On Wed, 01 Sep 2004 11:17:29 -0500, Dave VanHorn wrote:

>...<
> >A decent voltmeter.  Plan to spend at least $50.
> 
> Very handy to have capacitance, inductance, and temperature measurement. 

I'd say to look at the "Atlas" range of component analysers, from Peak Electronics here in England ( 
http:www.peakelec.co.uk )  I don't know what the prices will be like Stateside but here they are worth every 
penny, IMHO!  

The "Atlas DCA" Semiconductor analyser, for example: connect the three leads to a 3-terminal device, press the 
"Test" button and it comes back with the type of device, the main characteristics, and the pinout!  Works with 
diodes, LEDs (including 2- and 3-lead bi-colour) and so on, as well.

The "Atlas LCR" (guess what that measures? :-) is similar but with only 2 leads, and will measure passive 
components without needing to know what they are.  Excellent for those fiddly little ceramic caps with 
unintelligible markings...

And they run on PICs!  :-)

No connection except as a satisfied customer.

Cheers,


Howard Winter
St.Albans, England


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