Good Tools

[spatty99]

@the MfM thanks for the reassurance. I'll find out for sure next week.

 

[spatty99]

Finally tested out the generator (Duromax XP1200EH), and it starts and runs the 4 ton air conditioner easily (along with subsequent fridge, lights, etc).

 

[sethman919]

Gotta have one of these.

 

[2kwik4u]

@Mainah I'm curious about the pocket O-Scope. I could've used that a number of times trying to figure out problems with vehicle fuel injection systems. Any links or other information you can share would be awesome.

Also, it's amazing what you find in your own house that "isn't up to snuff". I was a BICSI certified low voltage guy for many years. When we bought a house that was in the process of being built, I made damn sure I went through and put oversized pathways into several cavities/spaces in the house for future expansion. I also completely re-ran all of the voice/data/cable lines in the building. The installers that put them in had all kinds of problems with the install. Knicked/crimped wires was a big issue.

I have a similar tool setup to yours (although not nearly as extensive) with a few specialized tools (punchdowns, etc). I've found that a good pair of linemans shears are indispensable around the house. I also keep a roll of double sided velcro sitting around for cable management. It's amazing how much nicer your home theater system looks once you dress the wires . I've also used the Velcro for keeping my dock lines neat, the bimini attached to the tower, and ski/tube ropes from getting tangled. The stuff is seriously like re-usable duct tape!

 

[sethman919]

@Mainah I'm curious about the pocket O-Scope. I could've used that a number of times trying to figure out problems with vehicle fuel injection systems. Any links or other information you can share would be awesome.

Also, it's amazing what you find in your own house that "isn't up to snuff". I was a BICSI certified low voltage guy for many years. When we bought a house that was in the process of being built, I made damn sure I went through and put oversized pathways into several cavities/spaces in the house for future expansion. I also completely re-ran all of the voice/data/cable lines in the building. The installers that put them in had all kinds of problems with the install. Knicked/crimped wires was a big issue.

I have a similar tool setup to yours (although not nearly as extensive) with a few specialized tools (punchdowns, etc). I've found that a good pair of linemans shears are indispensable around the house. I also keep a roll of double sided velcro sitting around for cable management. It's amazing how much nicer your home theater system looks once you dress the wires . I've also used the Velcro for keeping my dock lines neat, the bimini attached to the tower, and ski/tube ropes from getting tangled. The stuff is seriously like re-usable duct tape!

Check out ebay for the lecroy Waveace 101 or a tektronix TDS220. Both are good inexpensive 2 channel bench scopes.

 

[Mainah]

@Mainah I'm curious about the pocket O-Scope. I could've used that a number of times trying to figure out problems with vehicle fuel injection systems. Any links or other information you can share would be awesome.

Also, it's amazing what you find in your own house that "isn't up to snuff". I was a BICSI certified low voltage guy for many years. When we bought a house that was in the process of being built, I made damn sure I went through and put oversized pathways into several cavities/spaces in the house for future expansion. I also completely re-ran all of the voice/data/cable lines in the building. The installers that put them in had all kinds of problems with the install. Knicked/crimped wires was a big issue.

I have a similar tool setup to yours (although not nearly as extensive) with a few specialized tools (punchdowns, etc). I've found that a good pair of linemans shears are indispensable around the house. I also keep a roll of double sided velcro sitting around for cable management. It's amazing how much nicer your home theater system looks once you dress the wires . I've also used the Velcro for keeping my dock lines neat, the bimini attached to the tower, and ski/tube ropes from getting tangled. The stuff is seriously like re-usable duct tape!

Search up Mini dso. My warning is that it requires extensive calibration. The newer ones ship with better firmware but I grabbed one of the best home-brew open source softwares and modified it for my own uses before calibrating. Won’t be as accurate as a bench model but my bench space is very limited and I liked the 2+2 channel for cheap.

 

[sethman919]

Search up Mini dso. My warning is that it requires extensive calibration. The newer ones ship with better firmware but I grabbed one of the best home-brew open source softwares and modified it for my own uses before calibrating. Won’t be as accurate as a bench model but my bench space is very limited and I liked the 2+2 channel for cheap.

The bench tops that i mentioned are more like lunch boxes. very portable. we have one of each. The lecroy came free with a bunch of WAY more expensive lecroys we ordered. its great to drag out to a vehicle if needed. I just borrow one of those when i need one at home. They require no additional calibration.

 

[Jgorm]

Lots of my car shop owner friends use the pico scope.