XPost: sci.electronics.design   
   From: trevor@rageaudio.com.au   
      
   On 11/04/2024 3:42 am, Cursitor Doom wrote:   
   > On Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:40:02 +1000, Trevor Wilson   
   >  wrote:   
   >   
   >> On 1/04/2024 4:41 am, Cursitor Doom wrote:   
   >>> Hi all,   
   >>>   
   >>> I'm starting to get a bit fed up with having my test equipment blow up   
   >>> just when it's needed. This is the drawback with vintage gear; if it's   
   >>> not used frequently then it can go *bang* the next time you switch it   
   >>> on. It makes for good practice in repairing stuff, but wastes a lot of   
   >>> time which could be better spent doing other things.   
   >>> I think it's time I modernised my test gear. I was just wondering if   
   >>> anyone has any recommendations they can share. Is there a particular   
   >>> piece of test equipment you couldn't live without? Something you're   
   >>> particularly impressed with? I'd be interested to know so I can   
   >>> perhaps acquire said item and thereby reduce the number of explosions   
   >>> I experience.   
   >>>   
   >>> Thanks,   
   >>>   
   >>> CD.   
   >>   
   >> **In my 55 years of servicing, I've only blown up one thing: A Micronta   
   >> DMM, which I connected to a laser power supply. I should not have done   
   >> it. Clear operator failure. Everything else works just fine. Even my   
   >> first multimeter. A Sanwa U-50D my dad gave me on my 14th birthday.   
   >> Still works fine. My first DMM. A cheap 'n cheerful SOAR. Works just   
   >> fine. My first Fluke meter. A 40 year old Fluke 85. Works fine. I've had   
   >> to clean the switch a few times. Otherwise, no problems. Ditto my other   
   >> 15 or so meters. Same deal with my 'scopes.   
   >>   
   >> I don't know what your problem is. Test equipment, when treated properly   
   >> lasts a long time.   
   >   
   > To be fair, these "explosions" are typically capacitors: old, dried   
   > -out electrolytics in test gear that hasn't been used in a long time   
   > go bang when the power's switched on - as do old X2 safety caps. Those   
   > are the chief culprits IME.   
      
   **Oh, I see. You ignore regular maintenance. That makes sense. I hope no   
   one buys a car from you.   
      
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