VOTE Now! on the 2017 element14 RoadTesters of the Year

Just some thoughts on ways of rewarding the road testers based on the comments so far. This isn't meant as a dig at anyone, the manufacturers or element14, so please don't take it in that way.

1) Could the manufacturers offer a prize for the road test they thought was the best? For example, for the insulation tester that was reviewed, would Megger have been prepared to pick the best out of the three reviews and then send that reviewer the rechargeable battery upgrade for the unit, or a set of fused test leads? I am thinking something small that enhances the product already supplied that the reviewer would appreciate. That may also encourage a higher quality review and indeed to get the review done within the 60 days. Alternatively, I know Megger have a monthly industry circular, if people prefer further recognition for their efforts, could their review be included as an article in the next circular? Just depends on who the manufacturer is and what they are able / prepared to offer. I am also thinking that this would allow a manufacturer to offer more basic units for road test, which would reduce their costs / risks and then offer upgrades for the best road test or even completed ones.

2) A different idea, more driven by element 14, would be to select the best road test monthly and then have those 12 reviews entered into the end of year poll. So I am thinking that in February 2018, all the road tests posted in January 2018 are reviewed by element14 staff and may be include some of the top members on a rolling basis and the best road test selected. Then in March 2018, the best selected from those posted in February 2018 and so on. Finally in January 2019, the best from December 2018 can be selected and then all 12 voted on by the entire community. That way the recognition can be spread throughout the year and there is less likelihood of a good review either at the beginning or end of the year missed. Could be a small monthly prize similar to the first idea and then a larger prize for the best of the year or best three etc.

These are by no means complete solutions and they each have their pros and cons, they are just ideas floating around in my head after reading various posts.

Kind regards

Just some thoughts on ways of rewarding the road testers based on the comments so far. This isn't meant as a dig at anyone, the manufacturers or element14, so please don't take it in that way.

1) Could the manufacturers offer a prize for the road test they thought was the best? For example, for the insulation tester that was reviewed, would Megger have been prepared to pick the best out of the three reviews and then send that reviewer the rechargeable battery upgrade for the unit, or a set of fused test leads? I am thinking something small that enhances the product already supplied that the reviewer would appreciate. That may also encourage a higher quality review and indeed to get the review done within the 60 days. Alternatively, I know Megger have a monthly industry circular, if people prefer further recognition for their efforts, could their review be included as an article in the next circular? Just depends on who the manufacturer is and what they are able / prepared to offer. I am also thinking that this would allow a manufacturer to offer more basic units for road test, which would reduce their costs / risks and then offer upgrades for the best road test or even completed ones.

2) A different idea, more driven by element 14, would be to select the best road test monthly and then have those 12 reviews entered into the end of year poll. So I am thinking that in February 2018, all the road tests posted in January 2018 are reviewed by element14 staff and may be include some of the top members on a rolling basis and the best road test selected. Then in March 2018, the best selected from those posted in February 2018 and so on. Finally in January 2019, the best from December 2018 can be selected and then all 12 voted on by the entire community. That way the recognition can be spread throughout the year and there is less likelihood of a good review either at the beginning or end of the year missed. Could be a small monthly prize similar to the first idea and then a larger prize for the best of the year or best three etc.

These are by no means complete solutions and they each have their pros and cons, they are just ideas floating around in my head after reading various posts.

Kind regards

Interesting concepts. I like the idea of additional incentive after the equipment is delivered. Software licenses might be a good example.

This format is already possible - and there have been road tests where there were prizes for the best road test.

TI and Würth Elektronik LED RoadTest+

I think it results in more creative and comprehensive road tests.

Software licenses or firmware upgrades are an excellent example, quick and relatively inexpensive for a manufacturer to provide. I have a Rigol power supply next to me that comes with a standard 10mV resolution, but you can purchase an upgrade code to give it a 1mV resolution. Standard 10mV resolution for road test item, with best road test getting the 1mV upgrade code.

Interesting that the road test you linked to specified some requirements for the review, such as the unboxing video. This doesn't seem to happen with the ones I have looked at, leaving it more to what the proposer offers to do. I guess not specifying the requirements gives more innovative applications but makes it harder to know that the manufacturer's expectations for the road test are being met.

Kind regards

All Roadtesters are winners!

Especially those who receive expensive kit.

Those who have posted great reviews in the past have had the privilege of participating in Roadtests of equipment of higher value such as Doug and Inderpreet who road tested a 2.5GSPS Digital Oscilloscope.

three-phase

I like both of your suggestions, but number 2 has the most potential IMO.

It is hard to compare a RT on an Arduino kit, with a some of the hugely more expensive Test Equipment.

While either could produce a minimal review, or a very comprehensive review, it's more likely that the more expensive one will have a lot more content.

Hopefully our discussions have refocused the award onto the review and not reviewers, and also to allow all of that year into the voting.

I think a random draw of 4 completed reviews for acknowledgement is another thought.

This means anyone could be a winner/acknowledged.

Mark

Agreed.

The RT experience is very fulfilling.