[sdiy] A Frequency Standard for Poor People?

[Magnus Danielson]

From: harrybissell <harrybissell at prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: [sdiy] A Frequency Standard for Poor People?
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 23:02:33 -0500
Message-ID: <3FE126D8.F97B749E at prodigy.net>

> 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.

Hehe... ;O)

> 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...

Harry, I *DONT* disagree with you... I really mean that most usefull DIY
requires BOTH a DMM and a scope, but if I must put an order on what to get
when, going from zilch, nada, nothingness I think a DMM get people just
building kits and who have good advice around above the surface, but you can't
really see much... but if someone can get a scope before a DMM, that's not
bad...

> 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.

Very usefull stuff indeed, which also was in the back of my head...

> 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 agree. Can you get it, get it!

> (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)

Yes, indeed. A fairly serious DIY should have both...

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

Oh, so you're not done?

Cheers,
Magnus