| To be able to test electronic components | | | | also explains which equipment to use for particular |
| accurately is essential to identifying faults for any | | | | jobs, how you actually employ that equipment, |
| electronic repairer. Top quality electronic testing | | | | what to test for and in what sequence. It's all |
| equipment is therefore much sought after. | | | | very well to have superior testing equipment to |
| If you are involved in electronic repairs, | | | | hand but if there is no methodology to follow in |
| professionally or just as a hobby, you will know | | | | testing, you will just be wasting your time. |
| just how much time good equipment saves you. | | | | Without doubt, working out how to test electronic |
| Normally, however, this type of equipment to | | | | components can become quite complex. Much like |
| test electronic components can be relatively | | | | wiring a house or office, without proper plans to |
| expensive, especially for do it yourself enthusiasts | | | | work from, even the experts can become |
| and people thinking about starting a small or | | | | confused. If your systems of fault identification |
| part-time business. | | | | aren't clear and easy to follow, frustration and |
| What many people are unaware of is just how | | | | disaster lie ahead. So, make sure any guide |
| easy it is to make your own gear and multimeter | | | | includes easily comprehensible diagrams and |
| to test electronic components to the standards of | | | | descriptions. |
| top of the range brands, but at a fraction of the | | | | Ensure your guide does not just cover the basics. |
| cost. All you need is the necessary know-how. | | | | Part of the reason for making your own kit to |
| There are some guides available to show | | | | test electronic components is to give yourself an |
| beginners how to test electronic components and | | | | advantage over other electronics testers. Most |
| how to repair electronic devices and appliances. | | | | equipment that is declared unrepairable is, in fact, |
| You should be looking for the following things | | | | eminently repairable. Normally the tester simply |
| when evaluating such a guide. | | | | has not been able to identify the problem; if he |
| Good electronic test guides should include the | | | | could identify the fault, it is not usually beyond |
| following: | | | | repair. |
| First, check the author's credentials. Does he | | | | Ensure any manual also covers testing for faults |
| perform professional electronic repairs? Is he an | | | | and shorts using an analogue meter and how to |
| electronics testing instructor? Do his instructions | | | | make such a meter. It will prove to be invaluable |
| appear to be easy to follow and well laid out? | | | | in cases where a digital meter has its inherent |
| Does he offer a guarantee if you are not fully | | | | shortcomings. |
| satisfied with his manual? Does he identify being | | | | So, to reiterate, superior testing equipment is |
| able to test electronic components with electronic | | | | essential, but no less important is having foolproof |
| repair? He should be aware that repairs are | | | | plans of testing to work through so the fault is |
| straightforward if you have the correct | | | | not missed. The order of testing is important in |
| equipment to identify problems. And is his manual | | | | the sense of saving time by testing for the most |
| reasonably priced? | | | | common faults first and so on. A good guide |
| Secondly, make sure any guide not only explains | | | | should also include a comprehensive |
| how to make your own testing equipment but | | | | troubleshooting section. |