TestEquipment
The goal is not to have all of the test equipment, or none, but to have the right test equipment.
Footprint is important. You will want to spend some time thinking about Storage. Try to get equipment that has a digital interface, so that you can automate your setup.
Specific Equipment
Curve Tracer
Don't buy one without GPIB/USB/Serial. Useless for documentation.
DVM
Density = Mass over Volume. Are you dumb?
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/ppmgeek!-5-5-digit-dvm-volt-ref-cal-(for-arduino-or-any-uc-w-spi)/ - DIY 5.5 DVM. I haven't dug through this yet.
Load
Dummy load in a bucket of water (drum) with enameled wire (must be enameled to allow for the heat to dissipate, whereas plastic coated wire would melt the insulation first).
Oscilloscoop
Spectrum Analyzers
There is the TinySA, similar in idea to the NanoVNA.
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-spectrum-analyzer-buyer_s-guide/
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tinysa-ultra-launched/ - see this link for official tinysa resellers
Vector Network Analyzers
- https://theamphour.com/533-microwave-measurement-with-joel-dunsmore/ Amp Hour 533 "Cables are Dogs". Dogs, and VNAs huh...? ... There is a book written by this fellow that would be worth reading if you are working with a VNA (Handbook of Microwave Component Measurements). As noted in the podcast, the first couple chapters are theory, the second section of the book is solving practical problems, and gives specific steps for a given scenario.
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/inexpensive-cal-standards/ - Notes on cals for VNAs.
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/how-to-measure-vswr-of-tiny-antennas-how-to-eliminate-effect-of-vna-cables/ - calibrating with antennas
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/banggood-50-ohm-bnc-feed-through-terminator-a-quick-review/50/ - 50 ohm terminator deep dive. Considering parasitic effects (i.e. when a component's package inherent capacitance or inductance starts to affect the circuit at high frequency).
Tips/Techniques
Consider Digital Interfaces for All Equipment
If you want to get serious work done, you are probably going to want to script or automate your setup. So beware of old Bench DMMs, function gens, and other equipment that doesn't have at least a GPIB interface.
Output of equipment at 0 Volts
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/itech-it6121-precision-power-supply-always-display-a-tiny-reading/msg5424086/#msg5424086 Equipment is not guaranteed to output 0 volts, unless specified.
Try to Support Local Businesses
If there is a vendor of a tool or TE near you, then buy from them.
Automation
- https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/rf-test-automation-423998 rhode & scwharz has
some resources. not sure if these links are very useful though. double check.
External Links
- https://w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/Main_Page The Tek Wiki, is actually quite well done.
buying equipment? see below. a nice image gallery of compatible hardware with sigrok
