Apptech wrote:
> They have a good quality metered dual channel PSU but it 
> tends to get shared and has a resolution of 10 mA and 
> voltage resolution also probably not marvellous. So a say 
> 0-15V, few amp dual digital metered psu with 1 mA current 
> resolution would be good. More volts and amps OK if price 
> OK.

I have one from Madell which came with a batch Reflow Oven, and know 
people with the ones which MPJA and Circuit specialists sell.... Can't 
really recommend any in particular, but If I was in the market for 
another, I'd probably pick one up from either MPJA or Circuit Specialists.

> A good DMM would be useful - not stupidly dear but maybe an 
> extra digit over junko ones and good enough to use as a 
> "calibration standard" for say 1% measurements. Bottomish 
> end Fluke probably a starter but there may be cheap but good 
> known alternatives.

I have a protek D620 which I break out for special occasions.   I 
originally purchased this for some power supply work I was doing to be 
able to measure RMS ripple and the like, and really like this unit.

Some specs... 0.05% Basic Accuracy.  100,000 count (aka 5 digits)  RS232 
port, True RMS, Min, Max, Simultaneous AC+DC display (Dc Voltage + AC 
ripple), etc.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9052

I have also been rather impressed with the free DMM's that Circuit 
Specialists give with each order.  I think I own like 5 of them now - 
and about 3 different types - but always good quality, if not 
inexpensive.   I would buy any DMM on their rack without reservation.

> Frequencies are probably mainly sub 1 MHz. Maybe the odd few 
> MHz signals.

Did I mention that the DMM above counts frequencies up to 1Mhz?

> One of the el cheapo-ish LCD oscilloscopes would be useful - 
> or the small CRT analog ones in the $100 - $few00 range.

My scopes have been purchased on ebay.   I have a Tek 2232 which I use 
for seeing pulses down to around 1us - these go for a couple hundred or 
so if you're patient...    Know what you're buying and you can generally 
get a bargain.   I'll probably end up with a TDS200 series or similar 
(around $500 on ebay) soon since I am moving the production operation 
out of the R&D and will need another scope.

I would avoid the laptop based ones.  I have tried a couple and I have 
simply given up.

> Budget is as low as possible and within reason as much as 
> necessary.
> Under $10000 would be good. A few thousand may be OK.

My bench looks like a marketing slick for Circuit Specialists...  Why? 
Because I was able to outfit my bench with gear for a lot less than the 
brand names.   Generally the stuff is pretty good, and definately worth 
the amount paid.

If it were me, I'd look through their product lines first (use the 
www.circuitspecialists.com website since it seems to be more 
comprehensive), and then figure out what I was missing.

-forrest
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