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So You Want To Repair Audio gear, Eh? Here's the tools you need...

Thanks to the OP for this question, and making me revisit the NEETS Modules --
I am reading Module 16 ... Test Equipment!

Lots of military protocol and jargon to filter through, with the modules, but once you get to the meat-- it's all there.
 
So I have spent a good part of the morning going through Module mentioned above .... Very valuable information.

One thing I learned lonng ago when working on tube equipment --- one hand in your pocket or sit on your hand.
And as the NEETS module says, "rubber soled shoes -- NO Hobnails, or metal Taps! <--- gotta laugh, at the verbiage and change in times, (Hey where's your hat) ? but its true--
I ALWAYS SIT ON my non dominant hand, and wear shoes of course. other wise you may pay the price of admission.
LAdies and Gentlemen step right up for the most intense experience of your life, ONE TIME ONLY....

I just had an HP 5315A show up, took a big chance, lousy luck the last 3 counters.... this one COUNTS! YAY.
And will do just fine with a little work... GPSDO ? maybe ...
 
Nile said:
What reading materials to you suggest for a beginner with very little knowledge?
Click to expand...

The Radio Amateurs Handbook, published by the ARRL. I think the older ones are better, as they go deeper into the fundamentals. You'll learn AC/DC Fundamentals, Power Supplies, Amplifiers, wiring, and some radio stuff, too!
 
drjim said:
The Radio Amateurs Handbook, published by the ARRL. I think the older ones are better, as they go deeper into the fundamentals. You'll learn AC/DC Fundamentals, Power Supplies, Amplifiers, wiring, and some radio stuff, too!
Click to expand...
That sounds awesome.

I know PF Reporter is available online, may be associated with ARRL --
Way lots of issues -- super fun to read, I even bought an actual copy that has some wild tiger or panther cat advertising -- Frame Worthy. ..

Great suggest -- back to playing with my new HP 5315A Counter ....
 
drjim said:
The Radio Amateurs Handbook, published by the ARRL. I think the older ones are better, as they go deeper into the fundamentals. You'll learn AC/DC Fundamentals, Power Supplies, Amplifiers, wiring, and some radio stuff, too!
Click to expand...
Yes, I forgot to mention that excellent electronics educational resource, I bought my first one in 1976.
Thin on HQ audio, but rich on AC/DC/RF theory.
 
Bill Ferris said:
Yes, I forgot to mention that excellent electronics educational resource, I bought my first one in 1976.
Between The Handbook and the classes I took at the local radio club.Thin on HQ audio, but rich on AC/DC/RF theory.
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Between the classes I took at my local radio club, and The Handbook, I learned more about the basics than I ever did in school! VERY valuable book that covers things like wire size, construction techniques, hardware, basic troubleshooting, and all kinds on non-radio things.

Highly recommended!
 
I have the followings:
1. Altas DC pro
2. Altas ESR70
3. Solder station or solder iron
4. Digital Multimeter(s) and minigrabber leads
5. Dummy Loads
6. Dim-Bulb tester
7. Digital Caliper
8. Solder
9. Solder Paste
10. Solder Wick
11. Solder Sucker
12. 170 Side Cutters
13. Hand Drill & small bit assortment
14. Machinists Scribe
15. Bondhus Metric and Standard Ball-End Allen Wrench Set
16. Helping Hands (I should remove this item since I assume my wife is a helping hand but she refuses to do it)
17. Assorted Hand Tools (#1 & #2 Philips, pliers, wire strippers, etc.)
18. 3D printer (print capacitor clamps)
 
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@N_Soph looks like you are off to a great start; having 3d printer capabilities and the knowledge to use it is certain to be a valuable asset --
I can think of many bits, especiallly the old plastics that have become brittle and prone to breakage.

Best to you!
 
@N_Soph
Don't see signal generator (but smartphone can work)
Other things to consider are scope and fm signal generator. Also assortment of interconnect cables would be handy. Enjoy
 
Ruh ROH !!!
Yea where's ya Signal Gen ?

I would look at some of the late model name brands vs the Chinese stuff, but of course budget is always a consideration.
I have a Siglent -- a used late model still commands high $, Maybe someone will chime in w/ some recommends.
Depending on your type of repairs, maybe consider a Frequency Counter -- There is another deep hole to go down!
I just printed the Users/SM for my new to me -- HP -- ALL Ink Eatin' 150 ish pages.
Now the reading and comprehension.... OXCO, TXCO, Disciplined Oscillator ... Cesium etc.


Oh and the connectors you shall need -- Cheap Chinese BNC's etc SUCK !
I sure would hate to screw up one of the inputs on my expensive Chinese Siglent.
Pomona and Amphenol are smooth -- and connect and discon easy -- had to throw out more than one CHEAP BNC cable.

Next on your avenue, as mine are termination of transmission cables, ie: RG58 etc --- terminators w/ 50 or 75 ohms -- depending on your needs and all the cabling and adaptors necessary --

I'm way deep in this journey -- and have just begun to learn, I have learned more than I ever forgot!

Very pleased to hear of your future paths trodden.

Celadon --

Many, way informative adventures await you here on AK!

Ha one of my posts , I thinkI didn't digress much .... LMAO

Celadon
 
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Celadon said:
Ruh ROH !!!
Yea where's ya Signal Gen ?

I would look at some of the late model name brands vs the Chinese stuff, but of course budget is always a consideration.
I have a Siglent -- a used late model still commands high $, Maybe someone will chime in w/ some recommends.
Depending on your type of repairs, maybe consider a Frequency Counter -- There is another deep hole to go down!
I just printed the Users/SM for my new to me -- HP -- ALL Ink Eatin' 150 ish pages.
Now the reading and comprehension.... OXCO, TXCO, Disciplined Oscillator ... Cesium etc.


Oh and the connectors you shall need -- Cheap Chinese BNC's etc SUCK !
I sure would hate to screw up one of the inputs on my expensive Chinese Siglent.
Pomona and Amphenol are smooth -- and connect and discon easy -- had to throw out more than one CHEAP BNC cable.

Next on your avenue, as mine are termination of transmission cables, ie: RG58 etc --- terminators w/ 50 or 75 ohms -- depending on your needs and all the cabling and adaptors necessary --

I'm way deep in this journey -- and have just begun to learn, I have learned more than I ever forgot!

Very pleased to hear of your future paths trodden.

Celadon --

Many, way informative adventures await you here on AK!

Ha one of my posts , I thinkI didn't digress much .... LMAO

Celadon
Click to expand...
How about this one?
 

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@N_Soph What you have pictured above is a handheld O'scope. I'm not familiar with the Owon, it may in have a frequency generator option -- some scopes do.

IF you are going to use the Owon as your O'scope then you still need a frequency generator, or I would.

I lean more toward desktop bench size equipment. that's why I bought the Siglent.
Similar quality, lower priced names would be GW Instek, BK precision, but more than likely BK would need to be bought used. When i was looking for o'scopes -- GW Instek had a really nice model I almost bought.
Just a quick look provides this one on Amazon, but I would see if GW Instek would let you purchase direct from them.
I first bought a Siglent scope from Amazon and it was grey market--no Siglenbut tht Warranty -- returned it and purchased direct from Siglent.
I didn't take time to look at the specs or any thing --
GW Instek <---- Frequency Generator
Waay before coffee this morn
looks like thats a freq counter...
Oh yea - lotta guys like Rigol.
 
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If you're like me and just wanting to learn and work on a handful of your own equipment, and not looking to dedicate the money and space required for better oscilloscopes, this is what I went with. Handheld, dual channel, built in signal generator and multimeter. There is better equipment out there, but this has done everything I've needed it to so far. If I was to ever move into fixing receivers for friends or doing it professionally, I'd definitely look into getting something better.

https://www.fnirsi.com/products/2c23t

1721398961281.png
 
@Dan13105 With the unit you show above, are you able to easily use, say the signal generator while simultaneously using the scope akin to 2 separate pieces of equipment?
 
Well there's another option all together!
I learn something every day ...
:)
 
Dan13105 said:
If you're like me and just wanting to learn and work on a handful of your own equipment, and not looking to dedicate the money and space required for better oscilloscopes, this is what I went with. Handheld, dual channel, built in signal generator and multimeter. There is better equipment out there, but this has done everything I've needed it to so far. If I was to ever move into fixing receivers for friends or doing it professionally, I'd definitely look into getting something better.

https://www.fnirsi.com/products/2c23t

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Yes, It is my case. I am just wanting to learn and work on a handful of your own equipment ( Within a year, I owed 30 plus Vintages, I pick up some non working or partially working). I work on one by one to bring it back to life. Mostly I need a tool to trouble shoot. FNIRSI®2C23T looks like best fit for my situation (cost effective). I am going to buy one now. Thank for the tip.
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Knipex makes one as well at about half the price

418pRrMkVsL__97200.1718116119.jpg
 
Nashou66 said:
Knipex makes one as well at about half the price

418pRrMkVsL__97200.1718116119.jpg
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Yeah, I can’t remember the reason but something about those made me chose the Erem’s over them. I think most of those style knipex were made for larger wire (website shows up to 7AWG for most of those models)
They have a smaller pair but they are shown for 20-38awg.
The erem are 18-30

On the topic of wire strippers, I recently got a pace smr thermal wire stripper setup. Total game changer especially with stranded wire. Can reach them into a chassis just like the Erems with zero chance of knicking solid core or cutting strands of wire. I love it. Works with teflon wire when I’m doing tube amp rework as well. IMG_7277.jpeg
 
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