Driver to drive?

[Jim Thompson]

On Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:49:07 -0700, qrk <SpamTrap@spam.net> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:12:32 -0700, Jim Thompson
To-Email-Use-The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:11:41 -0400, T <kd1s.nospam@cox.nospam.net
wrote:

In article <23lsb5tf466bn2d72jnfognqporrtu7rsa@4ax.com>, To-Email-Use-
The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com says...

Anyone with experience using Skype Video?

Is a dual-core processor really needed?

Camera recommendations?

...Jim Thompson

No it isn't needed. I have a Dell XPS M140 and I use it with a Sanyo
Xacti C40. I do need to run a video split program but other than that it
works just fine.


I got it running before I went out of town. The setups let you set
audio and video independently.

Now! Is the any way to send screen contents instead of camera output?

...Jim Thompson
Yes there is. I always forget how to do it, but enough right clicking
will bring up a menu which allows you to send your screen contents.
Only problem with Skype, you can only use video and screen contents
between two people. If you have 3 people in a conference, video is
disabled.

Since all my computers are multiprocessor/multicored, don't know if
you can run video on a single core system. Should work fine unless you
have a 350MHz machine. Even my little netbook works fine.

The Logitech $80 to $100 camera that rests on the monitor works well.

Yep. That's what I bought. Remarkable quality for the price.

You need lots of even light if you want decent quality. Be sure you
don't have bright backlighting.

"N" immediately pointed out that I need to clean up the pile of stuff
behind me on the floor ;-)

...Jim Thompson
--
| James E.Thompson, CTO | mens |
| Analog Innovations, Inc. | et |
| Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus |
| Phoenix, Arizona 85048 Skype: Contacts Only | |
| Voice480)460-2350 Fax: Available upon request | Brass Rat |
| E-mail Icon at http://www.analog-innovations.com | 1962 |

No Gold for Obama..The Ego has Landed..Declared to be Bush's Fault

 

[Nico Coesel]

Phil Hobbs <pcdhSpamMeSenseless@electrooptical.net> wrote:

Nico Coesel wrote:
Phil Hobbs <pcdhSpamMeSenseless@electrooptical.net> wrote:

Tek 11802 Sampling Scope
SD-22 12.5 GHz dual low noise head
SD-24 20 GHz dual TDR head
SD-42 6.4 GHz OE converter $ 200
SD-14 dual-channel probe sampler 3 GHz $ 175 ( 16)
(One channel mildly broken)

That seems very reasonable especially since the Dollar is so low.
Shipping costs to Europe are still huge though.


;0 Those are just the prices for the plugins.

Okay, that figures. Prices on Ebay are a bit higher.


--
Failure does not prove something is impossible, failure simply
indicates you are not using the right tools...
"If it doesn't fit, use a bigger hammer!"
--------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Nico Coesel]

Joerg <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote:

Nico Coesel wrote:
Joerg <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote:

JosephKK wrote:
On Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:49 -0700, John Larkin
jjlarkin@highNOTlandTHIStechnologyPART.com> wrote:

20 years away from the lab and i don't remember what is good stuff any
more. The stuff must be functional, but 20+ year old stuff is quite
acceptable. For computer interactivity i expect to buy/use USB to
GPIB converter(s). Serial is acceptable as well.

My proper email address is in the headers. I have an objection to
dealing with e-prey or preypal myself.

Unfortunately EBay has monopolized the market for 2nd hand, they are
almost like Walmart. So they call the shots, and thus also the fee levels.

The 2465 is a very good choice, this is the scope I always recommend to
clients whom I feel are in dire need of a "real" scope. Can't go wrong.
But remember that those things can be very tired.

I bet the Lecroy LH314H (rebranded Iwatsu SS-7847A) is just as good as
the 2465 and more recent. Sometimes they come quite cheap on Ebay.


Got a link? Search engine didn't find it. So far I was less than
impressed with LeCroy scopes but maybe they've got a gem somewhere. The
epitome of ghastliness are Windows-based scopes ... yuck.

The is an all analog scope (at least the measurement part) and its not
made by Lecroy. Its the first one on this page:

http://www.iti.iwatsu.co.jp/en/products/ss/ss_top_e.html


--
Failure does not prove something is impossible, failure simply
indicates you are not using the right tools...
"If it doesn't fit, use a bigger hammer!"
--------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Joerg]

Nico Coesel wrote:

Joerg <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote:

Nico Coesel wrote:
Joerg <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote:

JosephKK wrote:
On Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:49 -0700, John Larkin
jjlarkin@highNOTlandTHIStechnologyPART.com> wrote:

20 years away from the lab and i don't remember what is good stuff any
more. The stuff must be functional, but 20+ year old stuff is quite
acceptable. For computer interactivity i expect to buy/use USB to
GPIB converter(s). Serial is acceptable as well.

My proper email address is in the headers. I have an objection to
dealing with e-prey or preypal myself.
Unfortunately EBay has monopolized the market for 2nd hand, they are
almost like Walmart. So they call the shots, and thus also the fee levels.

The 2465 is a very good choice, this is the scope I always recommend to
clients whom I feel are in dire need of a "real" scope. Can't go wrong.
But remember that those things can be very tired.
I bet the Lecroy LH314H (rebranded Iwatsu SS-7847A) is just as good as
the 2465 and more recent. Sometimes they come quite cheap on Ebay.

Got a link? Search engine didn't find it. So far I was less than
impressed with LeCroy scopes but maybe they've got a gem somewhere. The
epitome of ghastliness are Windows-based scopes ... yuck.

The is an all analog scope (at least the measurement part) and its not
made by Lecroy. Its the first one on this page:

http://www.iti.iwatsu.co.jp/en/products/ss/ss_top_e.html

Ok, but that ain't LeCroy. Thanks for the link though, have bookmarked
it because there will come a point where I am still recommending Tek
2465 scopes to clients but the supply will have shriveled up. They
(unfortunatly) don't make'em like they used to.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/

"gmail" domain blocked because of excessive spam.
Use another domain or send PM.

 

[krw]

On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"
<dynamics@vianet.on.ca> wrote:

On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability. I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart). Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Plywood is too thin for benches. Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops. If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too. I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw. I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.

The technical instruments depend on the task and your level of
competence.
Ken

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

On Oct 1, 10:49 am, "Ken S. Tucker" <dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:

On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:

If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability.  I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.
The technical instruments depend on the task and your level of
competence.
Ken

I like the U-shaped desk arraignment with several levels of risers to
place stuff on.

Efficient use of space.

TMT

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

On Oct 2, 6:46 pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:

On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability.  I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart).  Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Plywood is too thin for benches.  Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops.  If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too.  I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw.  I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.  



The technical instruments depend on the task and your level of
competence.
Ken- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I also have carts...lots of carts.

Very effective use of space.

I also like the door idea for benches....thanks for mentioning it.

What do people use for parts storage/

TMT

 

[Nico Coesel]

Too_Many_Tools <too_many_tools@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Oct 2, 6:46=A0pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability. =A0I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

The technical instruments depend on the task and your level of
competence.
Ken- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I also have carts...lots of carts.

Very effective use of space.

I also like the door idea for benches....thanks for mentioning it.

What do people use for parts storage/

I bought a lot of these:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4580
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4727

I got 125 boxes in total for about US $33 including shipping. The only
downside is that these aren't anti-static.

--
Failure does not prove something is impossible, failure simply
indicates you are not using the right tools...
"If it doesn't fit, use a bigger hammer!"
--------------------------------------------------------------

 

[krw]

On Sat, 3 Oct 2009 08:42:03 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"
<dynamics@vianet.on.ca> wrote:

On Oct 2, 4:46 pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability. I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart). Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Yeah, somethings like scopes and CRT's (TV's) can easily be 24"
deep, I also used the back part of the bench for boxed stuff I didn't
use much.

Dump the old power hogs. ;-) Test equipment is cheap. Floor space
isn't. You can't reach back 4' so that space is wasted. The stuff
would be better on the floor under or on shelves over.

Plywood is too thin for benches. Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops. If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too. I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw. I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.

I'm ok with 3/4" good one side fir bench top, it varathanes nicely.
I lucked out when a restaurant replaced it's table tops that where
a nice arbrite for the cost of transportation.

Good grief. If your test equipment is that old (read: heavy), it'll
end up on the floor on such a rickety bench. 3/4" ply is strong on
edge, for cabinets but isn't strong at all in the 'Z' axis. You'll
need too much support under it to bother. Solid core (not the cheap
luan crap) doors will easily span 5' without center support.

I use 30" as a rule of thumb because that's all I can comfortably
reach. Anything beyond that is wasted. I also used to use 3/4" ply
(two layers - one is *not* enough) for tables, but found the rear part
to be useless. I built a desk out of a 36" door once. That too was
too deep to be of use, hence my limit of 30". 30" desks/benches work
out quite well. Notice that 30" is about the limit for commercial
products.

 

[Ken S. Tucker]

On Oct 2, 4:04 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Oct 1, 10:49 am, "Ken S. Tucker" <dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:

On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:

If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability. I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.
The technical instruments depend on the task and your level of
competence.
Ken

I like the U-shaped desk arraignment with several levels of risers to
place stuff on.
Efficient use of space.
TMT

Yes, the U shape I have now is in an 8x8 area 3 sided, so the
perimeter
is 24'. I have more than 24 120V outlets, scattered about some I've
built,
and the wire run is through holes in the bench, large enough to pass
printer cable heads through, and most of the cables are hidden, I have
a
dust allergy so I frequently have the desk-benches wiped down.
Lighting is a hassle. I have 3 systems hanging in, florescents <sp>
overhead, directed incandescent and a hung dimmered for low level.
Ken

 

[Ken S. Tucker]

On Oct 2, 4:46 pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:

On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability. I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart). Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Yeah, somethings like scopes and CRT's (TV's) can easily be 24"
deep, I also used the back part of the bench for boxed stuff I didn't
use much.

Plywood is too thin for benches. Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops. If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too. I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw. I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.

I'm ok with 3/4" good one side fir bench top, it varathanes nicely.
I lucked out when a restaurant replaced it's table tops that where
a nice arbrite for the cost of transportation.
Ken

 

[qrk]

On Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:28:01 -0700, Jim Thompson
<To-Email-Use-The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com> wrote:

On Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:49:07 -0700, qrk <SpamTrap@spam.net> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:12:32 -0700, Jim Thompson
To-Email-Use-The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:11:41 -0400, T <kd1s.nospam@cox.nospam.net
wrote:

In article <23lsb5tf466bn2d72jnfognqporrtu7rsa@4ax.com>, To-Email-Use-
The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com says...

Anyone with experience using Skype Video?

Is a dual-core processor really needed?

Camera recommendations?

...Jim Thompson

No it isn't needed. I have a Dell XPS M140 and I use it with a Sanyo
Xacti C40. I do need to run a video split program but other than that it
works just fine.


I got it running before I went out of town. The setups let you set
audio and video independently.

Now! Is the any way to send screen contents instead of camera output?

...Jim Thompson
Yes there is. I always forget how to do it, but enough right clicking
will bring up a menu which allows you to send your screen contents.
Only problem with Skype, you can only use video and screen contents
between two people. If you have 3 people in a conference, video is
disabled.

Since all my computers are multiprocessor/multicored, don't know if
you can run video on a single core system. Should work fine unless you
have a 350MHz machine. Even my little netbook works fine.

The Logitech $80 to $100 camera that rests on the monitor works well.

Yep. That's what I bought. Remarkable quality for the price.

You need lots of even light if you want decent quality. Be sure you
don't have bright backlighting.

"N" immediately pointed out that I need to clean up the pile of stuff
behind me on the floor ;-)

...Jim Thompson

You need to put up a mountain of equipment backdrop with large knife
switches, light bulbs, and coilly wires. A guy at work had one of
these set up for a large dummy load. People walking by his office
thought he was a brilliant scientist.

 

[Jim Thompson]

On Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:27:41 -0700, qrk <SpamTrap@spam.net> wrote:

On Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:28:01 -0700, Jim Thompson
To-Email-Use-The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com> wrote:

On Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:49:07 -0700, qrk <SpamTrap@spam.net> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:12:32 -0700, Jim Thompson
To-Email-Use-The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:11:41 -0400, T <kd1s.nospam@cox.nospam.net
wrote:

In article <23lsb5tf466bn2d72jnfognqporrtu7rsa@4ax.com>, To-Email-Use-
The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com says...

Anyone with experience using Skype Video?

Is a dual-core processor really needed?

Camera recommendations?

...Jim Thompson

No it isn't needed. I have a Dell XPS M140 and I use it with a Sanyo
Xacti C40. I do need to run a video split program but other than that it
works just fine.


I got it running before I went out of town. The setups let you set
audio and video independently.

Now! Is the any way to send screen contents instead of camera output?

...Jim Thompson
Yes there is. I always forget how to do it, but enough right clicking
will bring up a menu which allows you to send your screen contents.
Only problem with Skype, you can only use video and screen contents
between two people. If you have 3 people in a conference, video is
disabled.

Since all my computers are multiprocessor/multicored, don't know if
you can run video on a single core system. Should work fine unless you
have a 350MHz machine. Even my little netbook works fine.

The Logitech $80 to $100 camera that rests on the monitor works well.

Yep. That's what I bought. Remarkable quality for the price.

You need lots of even light if you want decent quality. Be sure you
don't have bright backlighting.

"N" immediately pointed out that I need to clean up the pile of stuff
behind me on the floor ;-)

...Jim Thompson

You need to put up a mountain of equipment backdrop with large knife
switches, light bulbs, and coilly wires. A guy at work had one of
these set up for a large dummy load. People walking by his office
thought he was a brilliant scientist.

When I was a student technician in the MIT MHD lab, we used to get
instant renewal on our Wright-Pat support by simply firing the shock
tube. The flash of light and every wire in the building moving was
very impressive ;-)

...Jim Thompson
--
| James E.Thompson, CTO | mens |
| Analog Innovations, Inc. | et |
| Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus |
| Phoenix, Arizona 85048 Skype: Contacts Only | |
| Voice480)460-2350 Fax: Available upon request | Brass Rat |
| E-mail Icon at http://www.analog-innovations.com | 1962 |

I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.

 

[Joerg]

Jim Thompson wrote:

On Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:49:07 -0700, qrk <SpamTrap@spam.net> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:12:32 -0700, Jim Thompson
To-Email-Use-The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:11:41 -0400, T <kd1s.nospam@cox.nospam.net
wrote:

In article <23lsb5tf466bn2d72jnfognqporrtu7rsa@4ax.com>, To-Email-Use-
The-Envelope-Icon@My-Web-Site.com says...
Anyone with experience using Skype Video?

Is a dual-core processor really needed?

Camera recommendations?

...Jim Thompson
No it isn't needed. I have a Dell XPS M140 and I use it with a Sanyo
Xacti C40. I do need to run a video split program but other than that it
works just fine.

I got it running before I went out of town. The setups let you set
audio and video independently.

Now! Is the any way to send screen contents instead of camera output?

...Jim Thompson
Yes there is. I always forget how to do it, but enough right clicking
will bring up a menu which allows you to send your screen contents.
Only problem with Skype, you can only use video and screen contents
between two people. If you have 3 people in a conference, video is
disabled.

Since all my computers are multiprocessor/multicored, don't know if
you can run video on a single core system. Should work fine unless you
have a 350MHz machine. Even my little netbook works fine.

The Logitech $80 to $100 camera that rests on the monitor works well.

Yep. That's what I bought. Remarkable quality for the price.

You need lots of even light if you want decent quality. Be sure you
don't have bright backlighting.

"N" immediately pointed out that I need to clean up the pile of stuff
behind me on the floor ;-)

That's like my first video conference. The office is always clean so
stuff from different clients can never get mixed up. But in the summers
I usually work in a T-Shirt because we hardly run the A/C. With this
client that was not at all appropriate for a video conference because
some big shots would attend. So, a mad dash to the walk-in closet,
putting a shirt on. And a tie at the ready in case it seems necessary.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/

"gmail" domain blocked because of excessive spam.
Use another domain or send PM.

 

[Mycelium]

On Fri, 2 Oct 2009 22:24:10 -0700 (PDT), Too_Many_Tools
<too_many_tools@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Oct 2, 6:46 pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability.  I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart).  Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Plywood is too thin for benches.  Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops.  If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too.  I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw.  I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.  



The technical instruments depend on the task and your level of
competence.
Ken- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I also have carts...lots of carts.

Very effective use of space.

I also like the door idea for benches....thanks for mentioning it.

What do people use for parts storage/

TMT

Depends. Home Depot sells containers that are only a couple inches
thick that have several compartments inside. Like a flat tackle box
thingy. They have a lid that is on hinges and has snap lock mechanisms.
I use that for screws and such.

I use those for non-esd sensitive things. For electronic parts, I use
an ESD dissipative multi-drawer cabinet. Even for non-ESD sensitive
electronic parts. That way nothing you work with at the bench has any
charge. All are nicely at ground potential. They are not that expensive
and are no different than any other asset you have around. Having them
for your IC chips and such is worth it, so why compromise by trying to
lay person together a pro level electronic work bench? So what they cost
$15 more than the clear polycarbonate does? It is worth it.

 

[boB]

George wrote:

I measured some 1206 SMD COG caps, 1nF 50V, over temperature, Very
stable -40 to +90C, well within spec of 5%, I got about 1%. The caps
were slodered to thin flying leads.

Next test was on a board, things are a lot worse, most made expansion
the spec but only just. The problem we had already identified as board
expansion stressing the caps.

My question is how to use caps on real boards, who knows how many
other tiny smd parts are experiencing the same problems?

Thinner boards
Strategically drilled holes,
Raisinig the caps slightly to reduce leverage

Any known to work methods?

G

I am curious to know what happens when you measure this capacitance,
mounted on the PCB, and then try to flex the board. Does it change
when you bend the PCB ?? I will now have to try this myself, too.
I know that caps can break when mounted near the edge of the board.
I got some caps recently that supposedly handle stress better, but
I think that mainly had to do with breakage when PCB is bent.

boB

 

[George]

On Oct 3, 9:55 pm, boB <b...@bob.bob> wrote:

George wrote:
I measured some 1206 SMD COGcaps, 1nF 50V, overtemperature, Very
stable -40 to +90C, well within spec of 5%, I got about 1%. Thecaps
were slodered to thin flying leads.

Next test was on a board, things are a lot worse, most made expansion
the spec but only just. The problem we had already identified as board
expansion stressing thecaps.

My question is how tousecapson real boards, who knows how many
other tiny smd parts are experiencing the same problems?

Thinner boards
Strategically drilled holes,
Raisinig thecapsslightly to reduce leverage

Any known to work methods?

G

I am curious to know what happens when you measure this capacitance,
mounted on the PCB, and then try to flex the board.  Does it change
when you bend the PCB ??    I will now have to try this myself, too.
I know thatcapscan break when mounted near the edge of the board.
I got somecapsrecently that supposedly handle stress better, but
I think that mainly had to do with breakage when PCB is bent.

boB- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yes, they change, the amount depends on their size, location, type
etc. They can definitely crack as can resistors. The change may be
permanent. A nice thick board may seem strong and robust but the parts
on them
don't like it when the board flexes.

G

 

[krw]

On Sun, 4 Oct 2009 13:33:10 -0700 (PDT), Too_Many_Tools
<too_many_tools@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Oct 3, 10:59 am, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Sat, 3 Oct 2009 08:42:03 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"





dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Oct 2, 4:46 pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability.  I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart).  Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Yeah, somethings like scopes and CRT's (TV's) can easily be 24"
deep, I also used the back part of the bench for boxed stuff I didn't
use much.

Dump the old power hogs. ;-)  Test equipment is cheap.  Floor space
isn't.  You can't reach back 4' so that space is wasted.  The stuff
would be better on the floor under or on shelves over.  

Plywood is too thin for benches.  Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops.  If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too.  I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw.  I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.

I'm ok with 3/4" good one side fir bench top, it varathanes nicely.
I lucked out when a restaurant replaced it's table tops that where
a nice arbrite for the cost of transportation.

Good grief.  If your test equipment is that old (read: heavy), it'll
end up on the floor on such a rickety bench.  3/4" ply is strong on
edge, for cabinets but isn't strong at all in the 'Z' axis.  You'll
need too much support under it to bother.  Solid core (not the cheap
luan crap) doors will easily span 5' without center support.

I use 30" as a rule of thumb because that's all I can comfortably
reach.  Anything beyond that is wasted.  I also used to use 3/4" ply
(two layers - one is *not* enough) for tables, but found the rear part
to be useless.  I built a desk out of a 36" door once.  That too was
too deep to be of use, hence my limit of 30".  30" desks/benches work
out quite well.  Notice that 30" is about the limit for commercial
products.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Test equipment is NOT cheap.

Show us otherwise...both digital and RF.

Folks here have given *many* examples of cheap, and good, stuff
available on eBay. With the economy as it is, now is a perfect time
to get rid of that crappy old shit. Do try to keep up.

 

[krw]

On Sun, 4 Oct 2009 14:29:01 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"
<dynamics@vianet.on.ca> wrote:

On Oct 3, 8:59 am, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Sat, 3 Oct 2009 08:42:03 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"



dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Oct 2, 4:46 pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability. I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart). Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Yeah, somethings like scopes and CRT's (TV's) can easily be 24"
deep, I also used the back part of the bench for boxed stuff I didn't
use much.

Dump the old power hogs. ;-) Test equipment is cheap. Floor space
isn't. You can't reach back 4' so that space is wasted. The stuff
would be better on the floor under or on shelves over.

Plywood is too thin for benches. Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops. If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too. I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw. I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.

I'm ok with 3/4" good one side fir bench top, it varathanes nicely.
I lucked out when a restaurant replaced it's table tops that where
a nice arbrite for the cost of transportation.

Good grief. If your test equipment is that old (read: heavy), it'll
end up on the floor on such a rickety bench. 3/4" ply is strong on
edge, for cabinets but isn't strong at all in the 'Z' axis. You'll
need too much support under it to bother. Solid core (not the cheap
luan crap) doors will easily span 5' without center support.

I use 30" as a rule of thumb because that's all I can comfortably
reach. Anything beyond that is wasted. I also used to use 3/4" ply
(two layers - one is *not* enough) for tables, but found the rear part
to be useless. I built a desk out of a 36" door once. That too was
too deep to be of use, hence my limit of 30". 30" desks/benches work
out quite well. Notice that 30" is about the limit for commercial
products.

I hear ya, but we're getting subjective, I have long arms, my 34" deep
desk is too small for me., but thanks cuz now I can see I can add a
addition.

Doors are available in standard sizes up to 36". Larger than that
they get pretty expensive. The Ikea slabs are available up to 1M. I'm
even thinking of going down from 30" to 24" for my desktops to save
even more floor space. LCD monitors don't require the same depth as
CRTs.

 

[Too_Many_Tools]

On Oct 3, 10:59 am, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:

On Sat, 3 Oct 2009 08:42:03 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"





dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Oct 2, 4:46 pm, krw <k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzz> wrote:
On Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:49:30 -0700 (PDT), "Ken S. Tucker"

dynam...@vianet.on.ca> wrote:
On Sep 25, 4:58 pm, Too_Many_Tools <too_many_to...@yahoo.com> wrote:
If you were going to equipt a home test bench today for both analog
and digital work, what test equipment would you choose and why?
TMT

Two 4'x8' sheets of descent plywood with a chair on rollers, 16'
operational length, then a comfy chesterfield and a coffee table
for rest and drinks for consultants and friends, indoor-out carpet.
Me, I go 8' for digital and 8' right for analog, and 8' for the dump,
for flexability.  I currently have 24' set in a U shape, 8x8x8, but
not all 4' wide, and includes my office and notes.

I find anything over about 30" deep is a waste of space. I'd rather
have the floor space (for perhaps a scope cart).  Other than that, I
too prefer the 'L' or 'U' layout.

Yeah, somethings like scopes and CRT's (TV's) can easily be 24"
deep, I also used the back part of the bench for boxed stuff I didn't
use much.

Dump the old power hogs. ;-)  Test equipment is cheap.  Floor space
isn't.  You can't reach back 4' so that space is wasted.  The stuff
would be better on the floor under or on shelves over.  

Plywood is too thin for benches.  Solid core doors are pretty cheap
and make very solid bench tops.  If you're a little richer, Ikea sells
Birch, Oak, and Beech solid butcher block slabs pretty cheap, too.  I
just bought a small one to replace the extension table on my cabinet
saw.  I'll replace all my door table tops over the next year or so.

I'm ok with 3/4" good one side fir bench top, it varathanes nicely.
I lucked out when a restaurant replaced it's table tops that where
a nice arbrite for the cost of transportation.

Good grief.  If your test equipment is that old (read: heavy), it'll
end up on the floor on such a rickety bench.  3/4" ply is strong on
edge, for cabinets but isn't strong at all in the 'Z' axis.  You'll
need too much support under it to bother.  Solid core (not the cheap
luan crap) doors will easily span 5' without center support.

I use 30" as a rule of thumb because that's all I can comfortably
reach.  Anything beyond that is wasted.  I also used to use 3/4" ply
(two layers - one is *not* enough) for tables, but found the rear part
to be useless.  I built a desk out of a 36" door once.  That too was
too deep to be of use, hence my limit of 30".  30" desks/benches work
out quite well.  Notice that 30" is about the limit for commercial
products.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Test equipment is NOT cheap.

Show us otherwise...both digital and RF.

TMT