What kind of hardware would you like to see RoadTested?

cstanton  wrote:

 

I wonder how best we could prepare someone to RoadTest components - some assumption may have to be made as to whether or not the person testing it has the relevant equipment to be able to put it through its paces, or it may have to be paired with some other hardware - how could you see it working?

I tried to show in this post and comment that you don't need to break the bank to do fundamental reviews.

I think the present mix has been really good.  I personally would prefer to see more sensors and evaluation kits for new and interesting devices.

This is not a comprehensive list but an example of ranking tests in order of most interest:

1. microcontroller modules
2. interface modules
3. sensors
4. fabrication machines (3D printers, CNC, circuit printers, laser cutters, etc)
5. power supplies
6. test and measurement instrumentation (DMMs, Scopes, analyzers, calipers, light meters, sound meters, etc)
7. fabrication instruments (soldering stations, welders, heat guns, microscopes, etc)
8. tools
9. active components
10. passive components
11. communications modules
12. FPGA

Agreed, some of the specialized gear takes very specific set of tools and skills, but it is always useful to know if we have anyone capable in that category.

DAB

I have to agree with roadtesting "all of the above" although there are some I might be less interested in than others.  I already have lots of ''real tools" so it would have to be something really interesting for me.  But I like reading what others have to say about such things and occasionally buy something new as a result.  Another difficult one is microcontrollers since it took time to gain familiarity with the ones I use and learning to use another would require a compelling reason to spend the learning effort.

Actually there's some kit that has been difficult to.... not going to provide a concise list though

Very tough to answer this question. I really love single board computers but that doesn't mean that I don't want to Roadtest a new sensor board or a microcontroller kit.

My answer would be " If the electronic item looks interesting to me, overlaps with my area of expertise and I think I can write a good review on the same then I will go for it"

I agree, there is such a diverse group of people at element14 that you can probably find people for whatever you find to road-test.

DAB

There needs to be a category for "all of the above".

The ranking may change depending on my mood, but all of these, and more, are of interest.

cstanton  wrote:

 

I wonder how best we could prepare someone to RoadTest components - some assumption may have to be made as to whether or not the person testing it has the relevant equipment to be able to put it through its paces, or it may have to be paired with some other hardware - how could you see it working?

The easiest way is to road test the manufacturer's evaluation boards. We've had a few of those (Infineon for FET / Stepper / LED drivers, TI for converters).

I'd think that a decent amount of members over here are in position to validate these interesting (but when compared to test instruments, lower cost) building blocks.