Marshall's Plans: Advanced Testing For DIY Projects

Marshall's Plans Kathryn Taylor

I’m always tinkering with cars and building strange machines, so it’s crucial that I have the right electronic test and measurement equipment handy. Last month I showed off the gear I use the most often in my shop. But at times, I need more specialized gadgets to make sure my projects are the right length, speed or voltage. This is the gear I turn to when the basics aren’t enough.

Sound-Pressure Meter:  Kathryn Taylor

SOUND-PRESSURE METER

When it comes to estimating the intensity of loud sounds, the ear is not very reliable. A sound-pressure meter can help. My American Recorder Technologies meter will measure anything between 30 dB and 130 dB.

Noncontact Tachometer:  Kathryn Taylor

NONCONTACT TACHOMETER

The things with rotational speeds I want to measure also tend to be things I don’t want to put my hands into, so I stay safe by using my Monarch noncontact tachometer.

Logic Analyzer:  Kathryn Taylor

LOGIC ANALYZER

When working with digital circuits, I use a logic analyzer to translate communication between chips. For example, I’m working on a project with sensors speaking SPI to PICs, which in turn speak Modbus to a master over an RS-485 serial bus. In English, that’s a lot of chatter between chips, and my Saleae Logic16 tells me what they’re saying.

Bus Pirate:  Kathryn Taylor

BUS PIRATE

This tool greatly simplifies prototyping. It can speak most common bus protocols, which allows me to play with new chips from a serial console or in software before building hardware around them.