Author Topic: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!  (Read 2754799 times)

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Offline Richard Crowley

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5650 on: February 24, 2018, 05:31:11 pm »
Yes I have owned both styles of nibblers, and IMHO, the Adel is clearly superior both in design and in construction to the generic chrome thing, at least the ones that I had/have.  I have not used the Knipex style.
 

Offline tooki

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5651 on: February 24, 2018, 06:47:46 pm »
I'm installing an IEC 320 power inlet connector in place of a formerly fixed AC mains cable on a piece of gear, and since my 30+ year old POS Rat Shack nibbler is nowhere to be found I decided to bite the bullet and buy some real nibblers.  Brown Santa just dropped these two off, courtesy of Amazon:



-Pat
I still have the radio shack nibblers I got almost 30 years ago as a kid. How are your new nibblers different/better?

I haven't used the Knipex ones yet, but had used the Adel type at my old job.  The Rat Shack ones I have are this style:


And I was never crazy about the ergonomics of them.  The way the handles curve makes your grip more inclined to slide towards the narrow part where you have less leverage to squeeze them closed, making it more difficult and uncomfortable to use them.  And the orientation means that if you hold them cutter up so you can see what you're cutting, the widest part of the handles (where you have most mechanical advantage) is at your smallest, weakest finger, and the strongest part of your hand is where it does the least good leverage-wise. 

The Adels are the opposite - the part you squeeze falls naturally between the web of your thumb and your index finger - the strongest part of your grip.  A slight downside to them is that they have a little spring loaded clamping cap on the cutter that helps to hold the material being cut against the anvil, and this requires a slightly larger hole to start the cut, but unless you're trying to make a really tiny opening, this isn't an issue.

-Pat
Thanks for the explanation! Ironically, the nature of my repetitive strain injury weakens my index finger, such that my rat shack ones (precisely the ones you showed) forcing me to squeeze with the other fingers is probably better for me!

As for the minimum hole size: even bigger? Yeesh! I find the 1/4” minimum annoying already! :p
 

Offline Iwanushka

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5652 on: February 24, 2018, 06:57:51 pm »
An Alkaline Duracell attacked a quite expensive remote control and that was the last straw.  :rant:

After 6 leaking Procell batteries killed my F289, I've never used a single Duracell. To be precisely, not a single alkaline except some Energizers in cheaper devices.
All my devices that worth something that I don't want to lose, I use Energizer Alkaline Ultimate now. Energizer claims they will never leak.
They claim if the alkaline leaks, they cover your loss. If the lithium leaks, that's impossible. That should mean something.

Same here got a bunch of duracell AA/AAAs killing lots of things in last year they just died in low power devices within 6months that usually run for 3-5 years, and all cells had exp date like 2020+..

Edit: after this happened now I remove all cells from all DMMs, etc if Im not planing to use them for some time, and switched to eneloops/lithiums where possible
« Last Edit: February 24, 2018, 07:06:59 pm by Iwanushka »
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Offline Inverted18650

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5653 on: February 24, 2018, 07:31:08 pm »
The PicoAmp Meter and OEM GPIB.

Offline bitseeker

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5654 on: February 24, 2018, 07:41:18 pm »
All my devices that worth something that I don't want to lose, I use Energizer Alkaline Ultimate now. Energizer claims they will never leak.
They claim if the alkaline leaks, they cover your loss. If the lithium leaks, that's impossible. That should mean something.

I recall there was a sizable thread here about leaking batteries. Although people have varying experiences with this or that brand, in aggregate it doesn't matter. Alkalines have a risk of leaking. If you value the device, don't use alkaline batteries.

Yes, some manufacturers claim theirs don't leak and provide warranties to cover the loss from leakage (I've used them before when those "guaranteed not to leak" promises failed), but you'll have to go through the time and hassle of the claim process.

Of course, if you're not going to use a device for an extended period of time, take the batteries out regardless of the type. Even if they aren't prone to leaking, at least you can use those batteries elsewhere in the meantime.
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Offline paulca

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Offline kripton2035

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5657 on: February 24, 2018, 10:09:33 pm »
there is a video lag on the usb models, they are slowed down by the usb link.
there is almost no lag on the models with an integrated screen.
the $45 has a bad stand, I found the same but with the stand of the $189 one (without the leds), it's far better for some $60
then I bought the andonstar 302 model, and it's far far better crisp picture. and no lag at all.
I did not try an external hdmi monitor, but it seems there is also no lag witht hem.
 

Offline tautech

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5658 on: February 24, 2018, 10:14:02 pm »
Member Defpom reviewd his one here:


Occasionally he gets it out in other vids he does.
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Offline Inverted18650

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5659 on: February 24, 2018, 10:17:35 pm »
This just in. BOM for Scullcom/Barbouri DIY mV meter. I finally get to play with the LTC2400! Ordered both 4.096 and 1.024 vRef, just to see if I can get the resolution anywhere close to the limits of the 2400.

Offline nanofrog

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5660 on: February 24, 2018, 10:39:32 pm »
So on microscopes....

Is one of these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Andonstar-ADSM201-HDMI-1080-Digital-Microscope-Electronics-Inspection-PCB-Repair/252637371625?epid=913508854&hash=item3ad25c5ce9:g:OL0AAOSwoFVaVbc8

all that much better than one of these?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A1-500x-Digital-Microscope-2MP-USB-Andonstar-Magnifier-Camera-Endoscope-UK-Ship/263406132847?hash=item3d543a9e6f:g:~-oAAOSw0A9aQ05x

The HDMI output is appealing, does it give more realtime update?
The first one does 30fps @ 1080P (no lag; it directly feeds a monitor). The second one linked only does 30fps @ 640x480, and is only over USB (which will introduce lag). That said, either could work for inspection purposes, where fps or lag isn't critical IMHO as there's no motion involved.

If you mean to work under it, keep in mind it's not intuitive as there's no depth perception as is with a stereo microscope.

FWIW, there's currently a Nikon SMZ-1 Stereo Zoom Microscope listed on eBay for 99GBP (+ 35GBP shipping). It's lenses will give 7x - 30x magnification. Add a 0.5x Barlow (14.50GBP shipped), and you're right where you'd want to be for soldering beneath it. Worst case, you might need to unscrew the Barlow for inspection if 15x isn't enough. The working height is 181mm with 0.5x Barlow (found a 4pg. instruction guide).

It needs a stand, but it's one heck of a deal from what I can tell. Example.
 

Offline Specmaster

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5661 on: February 24, 2018, 10:50:13 pm »
So on microscopes....

Is one of these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Andonstar-ADSM201-HDMI-1080-Digital-Microscope-Electronics-Inspection-PCB-Repair/252637371625?epid=913508854&hash=item3ad25c5ce9:g:OL0AAOSwoFVaVbc8

all that much better than one of these?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A1-500x-Digital-Microscope-2MP-USB-Andonstar-Magnifier-Camera-Endoscope-UK-Ship/263406132847?hash=item3d543a9e6f:g:~-oAAOSw0A9aQ05x

The HDMI output is appealing, does it give more realtime update?
Not the same models but you may find it helpful.

https://youtu.be/KajdWOlCt0s
You could also elect to go for another version of the $45 model mentioned in the video and as also reviewed by Defpom, the version as sold here https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Portable-600X-3-6MP-Digital-Microscope-4-3-LCD-Electronic-HD-Video-Microscopes-USB-Endoscope-Magnifier/32828884857.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.nN4XqI

I have the little Addonstar USB model as per first link on this page and also the one from Aliexpress, both have their good points but overall the more expensive of the two is by far the best. The weakest link on them both is the built in lighting, being so close to the lens, you get a lot glare and reflections on the screen.

On the video, he does not mention that the $45 one can be used on the computer via the USB lead if you have the required software as it is not supplied with it for some strange reason?

I use it with the software supplied by Addonstar for the USB microscope and its not too bad really and there is very little lag, certainly not enough to worry about.  I have sourced a ring light to fit the Aliexpress and the it will fit the $45 one as well, you'll need to find longer screws to grip the scope or use a couple of layers of insulting tape around the barrel of the lens to enable the screws to bite like this one here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/60LED-Adjustable-Ring-Light-Illuminator-Lamp-for-Stereo-Zoom-Microscope/282715024608?hash=item41d320ece0:m:mtDwubI8WZBsgNZvmzrw1og the screws are longer then the others I have seen and will just about clamp onto the body of the scope.

Here are some photos to help you.






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Offline Inverted18650

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5662 on: February 25, 2018, 12:32:48 am »
That bezel was a great fit. Now I want one.

Offline paulca

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5663 on: February 25, 2018, 09:09:11 am »
Thanks.  So it's looking like the Andonstar ADSM201 is the better choice and worth the extra $:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Andonstar-ADSM201-HDMI-1080-Digital-Microscope-Electronics-Inspection-PCB-Repair/252637371625?epid=913508854&hash=item3ad25c5ce9:g:OL0AAOSwoFVaVbc8

Now how long should I procrastinate before hitting BUY.
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Offline ChrisLX200

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5664 on: February 25, 2018, 09:44:56 am »
I can recommend the Adonstar 302 for its 8" of working clearance beneath the lens. Image quality is good and yes, HDMI output is available. Latency is low so quite usable for manipulating small objects and soldering of course.

Yesterday I received an additional LED ring light which I'll fit (based on Specmaster's review of the thing - it produces excellent even/flat illumination). Can be bought cheaply off Ebay etc.

 

Offline nanofrog

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5665 on: February 25, 2018, 03:55:27 pm »
Paulca, I'd second good lighting.  :-+

FWIW, I've a ring light as well as from both sides (helps identifying IC's when hitting it with light at an angle IME). I use 5000K (12 o'clock/noon) lighting to be the best as it doesn't have a blueish shade to it. Nor is it on the yellowish side as is the case with warmer light, such as that from a halogen on the order of 2700K or so.
« Last Edit: February 25, 2018, 04:00:19 pm by nanofrog »
 

Online BravoV

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PCN Corp. RH250M4 0.01 Ohm Precision Shunt Resistor
« Reply #5666 on: February 25, 2018, 05:07:49 pm »
Yet another used precision shunt resistor, after prev. batch (here), got tempted again  :palm:, cause this time its M4 version, with nickel plated solid brass rod terminals for the Kelvin sensing connections instead of finicky wires like prev ones. Got these just the fractions of the list price, a brand new one is >$200 a pop.  :o

As with resistance at 0.01 Ohm with following specifications :
- Accuracy : 0.1% (B grade)
- Tempco : 50 ppm/K (at 0 up to 100 C)
- Rating : 50 Watt with heat sink / 20 Watt on free air

Shot with TO-220 chip as size reference.
« Last Edit: February 25, 2018, 07:12:52 pm by BravoV »
 
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Offline rsjsouza

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5667 on: February 26, 2018, 01:31:59 am »
BravoV, thanks for sharing these. I have a sweet spot for power electronics in general, with a special place in my heart for large passives: transformers/inductors, capacitors and power resistors.
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Offline neo

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5668 on: February 26, 2018, 01:51:15 am »
BravoV, thanks for sharing these. I have a sweet spot for power electronics in general, with a special place in my heart for large passives: transformers/inductors, capacitors and power resistors.

If you like large transformers AND large capacitors, look here, thats a 60 pound transformer.
A hopeless addict (and slave) to TEA and a firm believer that high frequency is little more than modern hoodoo.
 
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Offline Specmaster

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5669 on: February 26, 2018, 02:03:16 am »
Today I got 7 DVD box sets of 24, series 1 - 8 but missing currently series 7, thats coming real soon  :-+
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Online BravoV

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5670 on: February 26, 2018, 02:57:08 am »
BravoV, thanks for sharing these. I have a sweet spot for power electronics in general, with a special place in my heart for large passives: transformers/inductors, capacitors and power resistors.

My pleasure.

Maybe we should create an equivalent thread for this kind of thing as the T&M crowds "TEA" thread ?  >:D
 
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Offline amspire

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5671 on: February 26, 2018, 04:01:27 am »
I'm installing an IEC 320 power inlet connector in place of a formerly fixed AC mains cable on a piece of gear, and since my 30+ year old POS Rat Shack nibbler is nowhere to be found I decided to bite the bullet and buy some real nibblers.  Brown Santa just dropped these two off, courtesy of Amazon:



-Pat
I still have an Adeltool nibbler that would be about 40 years old. Still works perfectly. It is exactly the same as the one you bought. As well as metal, they are fabulous at nibbling away at PCB material. Very clean cut with very little deformation.  :-+
 

Offline Cubdriver

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5672 on: February 26, 2018, 05:51:48 am »
I still have an Adeltool nibbler that would be about 40 years old. Still works perfectly. It is exactly the same as the one you bought. As well as metal, they are fabulous at nibbling away at PCB material. Very clean cut with very little deformation.  :-+

I don't doubt it - the one I'd used at my previous job looked old at the time, and that was 20 years ago now.

-Pat
If it jams, force it.  If it breaks, you needed a new one anyway...
 

Offline nctnico

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5673 on: February 26, 2018, 07:12:15 pm »
I finally pulled the trigger on Ariel Rocholl's (RF Explorer) EMC probes:


Recently I broke my DIY sniffer probe and I might need it for an upcoming project so I bit the bullet.

These are discussed in this thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-affordable-emc-probe-set-at-a-bargain-price-from-ariel-rocholl's-lab/msg1097666/#msg1097666
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Offline ChrisLX200

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Re: What did you buy today? Post your latest purchase!
« Reply #5674 on: February 26, 2018, 07:33:00 pm »
Some random bits. Couple pairs of ceramic tweezers, toggle and push switches, USB lights (5-off, cute things really - touch sensitive :) )

 


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