Tag Archives: test & measurement

buying used test equipment

Why Buying Used Test Equipment is a Smart Investment in a Fast-Paced Industry

Please Share

The test equipment market is constantly advancing. How often do you read about innovations or equipment with improved functionality over its predecessors? Frequently, right? While the allure of the latest models can be tempting, savvy buyers know the numerous advantages of investing in used test equipment. Let’s explore why buying used can be a smart, forward-thinking decision in this fast-paced industry.

Exploring the Rapid Advancement of Technology

Like an obsolete iPhone that’s only four years old, new iterations of test equipment promise enhancements and improved features that create a continuous cycle of obsolescence for older models. However, this rapid advancement also means that high-quality, relatively new equipment quickly becomes available at significantly reduced prices.

While the latest models may offer cutting-edge features, let’s be honest: many of the improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary. Used test equipment from a few years ago often still meets the industry’s rigorous standards and provides reliable performance and advanced functionalities.

By opting for used test equipment, you can leverage the benefits of progress without the hefty price tag associated with shiny new items.

Financial Benefits of Used Test Equipment 

One of the most compelling reasons to buy used test equipment is the potential for substantial cost savings. New test equipment can be prohibitively expensive, especially for small businesses or startups with limited budgets. 

Used equipment, on the other hand, is typically available at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to stretch your budget further and allocate resources to other critical areas of your operations.

Environmental Benefits of Used Test Equipment

Moreover, buying used equipment is an environmentally responsible choice. The production of new test equipment consumes valuable resources and contributes to electronic waste. By purchasing used equipment, you extend the life cycle of these devices, reducing the demand for new products and minimizing your environmental footprint. 

It’s a win-win situation for both your budget and the planet.

Quality and Reliability

It’s a misconception that used test equipment may lack the reliability and performance of new models. However, many reputable suppliers specialize in refurbishing and certifying used equipment. This offers peace of mind, ensuring that the equipment meets (or exceeds) industry standards. These suppliers conduct thorough inspections, repairs, and calibrations to guarantee that the equipment is in optimal working condition. 

Additionally, many used test equipment models were originally built to withstand rigorous use and are known for their durability. When you purchase an established brand from a trusted source, you can have confidence in the quality and reliability of the equipment. 

Just do your research and choose suppliers with a track record of delivering high-quality products.

Staying Updated with Industry Trends

While it’s important to have reliable test equipment, staying updated with industry trends doesn’t necessarily require buying the latest models. By strategically investing in used equipment, you can still access the features and functionalities needed for your applications.

Many used models include software updates and support, ensuring that you remain current with the latest industry standards.

Conclusion

In a fast-paced industry driven by technological advancements, buying used test equipment emerges as a smart, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible choice. The rapid turnover of technology ensures a steady supply of high-quality, used equipment that meets modern standards. By opting for used devices, you benefit from substantial cost savings, reliable performance, and the opportunity to reinvest in other critical areas of your business.

Embrace the future of test equipment by exploring the used market. Not only will you find reliable, feature-rich equipment at a fraction of the cost, but you’ll also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient industry. Make the smart investment today and discover the advantages of buying used test equipment in a fast-paced world.

Used-Line is the one-stop site for buyers and sellers of used test equipment on the web, connecting 1000s of equipment buyers and sellers.

Please Share
pre-owned scientific equipment

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Buying Pre-Owned Scientific Equipment

Please Share
  1. Why should I buy pre-owned scientific equipment?

Pre-owned equipment is cost-effective because the price tag is typically a fraction of the cost of new instruments. For labs just getting started or labs facing budget constraints or needing to allocate funds elsewhere, purchasing pre-owned equipment is a viable option.

  1. How do I ensure the preowned equipment meets my lab’s standards and requirements?

Like purchasing new equipment, you should determine your lab’s requirements and compare them with the equipment’s specifications. You can also request these details from the seller and ask for a demonstration. 

  1. Is used lab equipment reliable?

Reputable sellers will thoroughly test and refurbish pre-owned equipment to ensure it meets performance standards. If you are buying from the owner, ask how they maintained the equipment to determine if the instrument was well-maintained. 

  1. What types of warranties and support are available for used lab equipment?

Vendors can offer warranties and maintenance services similar to what you would expect with new equipment. It’s important to check with the seller about the specifics of their warranty and any available support services.

  1. What should I do if the preowned equipment needs repairs or maintenance?

Ask if the seller offers maintenance and repair services. You can also establish relationships with local service providers who specialize in the types of equipment you use to ensure ongoing support and maintenance.

  1. Can pre-owned lab equipment keep up with current scientific standards and technology?

Often, the technology in preowned equipment is still highly relevant and capable of performing necessary tasks. While newer models might have additional features, the core functionalities required for many scientific procedures remain consistent. Referencing the product description on the manufacturer’s website can help you determine this. 

  1. What should I look for when buying used lab equipment?

Verify the equipment’s condition, maintenance history, and the seller’s reputation. Check that the equipment has been tested and whether or not it was refurbished. Request documentation of any testing or refurbishments done.

  1. How can I verify a seller’s reputation?

Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Reliable sellers will often have positive feedback and a strong reputation in the scientific community. Check industry-specific forums, social media groups, and review sites where buyers share their experiences with different vendors.

  1. How do I verify the functionality of pre-owned scientific equipment?

Request documentation of the equipment’s maintenance history and any refurbishments performed. Many reputable sellers will also provide certification of testing and calibration to ensure the equipment is functioning correctly.

  1. Are there environmental benefits to buying pre-owned scientific equipment?

Purchasing used equipment is environmentally friendly. It promotes the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, helping to minimize waste and reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new equipment. Read more about reducing E-waste.

  1. How does buying used equipment affect long-term costs and budgeting?

Initial costs are significantly lower, allowing for better allocation of resources. Additionally, well-maintained used equipment can have a long lifespan, and the availability of warranties can mitigate unexpected repair costs.

  1. What risks are there about preowned lab equipment?

Concerns about equipment being defective, having a short lifespan, or lacking support and warranties can be dispelled by purchasing from reputable sources that guarantee quality and support. You can also request documentation of maintenance and refurbishing to ease any concerns. 

Please Share

Specifications and Features Now Showing in Used-Line Listings

Please Share

You’ve seen our T&M Specifications page, haven’t you? Well, it just got smarter. We added behind-the-scenes instruments that don’t necessarily fit into the T&M Specifications categories, but that do show up under ads in Used-Line listing categories.

Ok, we can hear you saying now: What are they talking about?

So, let’s explain.

Here’s how it usually works.

If you visit our Specs page, you’ll find 31 Test & Measurement Categories in which you can perform two tasks:

  • Check and compare product specs.
  • Find a particular model’s listings on Used-Line.

Let’s choose Signal Generators, for example. You view a table of (currently) 426 models and their specs, such as frequency ranges and output power.

Signal Generator Specifications

Signal Generators Specs on Used-Line T&M Specs page.

So, let’s pick one. We’ll select the Spanawave (formerly Giga-tronics) 2550B. When we click through we land on a page showing the specifications and a description of the 2550B. (Scroll up to view the 2550B product listings.)

That is the usual case.

Now, what happens if you want to view the specs of an item that we have not showcased on our T&M Specifications page?

What about a resistor, for example?

A pile of old resistors

Resistor, anyone?

A resistor?! You’re right. We do not have a special category for resistors in our T&M Specifications, but we do have the following categories in Used-Line’s listings of resistors ads:

Now, let’s go to Used-Line and search for a Guildline Instruments 9330, a standard resistor whose design meets the need to reduce the typical sources of errors found in older designs – that is:

  • Temperature coefficients
  • Thermal and electrical time constraints
  • Thermal EMF’s
  • Voltage and power coefficients

Scroll to the bottom of the 9330 listing results and what do you see?! A paragraph discussing the  specifications and features of the 9330 based on the manufacturer’s description!

Now you’re not going to find descriptions of every single product that is advertised for sale on Used-Line.

Yet!

But we’re working on it!

Please Share
Leave your comment

Handheld Spectrum Analyzer Competes with Benchtops

Please Share

Frequency coverage from the Anritsu MS2720T gets as good as 9 kHz to 43 GHz in model MS2720T-0743, the high end of this series of spectrum analyzers, which starts at its lower end (in terms of frequency) with a model that boasts a continuous frequency range of 9 kHz to 9 GHz. Not too shabby. Launched in December, 2012, this almost two-years-on-the-market handheld could well compete with today’s benchtop analyzers (without external mixers) in the frequency specification department.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the other specs associated with this instrument:

  • Resolution Bandwidth from 1 Hz to 10 MHz
  • Sweep mode speeds: Allow a resolution bandwidth of 30 kHz to 10 MHz with almost no impact on sweep speed
  • Dynamic range is >106 dB in 1 Hz bandwidth at 2.4 GHz
  • DANL is -160 dBm in 1 Hz bandwidth at 1 GHz (preamp on)
  • Phase noise is -104 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset at 1 GHz
  • Option of tracking generators from 100 kHz to 20 GHz (full-band)

Read more in the Used-Line T&M Specs pages as well as in the Related Articles below. Do check out the many capabilities available as options for the MS2720T. Not only all the signal analysis packages that a wireless engineer may need for the various data rates of carriers, but a vast selection of analyzers, such as power meter, channel scanner, GPS Receiver, and Interference Analyzer are available as options.

Used Anritsu MS2720T | used-line.comThe Spectrum Master™ MS2720T series provides field technicians and engineers with performance that rivals a benchtop spectrum analyzer. The MS2720T features a touchscreen, full-band tracking generators to 20 GHz, and best-in-class performance for dynamic range, DANL, phase noise, and sweep speed, providing unprecedented levels of spectrum monitoring, hidden signal detection, RF/microwave measurements, and testing of microwave backhauls and cellular signals.

Embedly Powered

via Used-line

 

Anritsu suggests that this spectrum analyzer, at 8 pounds “fully loaded” is light enough to take up a tower. Well, you’re not going to get me up any tower, thank you very much, with or without a handheld spectrum analyzer.

CN Tower, Toronto, Canada

CN Tower, Toronto, Canada (Photo credit: P.Naumann)

I do have quite a bit of trouble picturing an RF engineer making his way up the CN Tower, for example, with a benchtop instrument, so there must be some brave engineers who scale the heights – with their handhelds!

If it was I who had the responsibility of handling this instrument, I would be very much inclined to avail myself of the Anritsu Remote Access Tool, which lets the user sit in the comfort of his lab or office while controlling the spectrum analyzer over a LAN connection, and analyze data with the Anritsu Master Software Tools – in-between his sips of coffee.

But then some folks are made for reaching for the sky, and others are not.

Related articles

Anritsu webpage for Spectrum Master MS2720T

Enhanced by Zemanta
Please Share
Leave your comment

Six Top Reasons for Listing your Inventory on Used-Line.com

Please Share

 

Here’s the windup...

BaseBall Windup

Baseball Windup (Microsoft Office Image)

You mean you need a reason? Ok, so fine, we’ll give you six reasons. All six reasons are based on points that Used-Line customers have already made about Used-Line’s portal for used test, lab, and semiconductor equipment.

Used-Line appreciates customer feedback, both positive and negative. Well, mostly positive! But we are always ready to learn from our customers.

Let’s make one thing clear. There aren’t only six reasons for listing your equipment on Used-Line.com. We’re simply listing the TOP six reasons here. Our blog post would become a lengthy dissertation if we were to list them all. And you would probably get the point by the time you read Reason #73.

The six reasons we chose are those that we garnered from our customers’ feedback. You can read what our customers have said in their own words in our customer testimonials. Thank you, Used-Line customers!

…And here’s the pitch.

Baseball Pitch

Baseball Pitch (Microsoft Office Image) 

1. EXPOSURE

Used-Line exposes you to a large potential customer base. Used-Line visitors, whether dealers in the market for buying or selling equipment, or private buyers and sellers, learn to trust those users they conduct transactions with on Used-Line. It is easy on Used-Line to build your own network of long-term trustworthy dealers and customers because of the solid framework for conducting your business and because of the vast selection of equipment listings.

2. ADVERTISING RESOURCES

Billboards. Banners. Listings. Your own promotions.

Plane Banner

Plane Banner (Edited Microsoft Office Image)

The advertising packages available on Used-Line are both numerous and flexible. You can be up and running in a few minutes. A first-time visitor to the site can advertise his equipment in a listing right away, simply by completing an online form. For our more sophisticated brand boosting options or for a custom-designed strategy, you can contact a Used-Line Sales Rep directly. Used-Line understands that its users have many different requirements and budgets and, as a result, Used-Line offers many flexible options.

3. EXPANDING BORDERS
There is no need to restrict your customer base to a couple of city blocks.
Of course, borders in our world have fallen away with the globalization of markets via the Internet. However, Used-Line’s international Dealer Directory provides instant contact with a vast listing of registered dealers from all over the world. This both broadens your customer base, and gives you access to hard-to-find equipment that may be available in locales at a distance from your physical location.

4. TRIAL PERIOD
The one-month free trial of Used-Line advertising lets you test the system and examine your results. You should be able to gauge the potential ROI during this first month, as well as view your results with the Used-Line Statistics feature.

5. PRICE
Price means different things to different people. Price can mean the cost of your expenses for selling equipment via Used-Line. Price can mean the selling price of your equipment. Whatever it means to you, on Used-Line, you can find the price that works for you. If your equipment is on the lower end of the pricing scale, you will be able to find a pricing scheme for selling your equipment that may cost you nothing or next-to-nothing, but which will get you top dollar for your equipment. On the other hand, you can choose a budget-friendly package with the best results for selling your high-end equipment.

6. CUSTOMER SERVICE
A smile. A fast response time. Friendly advice. Flexibility. Full attention to your specific requirements. Professional. Goes the “extra mile”.

Need we say more?


Please Share
Leave your comment

Three Test & Measurement Instruments You Can Create with a Smartphone

Please Share

Should I be embarrassed to even admit that I don’t own any kind of smartphone? I own a Kindle. Does that count? Somehow, I don’t think so.

But despite not being able to try this out for myself unless I borrow my brother-in-law’s iPhone or my  niece’s Android phone, this is the first thing that has really tickled my fancy about smartphones (aside from Waze).
3 Test & Measurement Instruments You Can Create with a Smartphone Signal Generator, mixed signal… Click To Tweet

Test & Measurement Instruments

Test & Measurement Instruments

Anyway, back to the topic. I’m talking about turning your smartphone into a test & measurement instrument. Not a surprising development. And not that new, either. For some time now, we’ve been watching T&M instruments approach the size of smartphones. Handheld T&M instruments, while not necessarily offering the type of specs you’d find on a benchtop, have been finding their niche in the market as engineers are called upon more and more to leave their benches and go out into the field without the inconvenience of a heavy bag.

I don’t think smartphones are ruggedized enough yet to withstand the conditions that handheld T&M instruments are built for, although according to an article in the National Instruments Developer Zone, smartphones do have the potential to at the very least take over handheld  meters in the field.

Anyway, let’s take a look at just a few sample products (there are many more out there), and see what we can measure with a smartphone.

 The ‘Scope on a Phone

This should be a cinch, right? Simply show voltage over time? Yes, but what scope leads do you use? Do you need some sort of external hardware module? If you short two pins on your Device Under Test – will you fry your smartphone? What happens if your phone rings while you’re checking the output on pin 3 of your 7400? (I did not invent this question!)

In 2010, Onyx Apps introduced Oscilloscope 1.0 for iOS. The write-up on DailyAppShow describes the features and capabilities of this app, which can also generate sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms up to 22 kHz. Instead of using the  audio input, which is somewhat limiting in terms of sampling and frequency, the Onyx scope app uses the microphone or a device plugged into the microphone input. Today, Version 1.9 is available. This app offers many of the typical features you would find on a desktop oscilloscope, such as triggering modes (Normal, Single, and Auto), screen capturing ability, reference signal calibration, and more.

The Mixed Signal ‘Scope on a Phone

Believe it or not!

How did they do that? We can thank Oscium for its Model iMSO-104 mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO) for iPad and iPhone, which consists of a module that includes one 8-bit analog channel and a four-input digital harness.
3 Test & Measurement Instruments You Can Create with a Smartphone Signal Generator, mixed signal… Click To Tweet
You might need something a little more serious for devices in the GHz range, but with a 5 MHz analog bandwidth, a sample rate of 12 MS, and the ability to instantly probe a circuit from a tiny device powered by an iPhone or iPad, who’s complaining? The software app is super user-friendly, replacing knobs and buttons easily with those adept key strokes and finger swipes.

Here are some interesting pointers I learned from the FAQ on the Oscium site:

  • The analog channel can be used for measuring AC or DC. Maximum voltage range is -40 V to +40 V (10x mode).
  • Digital threshold is 1.7 V (fixed).
  • Triggering is available up to 100 ms. What’s really cool is that if your timescale goes higher, the triggering menu disappears. Although this can be scary when you first encounter this phenomenon, it’s a user-friendly tip once you’ve learned why or when this occurs.
  • The IMSO-104 is supported by iOS version 5.0 or higher.

 A Do-It-Yourself Signal Generator

Test & Measurement Instruments

Test & Measurement Instruments

An article that appeared this month in an EDN Network newsletter does not consider the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range of a smartphone’s audio plug to be a limitation. There’s a lot you can do in this range. The article suggests that many of the components in medical devices fit into the lower end of the range. Here are some examples found on the National Instruments site:

  • ECG (or EKG): 0.01 – 300 Hz
  • EEG (electroencephalogram): 0.1 – 100 Hz
  • EOG (electrooculograph): 0.1 – 10 Hz
  • EMG (electromyograph): 50 Hz – 3 kHz

With the availability of hardware and software for less than $20 (not counting the cost of the smartphone!), and some light labor (get out your soldering iron) you can be up and running in no time with two channels (your left and right stereo connections) generating sine, square, and sawtooth signals.


Please Share
Leave your comment

On Views, ClickThroughs, and RFQs: Tracking your Listings on Used-Line

Please Share

If you’re wondering why your listings on Used-Line.com generate many VIEWS, but a very low CTR (Clickthrough Rate) with a decided lack in RFQs, then you are asking the right questions.

How do you check if your ad (listing) is getting the views but not the clickthroughs?

Used-Line now offers a Statistics service that can show you all the activity taking place on your listings – both individual and overall listings. We previously discussed how to write a good sell ad for Used-Line. Now let’s find out if you really do need to work on your ads – or if, in fact, you are doing OK.

The new Used-Line Statistics service can tell you how your listings are doing by providing you with:

  • Instant views of the effectiveness of your listings overall
  • The ability to drill down into the specific statistics of individual ads

Okay. So how do we retrieve all this important information?

To view overall Statistics of all your Used-Line listings for each month

  1. Log in to your Used-Line account.
  2. To view overall statistics of all your listings, click Statistics under My Used-Line on the left side of the page. View statistics for your total listings for each month in the following four graphs:
    • RFQs received: Indicates how many Used-Line buyers sent you a Request for Quote (RFQ) for items you advertised.

      RFQs received

      RFQs received

    • Views – product pages: Indicates how many potential buyers saw your postings.

      How many users viewed listings

      How many users viewed your postings

    • Click-throughs to site: Indicates how many Used-Line visitors visited your company website.

      Number of click-throughs to your site

      Click-throughs to your site

    • Click – view phone: Indicates how many Used-Line visitors clicked the Seller phone number button in your ads.

      Number of users that clicked your Phone button.

      Number of users that clicked the Phone button.

To view statistics for your individual listings

  1. If you have not already done so, log in to your Used-Line account.
  2. To view individual listing statistics, click My Ads under My Used-Line on the left side of the page. Each ad is in the ItemID column in the My Ads tab. You can view the specific statistics for each of your ads in the four columns to the right of the ItemId column:
    • Views: The number of potential buyers that viewed the ad since it was first posted
    • Site: The number of Used-Line visitors that visited your company website by clicking the Visit Website button in the ad
    • RFQ: The number of RFQs that have been sent for the item you described in the ad
    • Phone: The number of Used-Line visitors that have clicked the Seller phone number button in the ad

Note: At times, you may want to update a listing because of new or changed information. This is fine, as long as you realize that your listing will be reset. When a listing is reset, the statistics for that listing are reset. As a result, only the statistics for the most recent version of your ad will be shown.

So, let’s get tracking!


Please Share
Leave your comment