Sunday, November 29, 2009

Benefits of Using Uninterruptible Power Supply

The UPS or uninterruptible power supply is great tool to avoid sudden turning off of your appliances, computers and other electrical devices or equipment. It provides electrical current for your electrical device for up to five to twenty minutes. Such a fraction of time is enough to have your appliance or computer be turned off properly. For instance, if you are working with the use of a computer and then unexpected power brownout or blackout comes into place, you are given the time to save your computer works.

UPS allows the user of electrical device to be operated with safety by giving you time to safely shut those electrical devices down. Sudden turning off of the computer or any appliances can greatly cause damage or malfunctioning the next time they are used. Since UPS avoids destroying your electrical equipment or devices, it helps you save big bucks in buying another set. This is because UPS prevents power surge and power sag that would significantly ruin your computer or any equipment that consumes electricity.

There are two types of UPS namely standby UPS and continuous UPS. The difference between the two is the way that the electric current is passed through the electrical device. With standby UPS, the electrical device is supplied with the main power supply even if it passes through the equipment and the internal batteries. The power in the internal batteries is only utilized once the main power supply is down or blackouts.

With continuous UPS, the electrical device is supplied with the power through the internal batteries which is charged through the main power supply. This means that it can give power supply to the electrical device longer as long as the internal batteries never run out of electric supply.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Hioki 3535 LCR HiTester

Hioki comes with a test and measurement equipments that is not just very useful and sophisticated but is also ideally light weight —the Hioki 3535 LCR HiTester, which has completely awesome features, including a 6 minute high-speed measurement capability and flexibility as a test equipment.

Hioki 3535 LCR HiTester is a way more sophisticated LCR meter- a piece of electronic test equipment used to measure, among other things, the impedance of a component. It can measure a frequency range of 100kHz to 120MHz. Its hi-speed capability makes it even more useful because of a built in comparator load functions and BIN (classification) measurements. With that, it has many uses, including chip inductor and high speed magnetic head testing, and many more. By detaching the head amp unit from the main unit and placing it near the test object, you can lessen the effect of test leads on its measurements. This device is infused with an automatically balanced bridge circuit with digital control, which takes account for its light weight and its size. The touch panel really makes it a lot easier to use. It has a zoom display capability of up to 4 parameters, which is a plus.

This test gear is not as expensive as one would expect for it, although it is still really very high if you think about it. Its price can range from 10, 000 dollars and up, although you might find the cost lower if you go to rental companies. The model is new so you might not be able to find it in secondhand dealers. But it really is a great test device and Hioki really did an impressive job on it—it is worth the price.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

What is an Oscilloscope

One of the most useful test equipment for troubleshooting is the oscilloscope. It is very useful in the design and repair of electronic equipments. In the very distant past, before the 1980s when digital oscilloscopes came into popular use, there were just oscillograms, where the galvanometer is used to take measurements, and then the corresponding graphs are inputted as hand drawn drawings. Afterwards came the automatic paper-drawn oscillograph, which later on was developed into an oscillograph. It was in 1940s that the two geniuses, Howard Vollum and Jack Murdock designed the first triggered oscilloscope. Ever since then the technology advanced until today, where oscilloscopes may now have extra features.

The oscilloscope is utilized to analyze and describe the frequency of the oscillating electric signal and also to determine the time and voltage values of signals. That is because the oscilloscope is designed to be an electronic device that is able to show graphical illustrations on its screen and make further breakdown analysis out of these electric signals.

There are actually a vast variety of oscilloscopes. Some of them are the CRO (Cathode Ray Oscilloscope), the dual-beam, and analog type. Oscilloscopes such as spectrum analyzers are especially designed to have sensitive inputs, and can display spectra well into the GHz range. The most sophisticated type are the digital ones, and by its name you can tell that it does its reading digitally. Under the digital types there are more innovations such as the digital storage oscilloscopes which are preferred more in industrial applications.

Oscilloscopes can be used for scientific researches and technical investigations, and even for medical purposes. It can also be used by some repair technicians.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Fluke’s 421D Laser Distance Meter


The Fluke Corporation is one of the leading brands in test equipments, and for decades it has continued to strengthen its credibility and reputation as one of the best creators of testing gears in the world.

Just recently, Fluke Corporation introduced its “most advanced and capable distance measurement device”, the new 421D laser distance meter which measures a distance of up to 100m. Its measurement is said to be more accurate that those devices that uses ultrasonic technology, because its narrow laser beam inhibits reflection of objects that are not targeted, thus ensuring a more accurate readings.

It is IP54 rated for resistance to water spray and dust and are can withstand even a 4ft (1.2m) drop. It conveniently automatically records the last 20 measurements for quick recall. Aside from that, it is designed with an audible feedback for taking room angle and incremental measurements. It also has a +/-45-degree tilt sensor and a superior Pythagoras calculation which enables it to take indirect measurements in hard-to-reach areas, to the user’s expediency. The interface allows the user to adjust measurements and promptly determine area and volume, by pressing the right buttons which are positioned for a one-hand operation. It can do up to 5,000 readings from just a pair of AAA batteries, and it is also equipped with an automatic shut-off feature.

This instrument is not all beauty and extra decorations. Investing into such a device can mean significant capital savings and even a boost to your productivity with its time efficiency, precision and convenience.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Keep your Industrial Business Safe Test Equipments

Most of us entwine our lives with the comfort and ease brought about by modern gadgets, and industrial and manufacturing business have also taken advantage of the efficiency of the modern machineries and facilities. On the other hand, technicians and inventors have also created items that could blunt the negative side of the two-edged sword of technology. They have come up with the creation of test equipments that reduces the possibility of tragic accidents caused by innocent usage of malfunctioning machineries or defective devices.

There are three ways to acquire these test equipments for your own use: Option 1, purchase brand new equipments; Option 2, buy them secondhand or used on; or Option 3, just rent them from a credible rental company. The latter option is slowly becoming more and more popular choice, obviously because it cost lower, and also because of some extra perks in the rental deals such as having free technical support. However, there are still a lot who would want to have their test equipments for keeps.

Between Options 1 and 2, the second one is still the preferred one. Many people would find their budgets short to buy brand new equipments, which is not very surprising actually, considering how expensive these things can get. In today’s time people consider buying used equipments the more practical choice. This is why lot of test equipment businesses are now also selling or auctioning used test equipments, even though their original business is selling the brand new ones. There are also some companies that provide all three options to their customers.

The important thing actually is not the acquisition of test equipments itself. It’s actually conducting test on your machineries and equipments to guarantee your business’ safety against possible industrial accidents.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Four Pointers on Buying Secondhand Test Equipments

Test equipments are vital for the maintenance of a productive and highly efficient machineries and gears, and businessmen know this. To acquire the appropriate equipments the head of a manufacturing company may choose over buying a brand new one, or to purchase second-hand equipment.

Most companies would prefer the second one over the first option, simply because it gives more opportunity for the budget. The only risk to be avoided in shopping for secondhand equipments is purchasing defective equipments and those which their life spans are considerably shortened. Acquiring equipments that are way past its best, or those which are decent, but not for very long would be equivalent to being “ripped off”. So here are a few pointers to guide you when shopping for test equipments (some tips would apply to buying secondhand gadgets too).

1. Decide on what you really need, and even what you want. This means determining what test equipment your machines actually need, and would also include deciding whether to get the latest or the more complicated and sophisticated version available (still secondhand, obviously), or to stay with the simpler, less complex ones.

2. Check out a lot of companies selling secondhand test equipments (you can shop online to save time, effort and gas). See if they have what you want, and check out their reputation as secondhand test equipments provider. No, it doesn’t entail hiring a detective or something, just checking the feedbacks from past customers would do the trick. You may also listen to recommendations made by people you know. See if they have the instruments you need.

3. Proceed to comparing prices. The reason you are buying secondhand equipments is clearly so that you can make the most of your funds. This strategy helps you find which company provides the best deal.

4. When considering the prices, also take into account the services they provide. Between the choices of a company who will give you the equipment and a short-time warranty for a certain price, and another company that provides free technical support and a longer warranty at a slightly higher price, you might want to choose the second one to get a better deal. But if you are not concerned so much with the warranty and the free service than the price, then you can go with the first choice.

Getting secondhand test equipments is not that bad if you get a good deal out of the limited fund you have. But if you want to optimize your opportunities with your capital, another option you can take is to try test equipment rental. A lot of gears are now available for rent, and some companies such as TechRentals are even providing the latest technologies, at very reasonable rental costs.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Importance of PAT Testing

True, we have depended much on our electrical and electronic machineries and gadgets as we live our life. Everywhere we go it would seem almost impossible to live without such items, unless we go camping (even then, we can’t even go without electrical things like flashlights). In our normal daily routines we go through the day making use of complicated devices. While electrical appliances do eases our daily burdens, these can also pose a huge threat to us if we are not very careful. A lot of accidents have happened in workplaces because of damaged and defective electrical or electronic gears, which could have been prevented if certain standards are specified for such equipments.

This is why there is now the existence of certain legislations designed to protect the employers’ safety against electrical mishaps. One of them is the PAT testing of electrical appliances and devices which checks whether the said equipments comply with the health and safety standards imposed.

To ensure the safety of your establishment, you can either hire the services of professional PAT tester provider or train your own staff to do the test for you. If you are concerned with the financing of the PAT testing, PAT tester rental could be a good option. If you choose to rent, try to find a rental company who can provide expert technical assistance for you. PAT testing should be regularly conducted, either in 3-months or 6-months basis, depending on the risk that the devices entail.

“Better safe than sorry” should always be one of the standing principles in workplaces. Electronic appliances and electrical equipments are friends if they are safe to use and if used appropriately. If not, they can not only put your investments to ruin, but also be a threat to many lives. Although PAT testing would cost you, the money you invest in it could save you from the disaster that would cost much more if you neglect doing it.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Why You Should Rent Computer Equipments Instead of Purchasing Them

In the present times, when you are into the business, it is important to take capital consideration of the technological assets you must have, especially computer equipments. While some would prefer to buy either brand new or used items of this sort, it could be a good choice for a starting company to rent so as to be able to resourcefully spend its capital. In leasing the needed computer equipments, the company would be able to start up straight away, and would probably have extra funds for unexpected expenses instead of having to spend everything for equipment purchases.

True, rentals are temporary means for acquiring an equipment. This is the reason why it is advantageous for start-up businesses, and can also be agreeable to established businesses. Since rented devices only last in your hands until the contract expires, there is an open opportunity to upgrade yourself by choosing the more modern and advanced ones after returning the items leased. And for those who do not wish to do that because they prefer to operate with what they were already used to, a lot of rental companies allow negotiations on extending the rental contracts. Having these options is quite convenient to both the business newbie and the pro.

It is also a plus factor that rental companies provide technical support for their clients. Companies who do not prefer to hire full time IT staff or just do not have the financial capacity to do so would find that rental of computer devices suit them very well. Not only does the rental company shoulder the updates needed, the renter also have to worry less on the cost of repairs.

Buying computer equipments is a mark of permanence. Yes that is a good sign, but in the present era where progress means continuous advancement and technological sophistication it might be better to choose something that could match the rapid pace of development we are experiencing. Renting your computer equipments needs is a just the thing that can make you walk, no, run with such ever-speeding tempo.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Spectrum Analyzers Rental


The world is full of complex things, and some of these elements we one can’t see with our naked eyes. However, humans have continually explored the endless possibilities and tried to know the unknown to benefit the race of mankind. We are, in fact trying to match the complexities we find with the gadgets we use, and with such items we see what used to be unseen and unperceivable, such as the light waves and sound waves.

Spectrum analyzers are testing instruments used to check the spectral composition of the different frequencies of some specific waves traveling through air. With this gear, the electric, optical and acoustic waves and their frequencies, which usually cannot be seen, can be viewed graphically. There are also some analyzers that present the data in statistical manner.

There are people who need spectrum analyzers vary from engineers and technicians to scientists and experts wanting to have a good study on these waves and maybe put them into action for their creations and inventions, or attune them up. Many great and useful devices we use that depends upon these waves such as the telephone, radio, televisions, and a lot more. There are varying spectrum analyzers that are used depending on the frequency ranges and the waves to be studied. Spectrum analyzers are created intricately designed to study specific waves.

The complexities of these devices are also matched by the prices they have. Spectrum analyzers can be very costly, but thankfully there is a cheaper alternative to buying one. Some companies now provides rental for these equipments, which is a good choice for a lot of those who needed these equipments for only a short period. Also, for people who might be lacking the technical skills or the know-hows of these equipments would be well-advised to acquire such complicated contraptions from rental companies who also provide technical support, and much better if it is for free.

Going for rental services is getting to be a popular option for a lot of people nowadays, which may be attributed to the recent economic setback we have experienced. It is really great that we can now have a lot of devices by just renting them, even equipments as complex as spectrum analyzers.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

3 Tips on Computer Rental

Computers have indeed changed the lives of every human being in everything they ought to do. It has entirely changed the world even from the simplest details to the most complicated ones. It has sped up tasks which usually take an hour but now it merely takes only seconds to finish, and perform them more easily, accurately and swiftly. These are the many wonders brought about with the coming of the computer era.

Come to think of it, we are indeed a civilization run by technology. However, the prices of these amazing technological contraptions can be very expensive. This is why resorting to computer rental companies is quickly becoming a fast trend among people, corporations, industries and even educational organizations. Aside from the advantage of being able to acquire computers at a much lower rate, computer rental services are also popular because of a lot of businesses needing computers for temporary period. This course of action has now become the trend in the realm of commerce.

With these and many other advantages that computer rental provides, I won’t be wondering if you would also want to follow suit. If you do so, please take the following tips into consideration prior to renting computers.

Shop around. Find out which companies offer computer rental services, more preferably on the internet so that you can check on the background and credibility of these companies. Find out if they are legally credible and reliable. This diminishes the risk that you could become a victim of fraud or being counterfeited.

Check the location. This is because it would give you a general idea on how much money you would have to pay for the delivery expenses. Delivering to a business address is more convenient than delivering the computers on certain conventions because the former has more close-in parking areas, installation rooms, and is less time consuming as compared to the latter.

Mark your computer specifications. Obviously, if you want a more advanced operating system or software to be installed, your computer rental rates will also increase. Fairly so, one of the best reasons why it is very advantageous to rent computers because you get to use far more better equipments than you can probably afford to buy.

Computer rental is a practical strategy to get the computer you wanted for a much lesser price. The trend continues to spread and although it is available only to some countries, we could expect that the future holds a much wider market for it.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Automated Test Equipments

The birth of gadgets and technological devices has relieved us from the ultimately hard labors that the people of our distant past had to endure. True, the literal meaning of the statement “sweat and blood builds the most amazing fortresses” is applicable to the creation of some of the most famous landmarks we see today such as the Pyramids of Egypt, but with the help of our advancement in technology we had discovered how to create things that would have been impossible in the past centuries. We wouldn’t have the easy comforts of using appliances and other machines

Yes, we live what we can consider a “good life” because of the electric gadgets. And to assure that these gadgets would actually work and to avoid accidents that can be encountered when dealing with electric materials it is no longer a trend to rely on luck, but we assure ourselves by checking their reliability with appropriate test equipments. The most common devices used for PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) are backplane testers, battery testers, burn-in test equipments and automated ones.

Although it is probably the most costly of all of these testers, the automated test equipment is the most sophisticated, and probably the most labor-efficient especially when there is a need to mass-produce industrial units, considering that it requires the least manpower. With automated test equipment, computers are used to program the device so that it would be able to check and measure apparatuses such as printed circuit boards, integrated circuits and other related contraptions. Automated test equipment can be very complex machineries such as a flying-probe tester, although there are also simple ones, such as the digital multi-meter.

With the expensive cost of automated testing equipments, it might be impractical for starters to purchase one. However, there are rental companies who provide not only the equipment but also the technical support needed for it. Renting the devices needed is an emerging trend today, and this proves to be good investment for business of all sizes too. Aside from the cost you cut from the budget for the purchase of the item you need, it also conveniently saves you from collecting technologically obsolete mechanisms.