Tools

Just like to take a minute to talk about the tools I use every day.  I have a logic analyzer I use all the time it is by Saleae.  This analyzer does all kinds of cool stuff.  It does the normal logic analyzer function of looking at logic levels versus time but, it can decode these signals in many different ways.  It has an async serial analyzer, an I2C protocol analyzer, and an SPI protocol analyzer just to name a few.  It is a very powerful and like I said I use it every day.  Buy one!  You will not be disappointed.

I also have a USB based oscilloscope.  You may think that it is a wimpy machine but it cost me about $1500 and is a dual channel 200 mhz scope.  It is very nice and I use it occasionally.  I don’t use it as much as I use my logic analyzer.  It is by Pico Technology.

I also have a couple of USB protocol analyzers.  I don’t use them as much as I use the above two tools.  This tool comes from Total Phase and is called the Beagle USB 480.

I have a weller soldering iron that I use daily.  I’m always making a change to a circuit board and have to use the iron to do it.

I have a stereo microscope by AmScope.  This particular item I use maybe twice to four times a month.  Not all that often but, when you need it you really need it.  My eyes aren’t what they use to be so I need the help.  The stereo scope makes it nice to view boards or what ever else you are interested in looking at.  I didn’t cut any corners on this.  I bought one that had good magnification and a zoom feature.  That is essential in my opinion.  I also bought a ring of LED’s to provide light for the microscope.

I have an SMD rework station that I turn on a couple of times a year.