help deciding what shall I buy with 1K$ budget

[eevblogfan]

hey

4 meters ,

I already got e3610A and want to buy philips fluke PM2813  and perhaps two HP 6632B so power supply - check

and the fluke 87 - because it's a good buy and I need one more meter ( it has to be said - to my opinion )

and whatever it is , I can always sell one of the HP 6632B and buy something eles instead

[madshaman]

Why so many meters?  You don't even have a good power supply

A psu can be built

[eevblogfan]

Why so many meters?  You don't even have a good power supply

A psu can be built

1+++++

[mzzj]

$200/pcs seems a tad too cheap  for the Agilent 6632B considering Agilent's asking price of $2600. Are you sure it's not "for parts, not working"? This being said, this doesn't appear to be that great of a PSU apart from its high accuracy. Once again, I'd say go for the Rigol instead.

At least here in europe second hand market is full of Agilent/HP 6632B's
eevblog user "KJDS" is selling them on ebay.co.uk for 120 GBP (apprx 180 usd) per piece and I haven't heard any negative experiences here.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AGILENT-HP-6632B-Bench-DC-Power-Supply-0-20VOLT-5-AMP-Programmable-/350746462032?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item51aa1e4750

I bought secondhand 6632B's locally  here in Finland "by ton" and paid even less. 

I have checked dozens of these and all of them passed factory accuracy specifications.  Only 1 unit was even close to exceed specifications and several dozens of them were passing calibration check with large margins.


Note that 6632B is really handy as it can be also used as DC-load unlike 99,99% of other power supplies.  Plus you can get full service manuals & schematics from Agilent in case something goes wrong. Now try that with Rigol 

There are some drawbacks also like: heavy, noisy and takes lots of space, especially if you have 8 of these. 
And front panel is not too robust, requires  care during handling and transportation.

[staxquad]

If you were a true eevblogfan, you'd just get what Dave's got. 

[eevblogfan]

hey

do you mean the korad ?  just joking 

mmm the new 3 channel 30v 5A power supply he got ? :O

or something elese ?

obvioesly my budget cant be eevblog's fan too, you shall know that

thank you in advance

[img]

Can you please describe some of the projects you have planned for immediate future? I am talking about specific projects, not things like 'i want to build things'.
It looks like you have too many of some tools, not enough of others. Lab equipment is there to be used, otherwise it's just expensive clutter.
It doesn't sound like you've had a lab in the past, so consider getting cheap, used, un-fancy but solid things and focus on building up skills. No matter how great your lab is, you can't leave a pile of parts or a faulty PCB in the lab, then come back and find that your tools have done all the work.
Hang on to your money, decide on a specific project, join a thread of people who are doing a similar project, start work on the project, and be reluctant to buy expensive tools until you are absolutely sure that the job will not get done reliably otherwise and that you will need the tool many times in the future.

[AndyC_772]

Can you please describe some of the projects you have planned for immediate future? I am talking about specific projects, not things like 'i want to build things'.
It looks like you have too many of some tools, not enough of others. Lab equipment is there to be used, otherwise it's just expensive clutter.
It doesn't sound like you've had a lab in the past, so consider getting cheap, used, un-fancy but solid things and focus on building up skills. No matter how great your lab is, you can't leave a pile of parts or a faulty PCB in the lab, then come back and find that your tools have done all the work.
Hang on to your money, decide on a specific project, join a thread of people who are doing a similar project, start work on the project, and be reluctant to buy expensive tools until you are absolutely sure that the job will not get done reliably otherwise and that you will need the tool many times in the future.

+1, about a thousand times over.

[eevblogfan]

hey

good point

I think I have said that already

any how I'll repeat - I am planning to build some 2 to 4 channel power supply , the mains power transformer is ATX ( couse I've got so many in hand ) and the boost converter or I'll manage  to increase the voltage by hacking the supplies ><" )

and then buck stage that will regulate as well plus CC ,

and I am planning on the led display ( like 500 or 1000 LED's and micro or so - didn't got into detail yet )

and then I want to build counter , and also a X y and perhaps Z mill machine to mill copper clads via dremel and moving Axis .

and umm I think untill I'll finish them I'll have many other ideas after that

edit: I do whant to build PWM plasma speaker project for show-off in the scool physics lab

I am 17 , no lab be4 that one 

thank you in advance

[BravoV]

Saving account. If you don't know what you need, just get started, you'll find soon enough. It might be parts, uC tools, hand tools, instruments, whatever. But when a project needs something you don't have, it is nice to have some money.

+1 

Spend what you really need which is not always "now", and do not spend off the money for the sake of spending. 

It is so obvious you are not in need of something, or not very sure what it is, hence this thread was created. Put a restraint and wait abit longer until you are very confident by your own on what and why you have to buy something.

Can you please describe some of the projects you have planned for immediate future? I am talking about specific projects, not things like 'i want to build things'.
It looks like you have too many of some tools, not enough of others. Lab equipment is there to be used, otherwise it's just expensive clutter.
It doesn't sound like you've had a lab in the past, so consider getting cheap, used, un-fancy but solid things and focus on building up skills. No matter how great your lab is, you can't leave a pile of parts or a faulty PCB in the lab, then come back and find that your tools have done all the work.
Hang on to your money, decide on a specific project, join a thread of people who are doing a similar project, start work on the project, and be reluctant to buy expensive tools until you are absolutely sure that the job will not get done reliably otherwise and that you will need the tool many times in the future.

I doubt he will understand the tons of suggestions given like above, its obvious the op is in shopping frenzy mood.

Regarding his knowledge and skill level, just a hint and example on what his current project & mindset -> (Here), currently all those bought gadgets are just a big waste, really pity the op's parent or whoever sourced the money.


Anyway, c'mon spend more  ... a lab is not a real lab if its not equipped with a 8 digits bench multi meter and a spectrum analyzer, look for Agilent brand and also brand new, otherwise your lab is nothing. 

[eevblogfan]

hey Bravov

I am not stupide , I do understand and I do know that I in need of some channels , Ie power supplies , the one who source the money is my grand father , and it is noune of You're bussines as well .

sure I can go ahead and spend any thing on the rigol multimeter(1000+$) . or some electronic load(800$) or any other new gear , but I decided on spending it on my good friend - power supply , I do think it is good investment , now I am planning not to buy the fluke 87V and saving those 250$ for projects's parts etc ,

I did bought soldering station as Recommended be4 , although I am fine with my trusty old goot , so don't say I am not open mind and not listening to you - because it's false ,

my current project don't state's my knowledge level , I am currently after more power supply channels , and that current project should be 3~4 higher power rails(100+W) , and 10~40mV ripple or so ( even 70 will be fine )

my more serious project to come is as I've described -_- arduino and X Y Z axis machine is nothing I guess , right ? 

I am indeed having some serious amount of cash , so the buy will indeed be dealing with that sort of money - am I wrong ?

saving account - since I am missing some gear - I think of getting gear as first priority - 1/4 of the money will be saved indeed .

hey - i indeed appreciate inputs and also the criticism 

thank you in advance  

[EEVblog]

Anyway, c'mon spend more  ... a lab is not a real lab if its not equipped with a 8 digits bench multi meter and a spectrum analyzer, look for Agilent brand and also brand new, otherwise your lab is nothing. 

A lab can be an end unto itself! 

[eevblogfan]

A lab can be an end unto itself! 

LOL 

funny point ><"

[eevblogfan]

hey

an sanday I am planning to pay on the philips fluke PM2813  ( 240$ plus 149$ shipping )

I may as well pay for one HP 6632B ( I'll buy the seceond only if needed )

I'll buy also :

100 to 1M (10 each) pot assortment - 9.79$ free ship
lm358 8DIP 100pcs-5.89$ free ship
banana to banana wier 1M each 10pcs-27.50$ shipping (shipping un known )
33,000V panel meter -8.99$ free ship
electrolytic cap assortment 1u to 1000u 24 value 500pcs 29.99$ free ship

so far : 82.16$

tools:
pair of side cutters - 17.48$ plus 8.30$ shipping
heavy flat plier - 7.15$ (shipping un known )
hemostat-5.35$
caliper-6.94$ plus 13.60$ shipping

total =140.98$

is that all I shall consider . or there's any other thing I chall be consosting ?

total pay so far :

116$ - hakko fx-888 ( the 220V one )
240$plus 149$ - fluke philips PM2813 ( 3 channel supply )
200$-HP 6632B ( free ship )
plus the ebay stuff - 140.98$

total = 845.98$

cash I got left = 314.24$

thank you in advance

[img]

NO: 240$plus 149$ - fluke philips PM2813 ( 3 channel supply )

OK: the other stuff

PS: And also buy Horowitz, Hill, Art of Electronics, preferably with the lab/ solution manual. In fact, put that at the top of your shopping list. When it arrives, read it every day for an hour.

[eevblogfan]

hey

can I ask why ? why do you say no for that supply ? , what's wrong with her ?

thank you in advance

p.s: thanks I'll check the book

[nctnico]

NO: 240$plus 149$ - fluke philips PM2813 ( 3 channel supply )

OK: the other stuff

PS: And also buy Horowitz, Hill, Art of Electronics, preferably with the lab/ solution manual. In fact, put that at the top of your shopping list. When it arrives, read it every day for an hour.

AoE is for pussies and nitwits! Better get real books which cover one topic in depth c.q. properly.

[img]

hey

can I ask why ? why do you say no for that supply ? , what's wrong with her ?

thank you in advance

p.s: thanks I'll check the book

This supply takes a substantial chunk out of your budget, and you pay a lot for the brand name. It's not worth it: get something simpler and cheaper, preferably a used item made by a good manufacturer, not a new Chinese item. Remember that while you are learning and experimenting, you will break things, and it hurts less to break cheap things. Electronics is an exciting thing, but electricity is ruthless and doesn't care how much you paid for your gear.
Also you can search this forum for some very relevant and pragmatic advice on equipment, given by the user 'saturation'.
Oh yes, in terms of books you might also consider Scherz's Practical Electronics for Inventors. Get the 3rd edition, as the other ones have many typos which a beginner may not catch straight away. The latest (3rd) edition looks better. This is a good and inexpensive book.

[img]

NO: 240$plus 149$ - fluke philips PM2813 ( 3 channel supply )

OK: the other stuff

PS: And also buy Horowitz, Hill, Art of Electronics, preferably with the lab/ solution manual. In fact, put that at the top of your shopping list. When it arrives, read it every day for an hour.

AoE is for pussies and nitwits! Better get real books which cover one topic in depth c.q. properly.

If you look up OP's other posts, your opinion might change.
If you can do better than HH, please could you keep us posted re: publication date so we can acquire your book ASAP once it becomes available.

[eevblogfan]

If you look up OP's other posts, your opinion might change.
If you can do better than HH, please could you keep us posted re: publication date so we can acquire your book ASAP once it becomes available.

Didn't got the point 

anyhow - I know buy the supply's cost is 240$ , leave the shipping alone since that's 11KG machine , I think that's a good price for that good reliable and have you seen that ons's  range ? it can do 0-10A and also 0-30V !!! I,E 30V 2A , 15V 4A 6V 10A and so on , it's better then most power supplise can do ! plus it's good and name brand 

P.S: for the price of the  fluke philips PM2813 and the HP 6632B ( almost 600$ ) I can get 3X HP 6632B's - what do you think is better value per buck ?

[img]

Didn't got the point 

This was a reply to nctnico's post. You see, Art of Electronics is a well-known book, and a few generations of engineers were raised on it. Some people criticise it, but it is extremely hard to write a general text for a practically-minded electronics engineer. Electronics isn't like classics or philosophy, this isn't a subject that can be mastered from a book. Nonethless, I stand by HH and the huge amount of work they put into AoE. It is always easier to criticise than to propose constructive solutions, even imperfect ones.

anyhow - I know buy the supply's cost is 240$ , leave the shipping alone since that's 11KG machine , I think that's a good price for that good reliable and have you seen that ons's  range ? it can do 0-10A and also 0-30V !!! I,E 30V 2A , 15V 4A 6V 10A and so on , it's better then most power supplise can do ! plus it's good and name brand 

P.S: for the price of the  fluke philips PM2813 and the HP 6632B ( almost 600$ ) I can get 3X HP 6632B's - what do you think is better value per buck ?

I'd get 1x 6632B.  Use it, see if you like it. Some do, some don't. If you like it, these aren't very rare, you'll get more as the need for them arises.
By the way, where are you located?

[eevblogfan]

hey

thank you for the replay

i am located in europe--->israel ,

i am in need of few channels . not two , hence thought about thouse supplies  :/

[nctnico]

NO: 240$plus 149$ - fluke philips PM2813 ( 3 channel supply )

OK: the other stuff

PS: And also buy Horowitz, Hill, Art of Electronics, preferably with the lab/ solution manual. In fact, put that at the top of your shopping list. When it arrives, read it every day for an hour.

AoE is for pussies and nitwits! Better get real books which cover one topic in depth c.q. properly.

If you look up OP's other posts, your opinion might change.
If you can do better than HH, please could you keep us posted re: publication date so we can acquire your book ASAP once it becomes available.

I don't need to write a book. There are lots of good books out there. When I was a teenager I bought books about building circuits, making your own computer, communication systems, programmable logic, etc, etc.

[img]

NO: 240$plus 149$ - fluke philips PM2813 ( 3 channel supply )

OK: the other stuff

PS: And also buy Horowitz, Hill, Art of Electronics, preferably with the lab/ solution manual. In fact, put that at the top of your shopping list. When it arrives, read it every day for an hour.

AoE is for pussies and nitwits! Better get real books which cover one topic in depth c.q. properly.

If you look up OP's other posts, your opinion might change.
If you can do better than HH, please could you keep us posted re: publication date so we can acquire your book ASAP once it becomes available.

I don't need to write a book. There are lots of good books out there. When I was a teenager I bought books about building circuits, making your own computer, communication systems, programmable logic, etc, etc.

Nobody said that AoE is the only book one would ever need, I said that it's a book worth having, that's all.

[img]

i am located in europe--->israel ,

i am in need of few channels . not two , hence thought about thouse supplies  :/

Have you tried contacting KJDS on this forum? He is in the UK and has useful things in his warehouse, including HP power supplies.
Unfortunately I don't know of any reliable sources in or close to Israel, but other members might.