TestEquipment - Revision history

ViciousCarnivore: /* Spectrum Analyzers */

2026-06-04T10:12:43Z

Spectrum Analyzers

ViciousCarnivore: /* List */

2026-06-04T10:12:11Z

List

ViciousCarnivore: /* Functionality */

2026-06-04T09:26:12Z

Functionality

ViciousCarnivore: /* Light Bulbs */

2026-03-20T08:41:05Z

Light Bulbs

ViciousCarnivore: /* Light Bulbs */

2026-03-20T08:39:46Z

Light Bulbs

ViciousCarnivore: /* Battery Tester */

2026-03-20T08:24:27Z

Battery Tester

ViciousCarnivore: /* Temperature Testing */

2026-02-15T17:04:40Z

Temperature Testing

ViciousCarnivore: /* Temperature Testing */

2026-02-15T17:00:39Z

Temperature Testing

ViciousCarnivore: /* Temperature Testing */

2026-02-15T16:58:07Z

Temperature Testing

ViciousCarnivore: /* Temperature Testing */

2026-02-15T16:56:43Z

Temperature Testing

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 ===Spectrum Analyzers===
 ====Functionality====
-Simply, if you consider a spectrum analyzer as containing a combination of oscilloscope signals, now rotate those signals 90 degrees, and consider that they will be in different places on the frequency axis / x-axis. That is what the spectrum analyzer (or the FFT function of your scope) does. See METE, by K.Brindley 2nd edition, figure 7.1. The book also mentions using an SA for viewing distortion (as an alternative for Distortion Meters). Now where is VR to allow for 360 viewing... The other thing I know is that you want one with a tracking generator (where did I see that), so that you can test components.
+Simply, if you consider a spectrum analyzer as containing a combination of oscilloscope signals, now rotate those signals 90 degrees, and consider that they will be in different places on the frequency axis / x-axis. That is what the spectrum analyzer (or the FFT function of your scope) does. See METE, by K.Brindley 2nd edition, figure 7.1. The book also mentions using an SA for viewing distortion (as an alternative for Distortion Meters). Now where is VR to allow for 360 viewing... The other thing I know is that you want one with a tracking generator (where did I see that), so that you can test components. Beware of limited Resolution Bandwidth.
 Consider that the same physics that control weather and fluid dynamics also relate to electrical signals on an oscilloscope or SA. i.e. interactions can be complex.

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 ====List====
-There is the TinySA, similar in idea to the NanoVNA.
+There is the TinySA (ultra), similar in idea to the NanoVNA/LiteVNA.
 * 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

@@ Line 63: / Line 63: @@
 ===Spectrum Analyzers===
 ====Functionality====
-Simply, if you consider a spectrum analyzer as containing a combination of oscilloscope signals, now rotate those signals 90 degrees, and consider that they will be in different places on the frequency axis / x-axis. That is what the spectrum analyzer (or the FFT function of your scope) does. See METE, by K.Brindley 2nd edition, figure 7.1. The book also mentions using an SA for viewing distortion (as an alternative for Distortion Meters). Now where is VR to allow for 360 viewing... The other thing I know is that you want one with a tracking generator (where did I see that).
+Simply, if you consider a spectrum analyzer as containing a combination of oscilloscope signals, now rotate those signals 90 degrees, and consider that they will be in different places on the frequency axis / x-axis. That is what the spectrum analyzer (or the FFT function of your scope) does. See METE, by K.Brindley 2nd edition, figure 7.1. The book also mentions using an SA for viewing distortion (as an alternative for Distortion Meters). Now where is VR to allow for 360 viewing... The other thing I know is that you want one with a tracking generator (where did I see that), so that you can test components.
-I suspect that the same physics that control weather and fluid dynamics also relate to electrical signals on an oscilloscope or SA. i.e. interactions can be complex. So ultimately, it isn't that simple. Also consider those physics with with radio.
+Consider that the same physics that control weather and fluid dynamics also relate to electrical signals on an oscilloscope or SA. i.e. interactions can be complex.
 ====List====

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 V bulbs are common, due to the automotive market. You will also find 120V.
-There are adapters available for changing between sockets.
+There are adapters available for changing between sockets. The problem with adapters is that a given size (e.g. E12) is rated for a certain max voltage / wattage. You could easily run into problems there.
-Be careful with measurements online. The internet is full of trash.
+Be careful with size measurements online. The internet is full of trash.
 * https://donsnotes.com/home_garden/light-bulb-size-reference.html - Light bulb chart.

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 * https://www.instructables.com/AmpHourTest/
 ====Light Bulbs====
 * https://donsnotes.com/home_garden/light-bulb-size-reference.html - Light bulb chart.

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 Although I don't recommend using an inverter, due to losses. In this case, you are just looking to see whether the battery is near the EOL, or if it is closer to full capacity. You are not going for precision.
 * https://www.instructables.com/AmpHourTest/
 ===Insulation Tester / MegaOhm Meter===

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 ===Temperature Testing===
-* https://www.intestthermal.com/temptronic - What you can do with this, is purchase one of the vacuum looking devices, and then on the accessories they sell an enclosure (looks like an EMI shielded box) which you then plug the vacuuum/blower into. I think. I've only seen them on ebay, I haven't researched these much yet. These are neat, as they can get reasonably cold (in the minus celcius) The IC testing one can go to -65C.
+* https://www.intestthermal.com/temptronic - What you can do with this, is purchase one of the vacuum looking devices, and then on the accessories they sell an enclosure (looks like an EMI shielded box) which you then plug the vacuuum/blower into. I think (you may be able to make a box with polystyrene. a cooler is probably too large. though, i don't know if the box includes temperature sensors.). I've only seen them on ebay, I haven't researched these much yet. These are neat, as they can get reasonably cold (in the minus celcius) The IC testing one can go to -65C.
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI0Q6-h3EGU / http://eevblog.org/video/EEVblog101-480x272.m4v - Peltier based thermal chambers. This is the hobbyist solution. You might also use a fridge / freezer / toaster oven.

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 ===Temperature Testing===
-* https://www.intestthermal.com/temptronic - What you can do with this equipment, is purchase one of the vacuum looking devices, and then on the accessories they sell an enclosure (looks like an EMI shielded box) which you then plug the vacuuum/blower into. I think. I've only seen them on ebay, I haven't researched these yet.
+* https://www.intestthermal.com/temptronic - What you can do with this, is purchase one of the vacuum looking devices, and then on the accessories they sell an enclosure (looks like an EMI shielded box) which you then plug the vacuuum/blower into. I think. I've only seen them on ebay, I haven't researched these much yet. These are neat, as they can go down to -65 degrees F.
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI0Q6-h3EGU / http://eevblog.org/video/EEVblog101-480x272.m4v Peltier based thermal chambers. This is the hobbyist solution.
 ===Vector Network Analyzers===
 With a VNA, you probably want to start with a NanoVNA, before trying to buy an expensive boat anchor with a large footprint.