Atlas Peak Component Tester

[soundguy]

In the 1176 thread, MrShhh reccomended the atlas peak component analyzer. I got one and its really really great. Its definitely a crutch, but for someone like myself with limited experience it makes things SOOOOOO much easier, this will cut your need for data sheets in half. Its kinda pricey but not so expensive that you cant justify it as a guilty pleasure. I got mine direct from atlas and they shipped to the USA no problem, you can see the website here:

http://www.peakelec.co.uk/content/products/atlasca.html

I reccomend this to anyone who doesnt have 15 years of experience handling transistors. Seems like they make some other pretty handy items as well, take a look.

I cant tell you guys how many times I put a transistor in a socket the wrong way because I had the incorrect pinout and then spent days trying to figure out what I did wrong. At the very least, this tester makes that kind of thing idiot proof right now, which I definitely will benefit from.

dave

 

[matta]

Hah hah!

So funny Dave, I've actually been chatting to Peak today about getting one! I'm glad you gave it the thumbs up. I want it to match transistors. The Hfe is very accurate and they say it is more accurate than any DVM. The VBE is + - 2% off, which is around 20mV, which is not great, but the Hfe makes it worth it for me, plus the pin out detection, though Frank did teach me how to do basic PNP/NPN checks with a standard multimeter. What color did you get? I'm guessing translucent blue? LOL!

Thanks again for the heads up.

Cheers

Matt

 

[Steve Jones]

These things are fantastic, I use one all the time. Just don't ever be tempted to try and use it to test in-circuit.... Always remove the component first.

 

[orange]

thumbs up from me too....I think i might have got mine from maplins in the uk for the same price as atlas direct.

si

 

[ToobieSnack]

so... what was the cost on one of these?

they look like a very helpful/valuable tool.

thanks
ts

PS didn't see a price on the website

 

[Mendelt]

Yeah looks like something for my wish list... damn... still have to wait for my birthday 22nd december... :sad:

Their LCR meter looks usefull too for the people who want to wind their own inductors.

 

[matta]

Mine shipped today! Will get it next week.... Darn you Dave.... I hate sitting on the fence! Hah hah. I'ms ure there will be no buyers remorse

Cheers

Matt

 

[Mendelt]

I got mine today, together with their LCR meter.

These things really kick ass! just clip on the component push a button and all the info you need appears on the screen. I actually just wanted a good LCR meter to measure DIY inductors but these are both really usefull. (don't think i'll be using my crappy voltcraft multimeter much anymore)