How Good is the EEVBlog?

[Excavatoree]

...  your shepherd said that you need at least 500 of them!

Crap.  I thought I had enough.  Back to E-bay I go.

[miguelvp]

That was my first use of that word, you must think everyone else is the same person or something.

I do have two multimeters, one that I got about 15 years ago and it was a cheap GB Instruments but it got me going.
and recently I bought one because there was a sale at mortoncontrols it's a nice UT71B and actually I don't even think Dave reviewed one. The reason I got it is because I got back to play with electronics and I needed something more capable.
Also the only person that influenced my purchase was my wife because if I get one it better be able to measure temperature.

Also when we talk about others it's pretty much a reflection of ourselves, so I do understand you completely now.

But back on topic, I like the EEVBlog because I get a lot out of it, even on the teardowns, mailbags and the shows too. I liked the rants as well and the good advice Dave tends to impart.

I like FPGAs even if Dave doesn't particularly like them. But mostly I like how he can analyze a circuit, sure he makes mistakes but that's why this forum exists.

[EEVblog]

The Searcher will not bother us again.

[RobertoLG]

That was my first use of that word, you must think everyone else is the same person or something.

I do have two multimeters, one that I got about 15 years ago and it was a cheap GB Instruments but it got me going.
and recently I bought one because there was a sale at mortoncontrols it's a nice UT71B and actually I don't even think Dave reviewed one. The reason I got it is because I got back to play with electronics and I needed something more capable.
Also the only person that influenced my purchase was my wife because if I get one it better be able to measure temperature.

Also when we talk about others it's pretty much a reflection of ourselves, so I do understand you completely now.

But back on topic, I like the EEVBlog because I get a lot out of it, even on the teardowns, mailbags and the shows too. I liked the rants as well and the good advice Dave tends to impart.

I like FPGAs even if Dave doesn't particularly like them. But mostly I like how he can analyze a circuit, sure he makes mistakes but that's why this forum exists.

yeah, I have my oldie multimeter too, a Motech MIC 2200A, nothing fancy, can't afford to buy a new and better one for now, but I like to know what's good and what it has to offer, apart from that I try to learn as much as I can, everything has something to learn from, sometimes in the details is something you didn't know, I try to enjoy all the content, and there is a lot of it

[MrsR]

EEV BLOG is the best. If you have a question some one on the forum will answer and a problem someone will help.

Dave's Videos are just Icing on the Cake. Like the mailbag bit and some off his Tech. Videos. When OPP Amps came out wish his Video was around then would have saved me hours of  grief. If he gets painful just skip ahead a bit. lol

Got a second DMM Ebay cheapy Daves Twisty one only they fixed it and you can't twist it, also the plug sockets are Fluke type but wouldn't use it for Hv AC. $24  The name is Vicci but was advertised as a VICHY.

 

[zapta]

The Searcher will not bother us again.

Much better than locking this thread.

[ivaylo]

The Searcher will not bother us again.

Much better than locking this thread.

Agree, although it feels tainted now...

[SirNick]

That guy was full of more wind than the inside of a banned vacuum cleaner, but I happened to catch a little bit of interesting psychology while I was glossing over the pointless vitriol:  (Edited to be slightly less full of crap.)

Think about Dave, for example: it is known that he cannot help himself for buying useless testgears (and other stuff). So the forum is FULL of "what multimeter should i buy" request. But not because they need it, just because they want to feel enthusiast like Dave at the moment he unpacked the multimeter. Instead of thinking "do i really need that" those sheeps (that will eventually became the moralists) are thinking "oh, dave said that we need at least 500 multimeters, so as a weak man i better do what he said"

While the assumptions made here were just plain wrong, there's a genuine, observable trend mixed in...  Where a "fan" (or whatever) has access to an inspirational figure, and wants to develop in themselves the same skill(s).  So yeah, you get tons of "which meter / scope / soldering iron / hot air station should I buy?" threads here and on YT.  Similar to how an aspiring filmmaker would want to know which cameras and lenses someone used.  Or a music fan would ask an artist "what was your inspiration for this song?"

Part of this is the misguided assumption that the tools make the craftsman.  If I only had the lab full of gear, I could also (fill in the blank).  While the real truth is, tools are useful, and certainly have the potential to improve the end product, but the talent and/or skill of the craftsman is much more important.  A skilled craftsman can produce good results with mediocre tools.  A talented artist can create art with whatever is at hand.

Maybe there's also a little hero-worship, where, if I'm using a Fluke / Agilent / whatever gizmo that Dave also uses, then, well... if it's good enough for him, it's certainly good enough for me!  Not entirely untrue, but probably more an issue of feeling connected to that inspirational figure than real necessity.

Then, also, part of it is just wanting good advice.  Dave presumably knows what attributes make for a good meter, and can maybe suggest something in the starter range that is a good value proposition.  (The Rigol scope being a great example of this.  I bought one myself, albeit before discovering the blog, because I did some research and came to the same conclusion.  Was pleased to find I had chosen wisely though.)

Anyway, that's all.  There may or may not be a useful point to my rambling.  Although my (perhaps not terribly valuable) advice to those starting out is to put an appropriate level of emphasis on equipment -- that is, to find something attainable that performs well for its class -- and spend the rest of your energy doing something:  Reading, exploring, making mistakes, and learning from them.  There's no shortcut in yellow rubber molding.

[Excavatoree]

I was searching for information about the Fluke meters I collect when I found Dave's Fluke 87 review, which led me to his videos, which led me to the forum. So, my collection of meters has a lot to do with how I found the EEVBlog.   

I've never been involved with electronics as much as I would like.  I started out as Dave did, but I got turned astray a bit.  I didn't ride my bike to Radio Shack and buy parts when my parents wouldn't take me.   All my fault.  Now, with the information from Dave's videos and the forum, I'm getting more involved. 

I find the forum and the videos to be great resources.   Is every video exactly what I want to see?  No, but then again, no one makes me watch them.   I've seen vitriolic complaints from people who one would swear are forced to watch.   That's why I made my joke about being kidnapped and forced to watch videos.

Dave is his own boss and answers only to himself.   I wish I could be self-employed, even with less success than Dave enjoys.

[G0HZU]

Part of this is the misguided assumption that the tools make the craftsman.  If I only had the lab full of gear, I could also (fill in the blank).  While the real truth is, tools are useful, and certainly have the potential to improve the end product, but the talent and/or skill of the craftsman is much more important.  A skilled craftsman can produce good results with mediocre tools.  A talented artist can create art with whatever is at hand.

I do think that too much emphasis is put on 'the lab' and certain types of test gear by some of the main bloggers. The risk there is that the hobby becomes status driven. I guess many other hobby types fall into the same status trap. The 'hobby' can then change into a tool collection where the tools become more important than the original goals.

If I had to suggest something that is lacking in all of the videos I've seen (apart from maybe W2AEW) it is that there isn't very much in the way of basic engineering issues being discussed and not much in the way of creativity and also very little RF stuff. What RF stuff does get shown often gets described as voodoo magic which serves to distance the subject IMO.

But none of the above is a complaint or criticism. It's just that I think there are still technology gaps or holes for other bloggers to jump in and fill. You can't expect a handful of bloggers to cover all bases I guess...

[EEVblog]

If I had to suggest something that is lacking in all of the videos I've seen (apart from maybe W2AEW) it is that there isn't very much in the way of basic engineering issues being discussed and not much in the way of creativity and also very little RF stuff.

Bingo, you've just found a niche, get cracking make those videos!
Seriously, anyone who thinks the current blogs out there are lacking something, or they can do it better or different, or they just simply want to share, I strongly encourage you go start your own channel, I'll promote you.
One thing I'm proud of is that many current fellow engineering bloggers out there saw my videos and thought they could have a go too, so now they have successful channels as well, and they have thanked me for it. That gives me the warm fuzzies.

[/quote]
What RF stuff does get shown often gets described as voodoo magic which serves to distance the subject IMO.
[/quote]

Mike calls RF voodoo and refuses to go there.
Me, I can appreciate RF, and have dabbled in it when required in my career, and I'll go there if a video requires it, but I basically have little interest in RF, so you'll rarely see it on my channel.
There are others that like and do RF. Alan is one, KF5OBS does, I think Gerry Sweeny may have, and I think maybe one or two others I can't recall. So no major shortage there.

[EEVblog]

I do think that too much emphasis is put on 'the lab' and certain types of test gear by some of the main bloggers.

Perhaps because that's what they are personally interested in and like to talk about?
People seem to forget that is usually the #1 reason why people like me and others make these videos, and how we chose our topics.
And you either happen to like the same stuff or find it interesting, or you don't, and hence either watch or don't watch.
That's how it works, it is no more complicated than that.

[G0HZU]

Mike calls RF voodoo and refuses to go there.
Me, I can appreciate RF, and have dabbled in it when required in my career, and I'll go there if a video requires it, but I basically have little interest in RF, so you'll rarely see it on my channel.
There are others that like and do RF. Alan is one, KF5OBS does, I think Gerry Sweeny may have, and I think maybe one or two others I can't recall. So no major shortage there.

I guess it depends on what the audience wants to see. I've not seen any of the above bloggers use modern RF design tools (eg modern CAD tools or even a basic VNA) to show what these tools can do. I could list loads more things that haven't been covered but my point is that there is still a hole in the RF side of things for other bloggers to step in and fill. The above bloggers have barely scraped the surface in recent years

But maybe there simply isn't the demand for more RF blogging?  I really don't know?

[G0HZU]

That's very common. It happens with photography enthusiasts , cyclists, golfers and any sport or interest that has expensive equipment associated. It's a sickness like alcoholism or gambling. Probably less destructive but just as hard to overcome.

Agreed. I guess my concern is that the bloggers' enthusiasm for the test gear seduces others into to this mindset. I guess it really isn't any of my business though...It's up to them to make the choices that make them happy even if they are perhaps being influenced into making these choices by someone else's enthusiasm

[EEVblog]

I guess it depends on what the audience wants to see.

Actually, no it's generally not.
As I explained, bloggers like me make our videos and generally chose the content based on what we are personally interested in.
Audience suggestion and feedback can play a part, but it's not as big as you might think. Unless that's your thing, doing videos strictly on audience requests.
How many suggestions do I get for really advanced RF content in the last 5 years? borderline zero. There are some for just general RF stuff of course, but they don't specify.

[miguelvp]

That's very common. It happens with photography enthusiasts , cyclists, golfers and any sport or interest that has expensive equipment associated. It's a sickness like alcoholism or gambling. Probably less destructive but just as hard to overcome.

Agreed. I guess my concern is that the bloggers' enthusiasm for the test gear seduces others into to this mindset. I guess it really isn't any of my business though...It's up to them to make the choices that make them happy even if they are perhaps being influenced into making these choices by someone else's enthusiasm

Well... there is a reason why it's called electronic porn

[d3javu]

After reading all the comments in this thread, few things i notice...

You want dave to to make videos that satisfy your personal needs. Videos on specific topics and specific styles which YOU are comfortable with...but the problem is how can one person, satisfy 170000 unique needs in just 600 videos?  That is insane. Let alone the amount of time it takes to make one good content. Try it for yourself, it is easier to talk.

Dave has stated this zillions of time but seems like it is just overlooked. This is his video blog, he shares what he is interested in, let him DECIDE on what topic to discuss. If you think there are lack of certain topics, go ahead and do a video and upload it. No one stops you.

There are a lot of people trying to push dave into the path of very generic, scripted, robotic kinda video blog which are everywhere... seriously.... i don't watch a lot of video blogs because of the monotonic and heavily scripted videos.

The main reason i was attracted to dave's blog was all the crazy fun stuffs he did in his early blogs like canyon trip for the multimeters, his guts to point out the issues in test equipments or issues generally in this industry... and now he is doing a more professional videos while keeping up with the fun stuffs every now and then... there is nothing to complaint about when i see how much knowledge i gain from him for free... 

[zapta]

Dave has stated this zillions of time but seems like it is just overlooked. This is his video blog, he shares what he is interested in, let him DECIDE on what topic to discuss. If you think there are lack of certain topics, go ahead and do a video and upload it. No one stops you.

Question to Dave, are you interested in any feedback at all? If so, what kind of feedback?

[d3javu]

Dave has stated this zillions of time but seems like it is just overlooked. This is his video blog, he shares what he is interested in, let him DECIDE on what topic to discuss. If you think there are lack of certain topics, go ahead and do a video and upload it. No one stops you.

Question to Dave, are you interested in any feedback at all? If so, what kind of feedback?

I think i didn't mention anything about feedback , my statement was about dictating what he does. they are two different things. feedback are good, if he never accept any feedback, he wont have changed the way he does certain things like mailbag and so on.

[EEVblog]

Question to Dave, are you interested in any feedback at all? If so, what kind of feedback?

Of course I am,  I ask for feedback all the time.

It's easier to say what I don't want:
- Feedback that insults the time and effort I put into the blog.
- Feedback that is selfish and does not consider the needs of the 170,000 other subscribers
- Feedback that tells me to do something, stop doing something, or not to say something
- Feedback that bitches about content that was (almost always) clearly marked in the title and description.
- Feedback that is not constructive
- Feedback that bitches about a clearly one-off, or once a year event like a trade show or interview.
- Feedback that insists that they know what my blog "used to be like".
- Feedback that threatens me in any way.

And I want people to understand that feedback for a content producer is ultimately best taken at the macro level. For example, I am going to put more stock into the video stats and thumbs up/down numbers than a couple of people with loud voices in the comments.

[EEVblog]

But the evidence is that he does listen.

Of course I do.
But people have to realise that once a blog reaches the size mine is in terms of viewership, and (importantly)one that was built upon covering a diverse range of stuff, it's impossible to have enough time to produce enough videos to cover enough topics to keep everyone happy, and to stop everyone thinking at some point, my blog has gone "downhill".
Basically, almost every single viewer is, at some point, not going to like stuff that I do, that is 100% inevitable. That means almost a 100% possible complaint/viewer ratio.
I do keep feedback in mind, and it does guide me occasionally, but ultimately the only way my blog (meaning my sanity & enthusiasm) is going to survive is if I continue to simply do what what I want to do.

[wilfred]

/.

[EEVblog]

Just listening to your rant on the AmpHour.
Perhaps establishing regular segments helped lead people to expect something more regular than what you did "on a whim" in the "glory" days. Maybe you should drop the days in the segment names. Just have "Mailbag" and "Teardown" and don't tie them to a particular day.

Could do, haven't given it any thought, but might be worth considering.
Teardown Tuesday has always been my only real consistent thing.
Fundamental Fridays lasted for quite some time, but is now only occasionally. And Mailbag Mondays a has always only been whenever I get enough stuff in.

There are pros and cons both ways.
The original idea behind Teardown Tuesday was that it would
a) give me a hard target to get consistent content done (hint, I'm inherently rather lazy)
b) it's a classic and recommended technique for video bloggers to have a regular segment on a regular day, and it certainly works.

As for the cons:
a) it does kinda pressure me into finding something each week even if I'd rather do something else at the time. That happens now, and I do skip the odd week.
b) because they are consistent, that means more of that content, and if people don't like that content then it can appear like my blog is "nothing but teardown/mailbag"

 

[electrophiliate]

My 2 cents as someone who is a relatively light user of EEVBlog and will unlikely ever be anything more (electronics-wise) than an on/off casual hobbyist with a small workshop. Of course, heavier and more involved or better qualified users will have different experiences and opinions of EEVBlog than mine.

I have only watched a fraction of the videos since stumbling onto the website about 2 years ago when I was getting back into electronics and still have a backlog to get through. I appreciate Dave's enthusiasm and overall style (including the rants), it is refreshing and different. It took me a few videos to get used to his voice but now it seems like an inseparable part of his style. A few posters were saying that enthusiasm isn't everything? That's certainly true, but that's not all Dave offers, he is competent and usually entertaining with a wide range of topics covered.

I don't expect EEVBlog to fulfill all my electronics needs. The internet is a smorgasbord and there are many other content providers with their own offerings. I don't really have any complaints, and if a video doesn't look interesting or relevant to me I simply don't watch it. I wouldn't mind seeing more text-based blogs (obviously a low priority for a video blog). I've purchased a few items and have no complaints with those either. The forum is useful, but my own contributions have been pretty sparse and irrelevant, I haven't had the time or energy to get further involved.

Keep up the good work, Dave!

- Feedback that threatens me in any way.

You get threats? An unfortunate sign of the times I guess.

[German_EE]

Regarding the RF Voodoo, I suspect that this problem is now a work in process. I noticed some time ago that both Dave and Mike were having minor problems when it came to RF electronics especially when it comes to lumped PCB elements and I therefore contacted Shahriar at 'The Signal Path' and asked him to prepare a video explaining some of the concepts. It's bad enough when we are faced with SMT components too small to see  but a PCB filled with isolated lines and fan shaped areas of copper needs some explanation.

As for the original purpose of this thread, my goodness, I appear to have started a considerable debate! I am however still a fan of Dave's work and all comments here have been read with interest.