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From: Trevor Wilson <trevor@rageaudio.com.au>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
Subject: Re: Favourite Test Equipment
Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:30:54 +1000
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On 11/04/2024 3:42 am, Cursitor Doom wrote:
> On Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:40:02 +1000, Trevor Wilson
> <trevor@rageaudio.com.au> wrote:
> 
>> On 1/04/2024 4:41 am, Cursitor Doom wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I'm starting to get a bit fed up with having my test equipment blow up
>>> just when it's needed. This is the drawback with vintage gear; if it's
>>> not used frequently then it can go *bang* the next time you switch it
>>> on. It makes for good practice in repairing stuff, but wastes a lot of
>>> time which could be better spent doing other things.
>>> I think it's time I modernised my test gear. I was just wondering if
>>> anyone has any recommendations they can share. Is there a particular
>>> piece of test equipment you couldn't live without? Something you're
>>> particularly impressed with? I'd be interested to know so I can
>>> perhaps acquire said item and thereby reduce the number of explosions
>>> I experience.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> CD.
>>
>> **In my 55 years of servicing, I've only blown up one thing: A Micronta
>> DMM, which I connected to a laser power supply. I should not have done
>> it. Clear operator failure. Everything else works just fine. Even my
>> first multimeter. A Sanwa U-50D my dad gave me on my 14th birthday.
>> Still works fine. My first DMM. A cheap 'n cheerful SOAR. Works just
>> fine. My first Fluke meter. A 40 year old Fluke 85. Works fine. I've had
>> to clean the switch a few times. Otherwise, no problems. Ditto my other
>> 15 or so meters. Same deal with my 'scopes.
>>
>> I don't know what your problem is. Test equipment, when treated properly
>> lasts a long time.
> 
> To be fair, these "explosions" are typically capacitors: old, dried
> -out electrolytics in test gear that hasn't been used in a long time
> go bang when the power's switched on - as do old X2 safety caps. Those
> are the chief culprits IME.

**Oh, I see. You ignore regular maintenance. That makes sense. I hope no 
one buys a car from you.

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