Great Finds on eBay - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: skjafar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 11:50:46 am
content: When you see the videos Dave makes on devices he buys for really cheap on ebay you will wonder how he gets such good prices. As none of us can really watch everything on ebay maybe we can state any finding we see on ebay which you may not want to get but think maybe someone else here will be interested in.This thread can be dedicated for ebay finds.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 12:06:11 pm
content: A good idea.Unless someone posts the ebay sale that you were hoping to snap up as a bargain.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 12:13:14 pm
content: QuoteYeah, I don't know how he gets stuff so cheap, unless that's just what stuff goes for in Aus. In the UK the only cheap items seem to be the ones I'm selling

author: skjafar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 12:28:50 pm
content: If this thread happens to work then maybe it can made Sticky.

author: peterthenovice
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 12:35:38 pm
content: there is a metcal mx500 on ebay for US $269.99 shipping 19.99 us. it ahs every thing but the soldering iron holder.US $269.99

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 12:49:18 pm
content: One way to really get a bargain on E-bay is to buy something few people are aware of. If Dave gets a good buy on an AV, and discusses it in a video then many who watch the video will begin to search for model AV, and thus drive the price higher.The trick is setting up a good search, and using E-bays feature to e-mail you when new listings match your search criteria. Others have posted that with the lack of wild cards, this is more difficult.The only other way I know is to stumble upon a "buy it now" from an ignorant seller selling a Fluke 287 for 50 dollars. My experience, both with E-bay and at second-hand shops, is that an ignorant seller is more likely to overvalue an item than undervalue it. "I don't know what this is - it must be super expensive." I saw a cheap-o analog voltmeter in a wooden case that I wanted. It wasn't worth 25 US dollars, but I was willing to pay a bit more. They had a 150 dollar price tag on it. I tried to explain that it wasn't worth that much, but the owner didn't believe me.My dad spends hours at a local second hand sale (they call them "flea markets" in the US) to occasionally get a good deal. I suspect that E-bay is no different. One must spend a lot of time looking to get the great deal. Time or money, it's going to cost you. What do you have more of?EDIT: I forgot location. Large items, or items that are in other countries can be expensive to ship, so local buyers have the advantage. I purchased a Tektronix 577 curve tracer inexpensively because I was close enough to go pick it up.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 12:55:16 pm
content: Quote from: skjafar on March 13, 2013, 11:50:46 amThe only problem is most bargains are only good if they are near to where you live; so the majority of "bargain" posts here would be from all over the place and to filter out the local ones would probably take more time than just searching on Ebay; I guess you could have a post per region, like "Ebay UK Bargains" "Ebay Europe Bargains"What I do to try and get a bargain on Ebay is to create a target shopping list of things I really want; then do a Ebay search for those items; then save the searches via the Ebay options; then Ebay will send you email alerts when those items come up. Remember in the advanced search you can specify your postcode/zip; this is particularly useful if the item is a heavy item because if you could pick it up yourself you can save on the shipping cost.Auto-bidding software can help, snap-up the item at the last minute but everyone and their dog knows that trick now.If someone is selling a interesting item - don't forget to check the sellers "other items for sale"In the Advanced search options - you can filter searches for stuff with no bids or very few bids - sometimes this can work.Now this is a good trick; sometimes a seller doesn't specify the quantity in the title list or it's not obvious - sometimes this can really hold a gold nugget.for example;- I got 1000 npn transistors for £1 with free postage.Because I'm a beginner it used to break my heart when I accidentally fried a transistor; but now, I can torture them just for fun!(edit: I just need another 4 posts like this now and I might get into that competition prize draw! ;-)

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 01:39:07 pm
content: Quote from: jucole on March 13, 2013, 12:55:16 pmNah, thats his fourth & fifth, while the sixth straight to the contest. Wonder he will reach #7.

author: Stephenniall
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 02:08:48 pm
content: I'm not too sure if this website works in the US, or other places for that matter. ( I Can't see why it won't),But i use a website called 'baycrazy.com', It finds all items local to you within a specific distance and price in which you set, You then just have to look through it and have good timing !Got my oscilloscope and some vintage gear with that website.Stephen

author: Anquietas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 02:17:02 pm
content: The only reason why some people, like Dave or Mike, get stuff on eBay for low prices is that they are in a country or an area where lots of electronics is brought onto the second hand market. If you look for second-hand electronics in Europe, especially in Germany, you can just as well buy new hardware, because it will be ridiculously expensive even second-hand on eBay.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 02:42:12 pm
content: In that regard I doubt Australia is the best place to be. As in, I would expect the 2nd hand market for nice test gear to be a LOT smaller than say the American market. Damn spoiled Americans and their nice affordable goodies.That being affordable BEFORE shipping. *pout*Oh well, guess I'll just generate more revenue for China then.

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 02:47:42 pm
content: When looking for cheap stuff on ebay, don't be afraid to look at stuff marked "for parts / not working"... Sometimes it's not actually broken, and if it is, it could be a cheap easy fix, depending on what's wrong with it.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 02:52:50 pm
content: QuoteMike's pretty much based in Europe - at least the UK hasn't left the CEEyetIt's probably simple supply and demand type economics. The US just has loads of stuff so fairly cheap over there but it costs huge amounts to ship it anywhere overseas. I guess Aus just has more supply than demand and shipping for export is probably worse than the US so it stays local.In the UK radio rallies (hamfests) are still sort-of useful but they're slowly dying as discussed previously. You do have to pitch up in person though and its very hit and miss if you'll find anything to your taste.

author: Anquietas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 05:08:12 pm
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on March 13, 2013, 02:52:50 pmWhops. That's true.Anyway, it seems that I can't find cheap equipment on eBay here in Germany. And getting stuff from the USA is ridiculous - shipping sometimes costs more than the device itself.

author: MakerMike
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 06:15:34 pm
content: Quote from: amspire on March 13, 2013, 12:06:11 pmIhavesaw this great auction selling realjunkquality gear for next to nothing

author: UPI
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 06:31:00 pm
content: These 10 Cornell Dubilier 40V 22,000uf caps look like a great deal for someone.http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Cornell-Dubilier-CDV-40v-22-000uf-computer-grade-bus-capacitors-NEW-/271150644508?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f21d67d1c

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 06:39:50 pm
content: QuoteS'OK - Cameron's doing his best to get us outHowever even if he manages it politically I think we'll be stuck with each other geographically for quite a while yet

author: skjafar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2013, 05:31:16 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on March 13, 2013, 01:39:07 pmWell, I admit, I am posting in order to be able to get into the competition, but the rules say "5 useful posts", and I think my posts are somewhat useful! and I am not posting junk. And this is what Dave actually wants, to get the forum more active, is it not? As I have said before, I have been watching his videos since the beginning, and actually checking the forum every now and then without really needing to register, now is a good time i thought.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2013, 02:36:05 pm
content: Then there are ebay listings that are 'great' in the 'just plain awesome' sense. Not because they'd be useful or affordable, but because they are ridiculously over-the-top.For example:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thermo-ESCALAB-250XI-Xray-Photoelectron-Spectrometer-/261184042456So tempting to click Buy it Now. But no, better not. Even if they do accept Paypal.Found when looking for cheap vacuum fittings.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2013, 09:20:43 pm
content: There's a few decent looking pieces of Agilent kit up for grabs right now:MSOX2024A scope, factory refurbished, calibrated and warranted:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Agilent-PREMIUM-USED-MSOX2024A-Mixed-Signal-Oscilloscope-/181094563240?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14589%26meid%3D6245160874405307007%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D190804795507%26A whole bunch of 6632B power supplies at a great price:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AGILENT-HP-6632B-Bench-DC-Power-Supply-0-20VOLT-5-AMP-Programmable-/350728115063?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item51a9065377E3648A 100W Dual Output Power Supply:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-Agilent-E3648A-100W-Dual-Output-Power-Supply-/111028387291?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item19d9cebddb

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2013, 10:10:07 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on March 14, 2013, 09:20:43 pmThanks for the promotion. There's a huge amount of used test gear available wholesale at the moment. I've just picked up some more goodies, including sig-gens and VSAs as well as some more PSUs.Next week I'll be adding some Hitachi V522 scopes at a very reasonable price.Does anyone in the UK have the capability of testing my 25A PSUs at full load current and measuring output ripple?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350738533589?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2013, 11:07:56 pm
content: QuoteYep

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2013, 02:48:06 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on March 14, 2013, 10:10:07 pmYou're welcomeI have three 6632B's already, but if you come across a 6633B then I want first dibs on it

author: akcoder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2013, 03:36:20 am
content: Quote from: skjafar on March 13, 2013, 11:50:46 amWhat I did was set an alert on eBay for what I wanted (BK 1672 - triple voltage power supply, 5v fixed, two 0-30v 0-3a), one came up with an opening bid of $120 and $30 shipping. All the others that had popped up until then were in the $400+ for buy it now/bid.I took a gamble, and I was the only bidderThree weeks later, grr. The clown didn't put the top piece of Styrofoam on when shipping it and the postal service beat the hell out of the box. Long story short, all four pots are pcb mounted and poke through the panel and sheared off board. The frustrating thing is the top pots aren't run of the mill pots, they are push/pull pots. And arenoteasy to find-dan

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2013, 02:49:36 pm
content: I got an HP E3610A a couple of weeks ago off eBay. Only $130 including shipping. It barely fit in the box it was shipped in and the seller used only one layer of (small bubble) bubble-wrap as packing. It was only wrapped around the sides, top and bottom - nothing for the front panel or rear heat sink, both of which were right against the outside of the box. Miraculously, it arrived with the only damage being a cracked binding post.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2013, 04:00:41 pm
content: I'm now putting at least 2 inches of polystyrene, and often more between an item and the box. i'd rather spend some extra on packaging than deal with upset customers. I can sympathize with those only selling occasionally, I keep five different sizes of box in stock along with a lot of polystyrene, pallet wrap, bubble wrap and parcel tape, however that's not practical if you're only selling a few items.

author: JackB
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 17, 2013, 06:51:15 pm
content: Actually, instead of eBay, I've found that many auction houses are where a lot of cheap deals are to be had. I've had pretty good luck with the branford group and cie surplus. The later netted me a Pace MBT 250 (rework station) for $140 usd. New, those things were over 2k. Granted I did have to find the hand pieces, but that is what eBay is for. The only bad thing about auction houses is arranging shipping. Most items are meant to be picked up on-site. If bidding on an item, it's best to call a ups store in the city. Usually, they will pick up the item and ship it (for a price of course). For me, it seems the deals on eBay are few and far between on test equipment.For an eBay deal though, check out the solid state relays. They've worked for me but I'm waiting for one to explode one of these days. You never know where they come from...eBay auction: #http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-SSR-25A-Solid-State-Relay-3-32V-DC-24-380V-AC-Control-/130688396634?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6da2ad5a

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2013, 07:09:18 pm
content: QuoteI sympathise - at the moment I get away with two sizes of box plus recycling as much packaging as I can manage but sold an item last week which wasjusttoo big for the small boxes and thus rather too small for the big boxes that I keep. Ended up in a single walled ex-amazon box and only room for 1" of polystyrene plus 2" of chunky bubble wrap to protect the front panel - held my breath on that one but fortunately it arrived intact

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2013, 02:56:26 pm
content: Twenty 36V 2A power supplies/chargers for GBP2 + GBP6 postage for the lot40p each...thats what I call a bargain.Ollie has carried out a 'Cat Scan' on them and they have passed my tests as well. The units use quaity components and heatsinks etc. The Electrolytics are high voltage and temperature rated Rubycon and Nichicon branded. These were originally designed to be constant voltage chargers for Lead acid batteries used in electric bicylces. Look new and the ones I tested work fine. The parts alone make this a good buy.I still wonder whether it was a listing error, as GBP2 for such a large lot isn't really worth the sellers effort, is it ? They are an electric bicycle supplier and those things cost oodles of cash.Fraser

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2013, 03:49:25 pm
content: Probably a set of spare parts bought in for a range, and when the range was closed out spares wise these were gotten rid of to get shelf space.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2013, 04:00:19 pm
content: Well, not ebay (sorry). But I thought I'd tell about this anyway.Old equipment for radio/tv repair.It's in Norway so the page is in Norwegian, but the pictures tells it all.

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 11:09:22 pm
content: Instek PSP-405 programmable PSU - £95 delivered.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-AND-STILL-IN-BOX-G-W-INSTEK-PSP-405-PSU-PROGRAMMABLE-40V-5A-/271176520889

author: odessa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 04:42:40 pm
content: Bought, Thanks for the heads up

author: MetraCollector
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2013, 01:44:36 am
content: I have ordered 3x of HP 6632B for me and my colleagues in KJDS's shop:http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/kjds_stuff/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686and now I am pleased that I discovered he is already on EEVblog, I look forward to them.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2013, 09:28:11 am
content: Quote from: MetraCollector on March 28, 2013, 01:44:36 amThey're on their way to you., thanks for the order.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2013, 09:38:55 am
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 18, 2013, 02:56:26 pm

author: MetraCollector
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2013, 10:36:52 am
content: Greetings,I have done two trades with KJDS, first one were 3x Agilent 6632B, the second one was 1x Keithley 2015THD.I can highly recommend Kevin's shop, these instruments are perfect for their price, only thing I have done is only cleaning 6632B of lots of dust, hardware is in good shape. Everything works, Keithley is in range compared to my 34401A.Good communication, discount possible (in second trade, we didn't use eBay ---> discount). Parcel Service is good too. Packing allright.I save for his 3GHz generator now.Regards Ondrej