can be a self sustaining hobby.BTW, I've worked for a living all my life from a young age thank you very much.

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2015, 11:40:27 pm
content: *Gets popcorn and some soda* Lets see who has the best logic in this situation.EDIT: Cside wanna put everything into straight forward professional bullet points? Would be nice, and listed off; easier to read unlike the other muck that seems like it can get a bit ummm..... misinterperated.

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 12:01:31 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 11, 2015, 11:36:53 pm1. Engineering equipment isn't cheap. It may be at a bargain but it is still outside the affordability of most.2. That is a very nicely engineered strawman. I never attacked your work ethic and while I am at it I will say I have a lot of respect for many things, one of which is your work ethic.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 12:15:49 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 11, 2015, 10:59:42 pmIt would probably save a fair few man hours if you did.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 12:30:21 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 12, 2015, 12:01:31 amYet you argued last time that by me buying 2nd hand gear I was depriving youngsters of the opportunity!But now you are saying most can't afford it anyway?At least try to get your arguments consistent.QuoteRight, you are just calling me an arsehole because I like to buy and sell test gear as a hobby, and have the nerve to ask for donations to keep my blog running full time at the same time while also getting video material from that same hobby. Got it.Quote

author: Burnme
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 12:38:50 am
content: Dave, it may be because:You live in a million dollar property and boast about your acquisitions and success.You put down anything that is cheap as junk.You seem to infrequently admit your failures.You advertise you're the authority on many things.You come across as obnoxious to many people due to your delivery style as well as claiming that this is a hobby and you need the support of donations or subscriptions, as if you are a struggling artist. I think you need to make it clear you are running a business, not a hobby (even if you enjoy it like one) and learn about humility in the process.I hope you can take this criticism on board.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 12:44:56 am
content: Quote from: Burnme on March 12, 2015, 12:38:50 amBut he still dumpster dives like a pro.

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 01:01:08 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 12, 2015, 12:30:21 amWait are you claiming that as a contradiction? Perhaps you reacted to quickly and haven't followed the logic on this one.Quote from: EEVblog on March 12, 2015, 12:30:21 amYeah that's exactly why I call you an asshole, you call it donations but its really profit to your Pty ltd company. Do you honestly not see this?

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 01:30:29 am
content: Alrighty. Everybody had their fun throwing shots. This is getting a little off topic from the thread. We should be talking about that sale or even other sales of test equipment. Not Daves life, and how he runs it.

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 02:34:21 am
content: Quote from: zerorisers on March 12, 2015, 01:30:29 amExactly.And as I was saying, Grays auctions are usually expensive and poorly described.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 02:55:17 am
content: Dave, if you're going to engage with trolls, you ought to move their posts into a separate thread first.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 04:07:56 am
content: Quote from: Burnme on March 12, 2015, 12:38:50 amHell of a first post Mr Burnme, who just happened to register today just after the popcorn post and it looked like the battle would be on. Why what a coincidence...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 04:13:19 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 12, 2015, 01:01:08 amNo, I don't.As a full time blogger I have to earn money from many different sources, and donations is just one of those.BTW, donations do not go into the Pty Ltd company, they go into my personal account so I can, you know, eat. But that's just tax semantics.So under what circumstances would younotcall me an arsehole for accepting donations?

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 04:38:54 am
content: QuoteI am not 12 years old Dave.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 04:40:36 am
content: Good luck at the auction Wilfred, and you to Dave.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 04:46:36 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on March 12, 2015, 04:42:30 amI hit the ebay listings myself, Canada sucks for test gear.

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 04:47:39 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 12, 2015, 04:13:19 amtransparency

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 05:55:17 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 12, 2015, 04:38:54 amI didn't say it's you, in fact I have evidence that it's likely not you, but it's clearly an existing user on here setting up a sock-puppet account so they can have an anonymous whinge at me

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 06:09:25 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 12, 2015, 05:55:17 amWhich was childish of them.Anyway Im sure you got the point I was making and I didn't mean to start the bush fire I did.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 06:12:55 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 12, 2015, 04:47:39 amAre you kidding me? I'm one of the most transparent bloggers out there, I'm incapable of hiding stuff, I'm a blabber mouth, and that's what made Mr Burnme's comments so hilariously wrong.What more do you want, my bank statements and tax return?I make my money from website + forum ads, adsense, donations (Patreon + Paypal), Amazon affiliate program, T-Shirt's, and uCurrent sales. That's basically it, no other sources of revenue.I've never hid this, ever, I've said it over and over.Buying and selling gear at auction now often costs me money because I'll buy something to tear down and either destroy it or I might overpay for something at auction I normally wouldn't do because I want it for a teardown video, so am happy to take a loss on it just to get the content.

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 06:33:53 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 12, 2015, 06:12:55 amFair comment chap and point well taken, in that I agree you are transparent in most things for sure.What I was referring to was your transparency over the donations ONLY because as you claim - its for your survival.If it is indeed for your survival then you surely couldn't afford all that expensive gear, or its not really for your survival. So either prove (transparency) that you need donations to survive or change your claim - or don't. You are not obliged, but then don't be surprised when people like me call you an asshole for receiving donations and buying expensive gear.Perhaps this disagreement comes from our perspectives. I for one believe that donations should go to the most needy first, and there are a lot more people whose desperation trumps yours.Or dont call it a donation, call it a voluntary payment or something and seriously stop telling people you need it to survive that is offensive.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 07:07:01 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 12, 2015, 06:33:53 amYou are taking this far too literally and serious.I have always said it'sone partof my income from the blog, and the blog is my only income source.Could I survive without the donations? Yes, I could, and the same could be said for any one of the other sources of revenue as well. This is why I have many sources of revenue so I can survive if one source dries up or drops off.Obviously I'm doing well enough at the moment to hire a casual employee. But that doesn't mean I go out and say thanks but I don't need to get donations any more. Every bit helps me maintain this as a full time gig.QuoteIn the almost 6 years I've been doing this you are the only person, ever, who has called me an arsehole for taking donations.The only one. And I get a lot of hate mail, but I've never been hated on for that before, congrats on being the first.Perhaps you haven't noticed, but practically every bit of gear I buy ends up being used as content on the blog in some form.QuoteOf course there is, but people like what I do and they want to support me, so I very happily appreciate and accept those donations.QuoteI don't say that. Get over it, really.

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 07:27:55 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 12, 2015, 07:07:01 amExcuse me for taking this seriously, but using the violin to increase profits is a breach of trust.QuoteAsk a few strangers this exact question and see what they say"A man runs an engineering video blog. On his website he asks for donations to help stay alive. One day he posts a video boasting of a pallet of expensive gear he bought from an auction. One of his viewers called him an asshole for asking for donations while buying an excess of expensive equipment. Was the viewer out of line or was this a valid point?"Do a poll. See the results.Quotethat's a lie and you know it.QuoteGrrr You brought this up in the first place. I got over it months ago. - quotation fixes

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 07:37:58 am
content: Administrative AlertThe following member's are hereby banned from this forum for a coolingoff period of not less than twenty four hour's, effective immediately.EEVblogCsideThe bullshit bidding has now ended, so log out and pissoff.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 07:43:48 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 12, 2015, 07:27:55 amQuoteAlready have in the previous thread on this, no one agreed with you.QuoteNo it's not. Name one bit of gear I have bought at auction and didn't do a video on? (if you mention the lot of 5 PSU's I'm going to)I can name one, a Keithly high resistance meter, it's been sitting there for ages, I'll get around to it eventually.QuoteReally?QuoteYou stirred the pot with this:QuoteYou continue to be demonstrably wrong

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 08:27:15 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 12, 2015, 07:43:48 amNOT ON HERE YOU IDIOT!!!!! learn to unbiased-experiment!QuoteI don't have your list of gear and is irrelevant to the point anyway.QuoteTHAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH DONATIONS!!!!QuoteYou really are pissing me off. that was totally out of context, that last quote was infact me EXPLICITLY saying how that was my point from a PREVIOUS THREAD.. NOT HERE!!!If you are having a massive troll then success. My jimmies have been duly rustled.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 08:47:34 am
content: Quote from: Cside on March 12, 2015, 08:27:15 amThen don't call me a liar if you have no evidence to back it up.QuoteNo, I am the one who is being trolled.This ends here. I'm done, and so are you, please don't comment on this again.Now back our regular programming.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 09:07:46 am
content: Quote from: Muttley Snickers on March 12, 2015, 07:37:58 amJust practising, hoping one day to have some authority.Muttley

author: Cside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 09:15:05 am
content: QuoteBurden of proof....

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 05:43:22 pm
content: Quote from: Muttley Snickers on March 12, 2015, 09:07:46 amYou have as much authority as me. There we go, you are promoted to idiot status alongside me.I support Dave, and you can bet that every little bit helps. Him eating and not having any fixed income other than this, and having the stamina to do it day in and out while still enjoying himself is great to see.If you think auctions in Australia are shyte try those in South Africa, they generally only have the stuff that are only a truck stop away from the scrapyard, (and I have picked up some from there as well) and then go at a price close to the new price to boot. Consider that a scope that is marked at $500 will here retail at over $1500 equivalent, just from import duties, shipping and such. Add to that the price of importing stuff, which is both slow ( the only country in the world where the post office went on strike for 4 months, and literally nobody actually noticed the difference) and subject to various weird duty rates. I look at international auctions, and then look at the shipping to here, which means that anything over 1kg will be not worth bidding for unless they take a $1 bid and I win. I have some Kiethly meters coming here ( sometime this century) where the postage was not totally batshit crazy for the international side.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 11:03:49 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on March 12, 2015, 05:43:22 pmNo country can match the US for test gear auction nirvana.Other countries like the UK and Germany would be a second rung and you can do pretty well there.Then comes Australia on yet another lower rung. Stuff here is either rare or very expensive, or often both.And it sounds like South Africa is on a lower rung again?And then we have our ebay friends in Israel who seem to be in category all on their own!

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 11:57:47 pm
content: Chile gets pretty close to the bottom too. No one sells anything here, AFAIK, unless it is beyond economic repair. Used cars are a real gamble!

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:05:44 am
content: Wholly cr@p - lots of bargains there!!!!Really trying to get their $3.3 million back. No $9 starting bids here.Tell 'em they're dreamin'

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:08:37 am
content: $33k per pallet!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:11:23 am
content: Unless they are listing more stuff, there is absolutely nothing there worth bidding onAnd unless the major surplus dealers have ready buys for exactly this stuff (unlikely) they won't be paying $33k for a pallet. Esp not enough to sell all these pallets.A lot of, if not most of this stuff go unsold I suspect.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:21:04 am
content: Quote from: aargee on March 16, 2015, 05:05:44 amHow will this stuff possibly sell?

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:22:54 am
content: Whoever was in charge to estimate the initial bid seems to be a "bit" out of touch

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:34:01 am
content: My guess is that this sale has come from the end of analog TV transmission in Australia.This looks like the contents of the testing/regulatory side of the Department of Communications. Dave's right, not going to find many takers here in Aus.But then again, how else are we going to fund the budget.

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:46:58 am
content: From the auction infoThe Department of Communications as part of the Restack Program sought an independent market valuation of the main components of the new test equipment kits procured for the program. This valuation determined the 2015 market value of a single test equipment kit to be approximately $116,800.Don't forget for bids over 10,000 there is still a 7.5% auction fee, then gst on top of that.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:47:22 am
content: Quote from: aargee on March 16, 2015, 05:34:01 amSo the question become, what happens to the gear?They'll have to have a serious re-think of their strategy when none of it sells.Hardly any details on the gear.The RDO scopes are worth a bit of course and would be the only real bit of highly sort after gear, but what models?The ZNB network analysers are worth a bomb, but very niche big $$$$$ market. As are the FSW spectrum analysers.Who's going to want the ETL analysers?And hardly anyone gives a toss about the RF loads and cables and things unless you are in that business.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:48:47 am
content: Quote from: PTR_1275 on March 16, 2015, 05:46:58 amSo they are basing the 2nd hand gear on the value of the new replacement gear?The only good thing is this stuff will be hardly used.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 05:51:01 am
content: Someone bid on the $400 HP test load, they must be stoked!

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 06:10:49 am
content: Well what can you say ......... it is the Australian GovernmentQuote from: aargee on March 16, 2015, 05:05:44 amLa La land as usual.

author: mswhin63
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 01:17:45 pm
content: Ha, Tony Abbott is failing in his budget approvals so he is looking at overcharging on second-hand gear.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 06:52:06 pm
content: Bid $100 as scrap metal for the lot. That way you can get the choice bits and sell the rest as the scrap it is.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2015, 10:43:03 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 16, 2015, 05:21:04 amIt won't sell. They have to set the initial bids to $300 tops. There needs to be a large profit margin to cover the risk of buying a bunch of broken items. A lot of this gear can be damaged by overload or applying DC and even if it appears to be OK it will take a lot of time&effort to verify the equipment is working flawlesly. IOW an equipment dealer will need to invest time in checking each piece of equipment.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2015, 01:32:02 am
content: OMG someone bid on one!http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0015-5013507/computers-and-it-equipment/p-broadcast-testing-equipment-kit-low-power-test-kit-pallet-of-includQ.T - PYMBLE who I don't recall seeing before?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2015, 02:57:55 am
content: And another one!http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0006-5013507/computers-and-it-equipment/p-broadcast-testing-equipment-kit-low-power-test-kit-pallet-of-includP.H - Medlow Bath

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2015, 04:31:24 am
content: Well if someone needs all that equipment included in the lot it might make sense:In US dollars:R&S ETL TV Analyzer 500 kHz to 3 GHz with tracking generator $13,510.77http://www3.rohde-schwarz.com/bargains/catalog/BroadcastingBroadcasting_TandMDigital_TV_analysis/414CA061413DEBE6C12572890051406D.htmlRohde & Schwarz NRP-Z91 AVG Power Sensor 9 kHz - 6 GHz $600http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/201279027273?lpid=82&chn=psR&S FSW8 Signal- and Spectrum analyzer, 2 Hz to 8 GHz, -153 dBm to 30 dBm, Resolution bandwidth 1 Hz to 10 MHz, 12.1 in colour touch screen $31,643http://www3.rohde-schwarz.com/bargains/catalog/Uncategorized/7614.htmlRohde & Schwarz ZNB4.22 Vector Network Analyzer 2 Port, 4.5 GHz, N (f) (1311.6010K22) $32,065 Since it's the 2 port oneThe 4 port one not in the auction is: Rohde & Schwarz ZNB4.24 Vector Network Analyzer 4 Port, 4.5 GHz, N (f) (1311.6010.24) $52,670http://www.testequity.com/products/4973/R&S ZV-Z170.03 Calibration Kit 0 Hz to 9 GHz, N(m), 50 ? (1317.7683.03) $1,765http://www.testequity.com/products/4968/(last item under options and accessories)Not sure about the RTO since they don't show the model so lets go with the cheaper one:Rohde & Schwarz RTO1002.02 Digital Oscilloscope 600 MHz, 2 channels, 10 G sample/s, 20/40 M sample (1316.1000.02) $14,410http://www.testequity.com/products/4980/And the rest probably adds quite a bit more. So not so bad of a deal for someone that actually needs this stuff.Edit: found a picture of one of the RTOs in the auction and outside of the box unlike the other listings, it's a 2 channel one but can't tell if it's the 600MHz or the 1GHz or the 2GHz, but not 4GHz since it seems that comes only as a 4 channelEdit: very nice gear, but I bet they don't sell everything and they have to go for round 2.

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2015, 10:56:12 am
content: the bandwidth string on the model sticker on the RTO is too short to be 600 MHz. Looks like 4 GHz, pretty nice scope.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2015, 12:45:13 pm
content: Quote from: miguelvp on March 18, 2015, 04:31:24 amIt doesn't. They use the same pictures for different lots so you don't know what you get. Besides that you also don't know whether the equipment is working properly or not. Say you get a pallet with 20 high end scopes. There is not a big market to sell those for a decent price so you'd need to sit on them for a long time or have other channels to flip them fast.IMHO: The bidders probably went over there to see what equipment actually is in the lot.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 19, 2015, 09:27:33 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on March 18, 2015, 04:31:24 amAnd that's why only (now) 3 pallets have been bid on, and I'm surprised it's that many.You'd have to be in the market for maybe 3 of those bits of kit to make it worthwhile, and then you are taking a gamble.QuoteThere is absolutely no doubt. Will be interesting to see what happens.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 19, 2015, 09:29:58 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on March 18, 2015, 12:45:13 pmOne bidder is from WA, so either taking a gamble or they sent oneone local.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2015, 05:50:42 pm
content: Quote from: Neganur on March 18, 2015, 10:56:12 amThey didn't list a 4GHz on the link, but if they make it, it probably goes for around $30K

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 19, 2015, 11:18:51 pm
content: A 4th person has bid, with 5 hours left 4 pallets out of 25 sold.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 12:43:26 am
content: And somebody just outbid someone on the same pallethttp://www.graysonline.com/lot/0006-5013507/computers-and-it-equipment/p-broadcast-testing-equipment-kit-low-power-test-kit-pallet-of-includ

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 03:29:53 am
content: It does support more than just Analog and other formats:Analog TVDVB-TDVB-T2DVB-HATSC/8VSBATSC Mobile DTVISDB-T(B)J.83/A/CDVB-CJ.83/BDTMBT-DMB/DABFM (radio)As for MPEG2, it's a higher quality format than MPEG4 but yields to larger files, it also supports H.264 for what is worthQuote from: EEVblog on March 20, 2015, 12:43:26 amMaybe they did inspect them all and they figured that was the best one, or they didn't want to spend the cost to send an expert and they figured that the previous bidder sent their expert there and that they will go for another pallet instead of going into a bid war.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 04:43:08 am
content: 8 pallets bid on with 10's of minutes left, out of 29.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 04:52:17 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on March 20, 2015, 01:45:18 am$33K+ for a starting price on a pallet of gear like this is unheard of at an Australian auction AFAIK.They would have had a huge amount more success if they listed everything individually.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 04:53:28 am
content: 14 pallets sold with 7 minutes left!Pass the popcorn...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 05:00:46 am
content: Bidders are:P.H - Medlow Bath NSWW.P - Macquarie Park NSWJ.D - Bald Hills QLDW.P - Macquarie Park NSWD.M - Mount Waverley VICA.A - Artarmon NSWP.H - Medlow Bath NSWM.S - ULTIMO NSWJ.D - Bald Hills QLDN.P - Macquarie Park NSWW.D - Glenhaven NSW, J.D - Bald Hills QLD, A.D - Bickley WA, W.P - Macquarie Park NSW, R.R - Coffs Harbour NSWJ.D - Bald Hills QLD, A.D - Bickley WAQ.T - PYMBLE NSWW.D - Glenhaven NSWM.S - ULTIMO NSW, W.P - Macquarie Park NSWJ.D - Bald Hills QLDN.P - Macquarie Park NSW, R.R - Coffs Harbour NSWW.P - Macquarie Park NSWM.S - ULTIMO NSW, G.N - Kilsyth VIC, A.D - Bickley WA, R.R - Coffs Harbour NSWR.R - Coffs Harbour NSWPretty sure I know one of them...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 05:01:07 am
content: 23 bid on out of 29! 0 minutes left!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 05:06:14 am
content: This one went the highest with 47 bids and $41,817 ($49218 inc fees+GST!):http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0026-5013507/computers-and-it-equipment/p-broadcast-testing-equipment-kit-low-power-test-kit-pallet-of-includ

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 05:10:24 am
content: I count 6 pallets that didn't sell. That's still a lot of expensive high end gear left over.I'm absolutely stunned there were so many people with that sort of cash willing to buy this stuff, and it seems spread across a lot of people too, not just one or two major dealers.Will be interesting to see what turns up on ebay next month.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 05:19:07 am
content: R.R - Coffs Harbour NSW scored at least 6, some over $43K each.W.P - Macquarie Park NSW and N.P - Macquarie Park NSW (same people?) scored at least 6G.N - Kilsyth VIC scored 3, and currently highest bidder at $46KJ.D - Bald Hills QLD scored 5 (bid on others)and I haven't tallied them all.Clearly some big dealers there with deep pockets.

author: Monittosan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 05:39:47 am
content: I need to find some of these guys!Im sureeee they need some of my Anritsu gear MT8820A MP1632A

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 05:49:14 am
content: Simply amazing, just goes to show there must be a market for resale. I wonder if any or most will make its way offshore or resold here !.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 06:01:34 am
content: 4 still going 3 at $49K 1 at $52KMake that 3 at $50K 1 at 53K

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 06:04:26 am
content: Every time someone bids, they extend the auction for an extra 10 minutes

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 06:14:23 am
content: Down to 1 left for $51K and still around 6 minutes left in the clock, the highest one went for $53K with 41 bidsEdit: someone bid an extra $500 clock reset for another 10 minutes on the last oneEdit2: It's going to be a while, someone added $100 so clock reset and at $51,685 currentlyCrazy as soon as I edited it's now at $54,085

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 06:34:32 am
content: And it's finally over, the last (low power test kit) went for the highest price at $54,085, the 2nd highest was $53K for one of the high power test kits.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 08:33:45 am
content: ...and I was thinking you drop 4K and take home 20 devices...Code:C:\> format auction_understanding /q

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 08:56:38 am
content: Wow, not the outcome I was expecting. There must be a second hand market out there for this sort of gear.For those in the know, what else could this gear be used for? Would antenna manufacturers (or even antenna installers) use such a high end item?Sorry for the ignorance, just not my field.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 09:01:54 am
content: Quote from: PTR_1275 on March 20, 2015, 08:56:38 amThe spectrum analyser and scopes, yes, and that's what people are really bidding on here.The network analyser less so but still sort after, and the TV analysers you'd probably write-off as unsaleable. i.e. list it as $0.99 and see where it goes.QuoteCertainly little market in this country. Would have much more luck selling internationally.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2015, 09:04:12 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on March 20, 2015, 06:14:23 amThat is $63658 by the time you take it home!

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2015, 02:15:48 am
content: The combination of equipment offered was used (and will be used) for commissioning of digital television transmission equipment; from input signal, transmitter, output filters and antenna systems. The TV analyser would be far from being considered a write off (if anything, the 'scope is probably the piece of gear of least interest). It can also be used to assess other transmissions like DAB and FM.The spectrum analyzer (I am led to believe) is capable of making very good phase noise measurements, useful again for assessing the performance of digital transmission equipment. Also, I believe the 'scope is the 1GHz variant.I will know more tomorrow when I get to see some of the pallets

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2015, 05:26:51 am
content: So, Dave_K, did you buy some gear or are you going back for the "Phase 2" auction?http://www.graysonline.com/sale/5013761/computers-it-equipment/2nd-final-phase-broadcast-testing-equipment?spr=true

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 24, 2015, 05:59:40 am
content: Quote from: aargee on March 24, 2015, 05:26:51 amHow did we know that was going to happen!This will see a lot more bidding action than the previous auctions.The (likely based on price ) 13.5% buyers premium is a bit of a killer. Only over $20K does it drop to 7%. Plus GST too of course.

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2015, 07:01:46 am
content: Probably will be $10k starting bids.

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2015, 09:03:26 am
content: Scope is the RTO1012 model - 2 channel, 1GHz, 10Gsample/sec. Big ass screen on it as well. Looking forward to taking it for a little test drive tomorrow

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2015, 09:15:36 am
content: Quote from: dave_k on March 25, 2015, 09:03:26 amThat's $15K USD new, that's if it doesn't have any options.

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2015, 10:05:59 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on March 25, 2015, 09:15:36 amI didn't see any option stickers on the back, but there might be software ones installed...

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2015, 10:09:26 pm
content: Well, the RTO scope is a very impressive machine! There are a few still up for grabs at a ridiculous price. The one I have looks as if it has never been used (it still has than new oscilloscope smell).Dave if you are interested in doing a video on it let me know.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 11:46:58 am
content: As predicted, the scopes have most of the bids, but it's early days yet.And they can't even be bothered to show the front panel or tell you the model number2 or 4 channel? MSO?

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 04:11:43 am
content: Yeah, they are using the same photo for multiple scopes, then say it is for illustration purposes only. All the network analysers etc... have photos of the from of them, but none of the scopes did.Very little information. Maybe they are trying to encourage people to go in and look at them??

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 04:32:02 am
content: There was a picture of at least one of them on the original auction.Now we know it's the Rohde & Schwarz RTO1012.12 Digital Oscilloscope 1 GHz, 2 channels, 10 G sample/shttp://shop.rohde-schwarz.com/no/r-srrto1012-1.htmlprice around $15Khttp://www.testequity.com/products/4980/But it's unknown if it comes with any accessories

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 06:13:53 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 27, 2015, 11:46:58 amThey are the 2 channel, 1GHz model .. and have been fitted with no options. There are hardware slots on the rear to add MSO functionality. The only accessories included are a pair of 500MHz passive probes.If anyone wants photos of any of the gear let me know (we have a complete set at work now).

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 07:01:25 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on March 28, 2015, 04:32:02 amFrom the photo it seems the MSO option is not included (no probes), and that's understandable given the RF use they would have been bought for.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 07:10:55 am
content: Quote from: dave_k on March 28, 2015, 06:13:53 amIn this case they aren't worth a huge amount, but people will likely bid crazy on them anyway.You can get a high definition (12bit) 100M point 4 channel Keysight DSO9104H for US$6600 on ebayThat's 10 times the memory, much higher resolution, and two extra channels than the R&S, so I'd price them at maybe $5k tops.

author: gildasd
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 08:08:53 am
content: You need a big hole in a field for an ass to fall in.The hihawing would be deafening.

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 09:22:46 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 28, 2015, 07:01:25 amNot even that. The sole reason the 'scope was purchased was to measure the eye pattern of a ASI signal.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 09:00:41 am
content: The scopes went for about $6000 to $8800, + commission + GST. Not good value at all unless you were dead set on buy that scope new anyway.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 09:08:02 am
content: Anyone know what the network analysers and spec ans went for? I forgot it was today

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 09:33:19 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on March 31, 2015, 09:17:46 amYeah, I added the scopes but not the others at the time.

author: paullhamilton
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 09, 2015, 10:55:51 pm
content: Hi All,Warning Warning Warning...Everyone that purchased equipment from this auction should check the warranty dates as the published dates that were provided by Grays were incorrect (In my case). The Auction that I won indicated that all the warranties were valid to mid 2016. Turns out that they are all wrong and that for each of the items I purchased expire later this month. For me that is about a year short. When I discovered this discrepancy over the weekend, I contacted Grays and asked if they were planning to notify purchasers that there were potential mistakes in their documentation. Needless to say they told me to sod off. Nice...Bottom Line is - Check your warranty dates...cheersPaul