*** 2017 Beginner Contest For Existing and New Members ***
This is a contest to win free test equipment.
First Prize: Rigol DS1074Z Digital Oscilloscope (contributed by member bson)
Second Prize: GW Instek GDM-8135 benchtop DMM and
C&C 150U 150 MHz frequency Counter
Since they are being offered free and shipped it free, it's only for residents of the continental Unites States. The instruments will come with power cords and test leads, the scope with four probes.
This is not a random drawing, so you can't just say "I'm Joe Bob in for the prizes!" You will have to convince the judges that you are a) really a beginner and b) need these items (i.e. you are not the kinfolk of a millionaire who would not need help procuring equipment); millionaires can be beginners but they don't need free equipment. How do you convince us? That is your problem to solve. The judges will be myself (xrunner) and bitseeker.
Rules:A. Brand new members are welcome; however, to express a bare minimum level of interest in the topics on this forum, please respond or ask a pertinent question to three (3) posts anywhere on this forum. Take your time there's no rush. I'm looking for at least a sentence or so in your post - not just a single word like "cool". Then once you have that history you can work on your entry here.
B. You must be able to post a picture of your work area showing where the equipment will be used and also of the equipment in use when you get it. Any additional pictures you feel are helpful also.
C. Convince us you are a beginner that needs and can make good use of this free equipment. Already having a DMM, frequency counter, or other equipment doesn't eliminate your chances of winning since beginners generally have some tools of the trade in order to become a beginner. On the other hand, having an entire lab outfitted does make one wonder about your definition of "beginner". Pictures will help. The only way to compete is to write up a post that is better than all the others at convincing the judges and submitting it to this thread. It's OK to post that you are going to enter, and converse with other members in the thread, but you still have to make a contest entry post in this thread - the entire explanation of why you think you should win. It's up to you what text/pics are in that entry post. Write a story about your electronics interest, make a technical presentation as to your beginner project, take a look at the last contest, see who won and what they said -
2015 ContestHere's what's different than last time: since you can edit posts on this forum, I will allow other EEVBlog members participation to freely criticize your entry post (be nice guys/gals) and offer suggestions for improvement. There are many people here who are experts in electronics and work in industry, and know what a good proposal is. If you deem these suggestions helpful, you can edit/improve your entry. In fact, if you know any experts on the forum, I would encourage you to get their input on your entry. You don't have to discuss the details in the thread - you can PM any member and get help privately. The judges will not provide this assistance.
The purpose of this editing is so you can learn better writing at the same time (if you don't already have that skill). I want you to have the best chance to win, and getting feedback from these members is the best way to help you. This is like trying to convince your Boss that you have a project that would be really beneficial to the company. If your co-workers can help you that's fine. But you only get one chance with the Boss.
Simply edit your original post if you want to take any advice. It's very simple, but if you don't know how there will be plenty of members that can assist you. You can do this editing until I close the contest. At that time I will ask all the contestants to quote their edited entry and post it again. What that does is place them all at the end of the thread, so the judges can easily read them all. The judges will then review all the entries for a final determination.
So to summarize: The judges reserve the right to choose the final winners. I will ship free to the Unites States. I will keep track now until I get 12 entry posts (meaning 12 contestants) or 2 weeks have passed since the start of the contest. After I see 12 entry posts (not simply a post saying you want to compete) or two weeks, the contest will be closed to new entries. Your entry post is the full explanation with any helpful pictures of why you need the equipment, quoted to place it at the end of the thread only when I announce its time to do so. Then the judges will make their determination.
First Prize
Second prize
Disclaimer:
No warranties expressed or implied, equipment provided as-is and is not being offered as suitable for any specific application, all responsibility for use and operation of supplied equipment remains the sole responsibility of the winner, calibration not guaranteed, EEVBlog forum members cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss related to misuse of supplied equipment. By accepting this equipment you agree to these terms.