Only remaining question is where do I go to satisfy my need for test equipment?
New.
Good new instruments have never been so well priced.
Several thoughts on this. First, Tauteg is right. Siglent 1004xe upgradeable to 1204xe w/o discount at Saelig for $375???
THOUGHT I wanted Agilent used, luckily they treated me like crap (I am in US) and I canceled the order.
And I fully support the export controls. What the US did to Motorola in the 70s was unforgivable. While the horses are out of the barn on the tech since, there are economic and national defense reasons I support the controls.
As far as used, I am setting up my learning lab (was HS voced electronics 55 years ago; USN curriculum). I also think "value" also depends on what you need the TE for.
My problem kink in life is I like data over opinion. Here we go.
Ebay prices including shipping:
BK 1520 scope; perfect only needed adjustment $95 (this enabled me to relearn scope basics and rule my Sig)
Fluke 8084/AF; cal sticker intact, from a component manufacturer; completely consistent with Sig scope and HP below $140
HP 3478A; see above; only needed new battery $95 (consistent w/ Fluke w/in 2 digits)
DM 441B; perfect, consistent with the two above $80 (somewhat expendable but I like the counter and quick Beta tester)
BK 501A Curve tracer; perfect, just needed BNC connectors $180 (Reason for 1520 scope) Had I known more; woulda waited for a turnkey tracer station
Fluke 27/FM w/trimmings and US Army Cal till Oct 2024 $85 (will surplus out; I have a Simpson 647 which I calibrated to above)
Micronta 220-20 in box $30 (for expendable checks)
I understand most here will consider my TE is uncalibrated. But at least the results are reliable if not valid and I never imagined the need to measure below one mV, one uA or one ohm!
So I have a learning lab for about $1K. Maybe I just overpaid?
I am gobsmacked at the TE available today at prices unthinkable 55 years ago (a $20 thing that measures L,C,R and measures and IDs semiconductors???) A calculator that does calculus for $25; I remember simple ones for $100!. And they were banned in college.
Try adjusting all these prices for 1980 (better 1970) dollars.
This is like 15 years ago when the AO/B&L $2000 optical scopes were selling for $100 due to digital imaging. Put all my loupes in a drawer!
Regards,
Dewey