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Do your test equipment research to figure out your business needs

Understand the differences between electrical test equipment, fluke test equipment, automated test equipment and others before buying them for your company.

I recommend: Learn about the features of fluke test equipment and other new and used testing equipment at MetricTest. Find information about and brand names of automatic test equipment and electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes at Tucker Electronics.

Buy test equipment based on your preferred specifications

Specifications such as size, voltage and operating capacity also help you to choose the right test equipment.

I recommend: Process Measurement distributes custom electrical test equipment such as digital meters, gas detectors and signal conditioners. Some of the products have plug-and-play, programming and signal conversion capabilities. Baker Instrument produces high-voltage test equipment for items such as electric motor insulation systems.

Consider test equipment manufacturers that offer special services

Services such as technical support and installation can guarantee that your electrical test equipment or fluke test equipment works efficiently.

I recommend: Masline Electronics distributes automated, optical and electrical test equipment. The company's services include just-in-time delivery, product inspection, packaging, product sorting and 24-hour emergency service. Transcat offers calibration and repair services for its electrical test equipment, as well as machinery and tool test equipment.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Additional options include mechanical test equipment, which tests devices commonly used for compression, tensile strength, vibration, adhesion or bonding, shock testing and fatigue or product failure resistance. Some specifications for choosing mechanical test equipment include operating humidity and temperature.

1. Can you sell your used test equipment directly to the supplier for refund or cash?
2. Will your supplier consider a rent or lease option of acquiring your needs?
3. Does the supplier have free training available for the products they sell?
   

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Sell your used test equipment

When upgrading from an analog to a digital oscilloscopes, practice good equipment disposition. Sell or trade your used test equipment and you not only get a discount on the new purchase, you'll be a greener company as well.

I recommend: Some suppliers that accept used equipment on trade are Test Equipment Connection and TestEquity. These suppliers also buy equipment and actively search for brand like HP and Tektronix test equipment.

Determine the most cost effective method of acquiring your company's electrical test equipment

Buying new is not always the most cost effective route of acquiring the test equipment your company needs. Consider buying used test equipment, leasing or renting, especially high end items that have a limited lifespan, or you have a limited use for.

I recommend: Tucker Electronics has great leasing options available and have flexible leasing terms to fit any accounting structure. TRS-RenTelco specializes in renting test equipment and is committed to both outstanding service and carrying a wide range of test equipment. This means they have what your company needs to get the job done. Register for On Demand, and your company benefits from preferred pricing and instant account access.

Train your staff on the proper usage of the test equipment

No matter how much experience your staff has with a certain type of product, you need to make sure they know how to use the specific brand of electronic test equipment you purchase. Training sometimes means the difference between accurate results and properly maintained test equipment and false results and equipment loss.

I recommend: Agilent Technologies has dozens of training webcasts and videos to get your staff up to speed on the electronics test equipment they sell. They have an easy to browse library of training tools listed by type of machinery and tool test equipment available at no cost. For more in depth oscilloscope training, you might try the Oscilloscope Training Course available from the Cleveland Institute of Electronics. They have an in depth, reasonably priced course which is transferable into their associates program.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Used electronic test equipment can be a great value when looking to save capital. Try reconditioned equipment with a warranty for best investment coverage.

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Take engineering courses to learn how to use machinery testing equipment

Mechanical engineering covers a lot of ground, and those who have a mechanical engineering education can work with a variety of electronic test equipment. Many engineers have designed and used test equipment in ways that have significantly improved a manufacturer's ability to ensure a quality product.

I recommend: A mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University provides extensive training in mechanical systems, design and new technologies. The University of Kansas can also provide this training with a mix of classroom and field experience.

Attend seminars to learn more about automatic test equipment

Seminars on test tools can cover a range of topics. Seminars hosted by organizations often cover safety and new technology. Seminars hosted by manufacturers of testing equipment are generally more specific to the models they sell. Either type of seminar is a way for those who use test equipment to pick up a new skill or knowledge about new equipment.

I recommend: Veejer provides a handful of seminar options that teach how to use its electronic test equipment on automotive tools and machinery. Fluke test equipment provides training seminars to familiarize users with its products. These sessions also cover common questions about using the test tools.

Sign up for training courses to learn how to use electronic inspection equipment

Many training courses are available if you want to learn how to use different types of electronic test equipment. These courses cover the tool's design, how it works, what it can do in the workplace, and how to use it safely. Many manufacturers hold their own training sessions.

I recommend: TriLink Technologies provides in-house, customized training session for companies that use its test equipment. Agilent Technologies provides many training courses designed for a variety of testing equipment, including automated testing equipment.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before conducting a machinery and tool test, make sure you are following the safety guidelines outlined in the user manual. You should also be aware of safety precautions related to the equipment being tested.

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Oscilloscope

An oscilloscope is a type of testing equipment that uses two dimensional graphs to view signal voltage. Oscilloscopes are commonly used when exact waveforms or wave shapes need to be viewed.

I recommend: The Bucknell Online Directory explains what an oscilloscope is and how to use one. TechTarget provides a full definition of an oscilloscope.

EMC

EMC, or electromagnetic compatibility,is a test that reveals the unintentional reception, generation, and propagation of electromagnetic energy or the study of these actions. EMC is also used to see the effects of the unintentional energy.

I recommend: The Bandwidth Market has more information about EMC. Answers also has more information about Electro-magnetic compatibility.

OTDR

An OTDR or Optical Time Domain Reflectometer is a type of test equipment that measures distance to a reflection surface by tracking how fast light reflects off the surface.

I recommend: The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences provides a definition of Optical Time Domain Reflectometer.

Waveform

A waveform is a visual representation of an audio signal or electrical current. A waveform or wave spade shows how the signal travel through certain object and air.

I recommend: Find a definition of waveforms and a list of the various types of waveforms at wordIQ.com. TechTerms.com also provides a definition of waveforms.

Vector signal analyzer

A vector signal analyzer is a device that demodulates digital signals. Vector signal analyzers review a modified vector signal and remove all modifications to leave you with the original signal. Vector signal analyzers are available in mobile units for testing anywhere.

I recommend: Discover more information about vector signal analyzers at EDA Geek. Visit Babylon to read more about vector signal analyzers.