Setting Up A Workbench

Setting up an electronic lab like a commercial repair house is certainly out of the question unless you're prepared to fork out a fortune. But if you're thinking of doing PCB diagnostics on your own, you'll need a good set of basic but essential equipment:

• Digital Multimeter (DMM)
• SMD LCR Meter
• Adjustable Power Supplies
• Function Generator
• Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
• Multi-Protocol Adapter
• Universal Device Programmer
• Digital Microscope
• Soldering & Rework Station
• Hand Tools
• Anti-Static Mat & Wrist Strap

I reckon that most engineers will have at least 6-7 out of 11 of the above listed items, and the most meticulous ones will have all of them and more. There is no hard and fast rules to what type of models to procure but try not to go for the cheap ones with minimal functionalities if you can afford it. Good and reliable equipment will last longer and make your work a tat easier and more enjoyable, instead of unnecessary frustrations that may result in wrong diagnosis or wasted time and effort. Of course, you are expected to know how to use these tools and if you can utilize their full potentials, the better you will be at solving PCB defects.

Note:

The suggested list is meant for freelance engineers with their own workbenches. In my book, you will be introduced to other mid and high-end equipment used by repair centers for automated and more comprehensive testing. These are certainly out of reach of most self-employed engineers, but it is still advantageous to be aware and have some ideas how they operate. You never know when you may have the opportunity to work with them!

Email from the Danube

This morning, I was notified of an incoming email with the following message:

I found your books through the "Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast" and have to admit, that I first got a PDF off the internet on Saturday night, but after the first 30 pages, I quickly bought all your books, as I am totally stoked to get into hardware reverse engineering.

I am so glad I found your books and wanted to thank you for your work! Unfortunately, the Amazon package that arrived today did not contain the promised book but an HDMI adapter, guess I have to wait till Wednesday now for the replacement :-D

But thank you in advance and is there a mailing list or something to get notified when your fourth book arrives? As I also want to buy that.

So anyhow, I wish you all the best and will send a picture as soon as the trilogy arrives :-D

Now, I am aware that my books are available on some rogue websites that steal the hard work of book authors like myself. This is evident from the declining sales for the past few months. Frankly, there is nothing I can do about it. I'm not the only one who suffers the loss of income; the charities that I supported with part of my earnings bear the grunt as well. I had kept up with the donations despite the poor sales but had to painfully cut back to just one charity organization, the one that I have been supporting for the past 30 years. I'm sharing this just so my readers who honestly purchase my books know that they too are doing a good cause, and for those who obtained illegal copies at my expense that you have not only wrong me but many fellow humans who depended on the generosity of kind people.

This person had done the right thing which any human with a conscience would do. He is German, I suppose, from the email attachment provided. Every country has its dark history but that does not mean all the people there are bad or lack integrity. We cannot decide where we're born or the environment we're in, but we can choose to do as much good as we possibly can. There is a Chinese saying, "To come out of the dirty mud and still remain pure." It speaks of the lotus plant but allures to people of exceptional character and qualities even in the midst of dark times. I hope most of my readers are too!

You may be wondering why 'Danube'. Well, it's the second longest river in Europe that passes through the most countries, and has its origin from the Black Forest of Germany. Incidentally, black forest cake is my favorite and the ones made by German hands are the best. So let the best of your self shine in this blackest of times in the current pandemic!

Stay safe and be well, my friends.

Update: I received a photo of the books that this reader has purchased: