Hi everyone
Here is yet another newbie looking for advice how to setup his lab.
I have read quite a lot of threads here regarding that topic and also have watched a few videos. This thread is mainly to confirm (or dispute) the conclusions I have and to ask a few remaining questions.
First a few points on what I am doing and what I plan to do. Mainly, at the moment, I am tinkering with Arduinos (Uno, Mega, Nano). I also have a Raspberry Pi that I want to use for some stuff.
The project that I have in mind that sparked the need for a more sophisticated lab is that I want to build a Power over Ethernet (PoE) supply for devices like the Arduino or Raspberry.
This is what I currently have:
A soldering station with analog temp control. I like it, and it has Hakko compatible tips, so that one might still be adequate.
A 0-30V 0-5A power supply. I like the usability, but it has virtually no protection circuits. The manual even says it it possible to overheat the unit if used for too log since it is passivly cooled.
A cheap 15 euro manual range DMM. I am aware of its safety issues, and usability (and most likely accuracy) makes me want to replace it.
I do not have an oscilloscope.
What I think I need and want to buy:
- Oscilloscope:
After reading plenty of threads here regarding this, I think I will not be able to pass the DS1054Z. Hopefully the noise and the input lag will be tolerable, but I do not really want to pay double to avoid those issues. At some point I am very likely to hack the unit.
- Power supply:
Since I want to build a PoE supply, and PoE runs at nominally 48 volts, I think it would be useful to have a supply that is able to supply that voltage. I have confirmed that the Rigol DP832 can supply up to 60 volts by putting the two 0-30 volts channels in series, please correct me here if I am wrong. Therefore, the DP832 is the unit I want to buy, as it gives me more flexibility than units that go 0-30 volts and is cheaper. As with the oscilloscope, sooner or later this unit will likely be hacked by me.
- DMMs
I intend to buy two DMMs, and want to get rid of my el cheapo device completely. I am considering Uni-T devices, namely the UT61C and the UT71C. If these are adequate I would buy one of each. I like the datalogging potential for these devices and everything I have listed so far could be bought at the same store (batronix.com)
- Hot Air soldering Station
This is the device I am still quite open about. I know that I will very likely need one, but I know virtually nothing about them. My lab is quite space constrained, will I even be able to use one safely? How much clearance is required? How safe it is to use one on a wooden desk with ESD mat?
Batronix carries the Atten AT8502D, which would also be able to replace my soldering station, looking at the accessories the iron even uses the same tips as mine. Is this unit adequate? It somehow looks "off" in the pictures.
What I do not know if I need it:
I know that if I have to ask this question I will likely not need it
- Function Generator:
I have a JYE Tech FG085 that I bought cheaply as a kit for a soldering practice. I have not really used it yet and don't even know if it works properly. A first use case for an oscilloscope
Do I need a more sophisticated device?
- Electronic Load
I imagine having an electronic load would be useful when designing a power supply, but I think I should be able to build something basic myself.
What else may I have missed?
Greetings,
Ranayna