[time-nuts] Test Equipment

[Stan, W1LE]

Hello John and the Net:

Welcome to the list.

You have to define what you really want to do, before you spec out the 
test equipment to do it.

Is your focus time and frequency accuracy and stability or more RF 
design wise ?

Find a job that has all the access to modern test equipment you could 
dream of.
If you have it at work and they tolerate home projects, you are a giant 
step ahead.
A key to the stock room also helps.....

If you really have to have your own, I find Ebay to be a valuable 
(anytime) source.
Ham radio fleamarkets are another source. Timonium, NEARFEST, MIT, 
Dayton.....

Ebay is like the big fleamarket in the ether, you do not know what you
bought until you put it on your test bench and evaluate its' performance..

Most test equipment vendors are simply junk/salvage dealers.
They buy by the pallet load and hope for a bonanza on Ebay.
Always consider a second unit as a parts unit.

There is nothing wrong with gear a generation or two old as long as you 
can live with the original specs.
The older HP gear I have picked up is exceptionally reliable and still 
performing.

Where are you located and what is your engineering job ?

Stan, W1LE     Cape Cod     FN41sr



John Foege wrote:
> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
> this list:
>
> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>
> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>
> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>
> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
> build that which I cannot afford.
>
> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> John Foege
> KB1FSX
> starving-engineer!
>
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