30-07-2011, 11:06 PM
From my viewpoint, I basically agree with Alan (as above).
Test gear and the whole philosophy of T & M (Test & Measurment) is a topic that I have had a lot of experience in. It is a subject dear to my heart: I'd like to take this opportunity to express my thoughts . . . .
When, as a youngster, I first took an interest in wireless sets (as they were then called) and started experimenting (thank you, 'Practical Wireless' & 'Practical Electronics'), my knowledge was limited and basic: I trusted the designer of the item I was building / copying. Many was the time when the finished item didn't work correctly - or didn't work at all, despite carefully re-reading the build instructions, my assembly, etc. Of course, many years have passed since those early days, which have now included about 45 years employment in the electronics industry. I now appreciate what a difference my initial learning curve would have been if I had had (a) more understanding of what was actually happening in those projects and (b) some decent test gear - with the understanding of how to use it - to see what was going on - and what wasn't. In a phrase, a picture says a thousand words.
Look at it this way: suppose we could buy a second-hand 100 MHz dual-beam 'scope, working, for as little as £20. We'd all own one; they'd be as common as AVOmeters. And, by the same argument, a spectrum analyser is a very useful tool too. Again, I do believe that it is only the price that these are that renders them nearly always totally out of the reach of amateur enthusiasts. But like a good 'scope, once you've used one, after a while you wonder how on earth you got along without one.
The core of the real problem with electronics (and electricity) is that unlike most mechanical things, 'electronics' measurement is all down to trust, based on theory: you can't see just what those damn electrons are doing - or where they're going!
Yes, trust: trust in your understanding of theory, trust in your kit, trust in your ability to use that bit of kit correctly and comprehend what you observe. And to complete the analogy with mechanical things, quality tools in the hands (and figuratively, the mind) of a skilled and knowledgable user makes the task so much easier - and yields a quality result.
Tools: always buy the best (yes, this indeed does usually mean expensive
) that you can afford. And then look after them. At first acquisition, you may think "I don't need anything this sophisticated!" However, as time passes, and your experience and comprehension grows, you will realise the wisdom of not buying a cheapo, limited budget item.
I hope that lot is of some value; merely my opinions & thoughts, based on my experience.
Al.
Test gear and the whole philosophy of T & M (Test & Measurment) is a topic that I have had a lot of experience in. It is a subject dear to my heart: I'd like to take this opportunity to express my thoughts . . . .
When, as a youngster, I first took an interest in wireless sets (as they were then called) and started experimenting (thank you, 'Practical Wireless' & 'Practical Electronics'), my knowledge was limited and basic: I trusted the designer of the item I was building / copying. Many was the time when the finished item didn't work correctly - or didn't work at all, despite carefully re-reading the build instructions, my assembly, etc. Of course, many years have passed since those early days, which have now included about 45 years employment in the electronics industry. I now appreciate what a difference my initial learning curve would have been if I had had (a) more understanding of what was actually happening in those projects and (b) some decent test gear - with the understanding of how to use it - to see what was going on - and what wasn't. In a phrase, a picture says a thousand words.
Look at it this way: suppose we could buy a second-hand 100 MHz dual-beam 'scope, working, for as little as £20. We'd all own one; they'd be as common as AVOmeters. And, by the same argument, a spectrum analyser is a very useful tool too. Again, I do believe that it is only the price that these are that renders them nearly always totally out of the reach of amateur enthusiasts. But like a good 'scope, once you've used one, after a while you wonder how on earth you got along without one.
The core of the real problem with electronics (and electricity) is that unlike most mechanical things, 'electronics' measurement is all down to trust, based on theory: you can't see just what those damn electrons are doing - or where they're going!
Yes, trust: trust in your understanding of theory, trust in your kit, trust in your ability to use that bit of kit correctly and comprehend what you observe. And to complete the analogy with mechanical things, quality tools in the hands (and figuratively, the mind) of a skilled and knowledgable user makes the task so much easier - and yields a quality result.Tools: always buy the best (yes, this indeed does usually mean expensive
) that you can afford. And then look after them. At first acquisition, you may think "I don't need anything this sophisticated!" However, as time passes, and your experience and comprehension grows, you will realise the wisdom of not buying a cheapo, limited budget item.I hope that lot is of some value; merely my opinions & thoughts, based on my experience.
Al.
