[sdiy] A Frequency Standard for Poor People?

[harrybissell]

Magnus Danielson wrote:
snip...

> A simple DMM is really an entry-level thing. You should have one. Oscilloscopes
> is indeed a very usefull thing, but you can still do work without one and many
> actually do that. Those that do eventually end up getting a scope one day, but
> then they have learned many usefull lessons on the way usually and will be
> able to step on for the next thing....

I seldom disagree with Magnus, but I do to a great extent here.

You may be able to effect simple repairs with just a DMM, or possibly assemble
simple
AND well engineered kits with a DMM.

Almost ANY other DIY work is going to require a scope. Even a cheap, uncalibrated
scope will often show you exactly why a circuit does not function / function
properly...
where a DMM will show you nothing (or worse... the wrong thing).  In fact I seldom
use
a DMM in my DIY work... the scope lives on the bench.  A quick check will show that

power supplies are 'around' the proper levels and polarity...

I use the DMM only for critical voltage measurements (something a scope does
poorly)
and for measuring resistance (something a scope does NOT do directly)... and
sometimes
for a current measurement.

You can get a cheap scope... if you are planning on DIY as a hobby (or career, as
in many
of our cases) you will want to get one early.

(I do agree with Magnus' order on his list, because a DMM can do quite a bit for
very
little money... but the scope is REALLY important as well)

search Google for "harry bissell oscilloscope" for further ranting...

H^) harry

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