I mean, my first measurement tool was probably a little wooden ruler when I was a kid...

Hi all. My first measurement tool was a Radio Shack TRMS multi-meter along with extra leads that I bought because it seemed pretty inexpensive and complete. Unfortunately I no longer have it. I used it in a field service job at which I had to supply many of my own tools and equipment, many years ago and it got either misplaced or stolen. Later I got to use Fluke 87 and 187 meters, Tektronix and Agilent ‘scopes, spectrum analyzers, wave meters, Melles Griot Power meters and things like that at other jobs, but they weren’t mine.  

Jon

I'm a software developer, so I know how mach is important to testing and debugging.

I'm new to electronics and, until now, I didn't even know that's possble to test and debug electronic circuits, so I'm very intereste in a test and measurement tool.

I'm planning to use it on a Raspberry Pi project with an application connected to a smartphone.

back in the early 90's I bought an old analog volt and amp multimeter to test a car (min cooper) wiring loom. I still have it but currently moved house so its in one of these many boxes that still need sorting out.

This was my first piece of test equipment; a multimeter.  Not sure when I got it exactly, late '90s some time I guess.  Almost certainly bought by my dad from the big blue Farnell catalogue over the phone.  When I was looking it up the datasheet is still available from Farnell UK (http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/301738.pdf ).  I think it arrived in time to help out with the last iterations of my Lego city where I was using LEDs and torch bulbs to illuminate my buildings.  Then I got into building amateur Robot Wars machines for competitions with school friends.  I've still got it, there's a better one at the top of my toolbox now but this one's still very reliable and is often pulled out if I want to measure current and voltage at the same time.  It's had a few new batteries a couple of fuses and a new set of test probes but I can't think of another electronic gadget I've used so consistently for over 20 years.  As a first piece of test equipment a multi meter is hard to beat!

My First Test tool was a DIY continuity tester. I was around 8 at the time and was starting electronics by reading books.(Yes I was born a nerd). I could not afford a multimeter so I used a two AA cells with a 3V lamp. I could not solder so I used electric tape to hold things together. I had a small briefcase that I used to put everything in and I am told, I was responsible for taking apart a few fans in the neighbourhood.

Those have since been replaces three decades ago and my hobby of repairing flashlights and radios has become much more complicated since.

My first ever measurement tool and a measurement goto tool is my steel ruler! From my pcb designs, glass mosaics, clay sculptures, even while soldering. that ruler always comes through. When it comes to testing, my favriote tool is the DSO, I dont have one, so I use the one at my college and at my place of work, but working and debugging with a DSO, that to a 4 channel one is an absolute treat.

I have been using that steel ruler forever, I can't imagine my workspace without it. I have been looking at different options of DSOs available to add to my collection and workspace but for now I am okay with using the one available at my institute.

My first test instrument was a borrowed Simpson bench meter. I didn’t many projects and repairs in my dads shop with it

Hi elf14 team,

I am thankful for this opportunity to share my first test experience which happened when I was a high school student not much know how to use a multi meter.

I saw many times my brother, an motor mechanic & electrician who used multi meter for checking and repairing.

One day while my bro is not in home, I was motivated to know how does that stuff works. I wanted to check what is the exact volts my home current uses. So I switch the multi meter volt function(not correct)  and plug the two terminal into wall socket (pluged wrongly due to lack of knowledge) and switch ON.

Suddenly, with a spark and sound the socket fired and multi meter went down.(later I was beaten by my brother)

After that I have passion to learn and gain knowledge in electronics and electrical, also make it as my career.

Now I share my knowledge with neighbourhood, students and make them skilled in testing and electronics.

It would be very much helpful, If I get this test and measurement tool bundle from Element14.

Jeffry Sharon

India

One of these Amprobe A/C current testers (picture from Amprobe) was my first testing tool. I learned (and subsequently forgot) how to diagnose water well submersible pump failures with one of these working with my dad. He was the last of the families 3-generation water well installation and service business. I'm sure he still has one, but is now retired and sold his pump truck.

Now I'm a scientist and research groundwater contamination. The apple often doesn't fall far from the tree.