For ppl that have one, what do you all use for equipment on your test bench?

I'd like to be able to power up gear for simple testing etc and need to know what a "simple" test bench would consist of

And how much of a budget would be needed to make one?

 

Simple Meaning? Bench $100, power supplies and battery $500, Testing equipment and odds and ends $100-300

Power Supply 75A - http://www.cascadeaudio.com/power_co.../aps-75-lg.jpg
Battery - http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Marine/MarineBatteries/PRDOVR~0102493P/Motomaster%252BNautilus%252BMarine%252BStarting%25 2BBattery.jsp?locale=en
Power Supply 10A for Radio, lights, Neon - Pyramid PS15KX Power Supply 13.8 VDC 10A | Parts-Express.com
Wall Mounted Volt Meter - The Install Bay
Circuit Tester - The Install Bay
Soldering Kit - The Install Bay



Wall mount everything with peg board.
Wire the 75a power supply with Anderson connectors(The Install Bay) so you can quick disconnect the amps without powering down the power supply.

Connect the second 10a power supply directly to a barrier strip so you have the option to connect more then one device.

Circuit tester is a great device to use instead of AA battery to test you speakers.

To me this is the basic of basic for Car Audio Day-to-Day test. After that you would get into oscilloscope, multiple voltmeters and clamp meters ect

Hope this helps

 

Anything more simple...lol

Thanks bro, I see I have some collecting to do much more than I originally thought for gear

Any recomedations for a portable oscope

I`ve been eyeing the velleman hp40

 

If the oscope is strictly for testing for clipping, I read on Steve Meade's forum that he's working with the designer behind the Rockford 15k do develop a distortion meter, and its "supposed" to be crazy accurate for the price he's gonna sell it for.

If not I know there are ones you can buy that is built into a dmm. For actual scopes I think you're gonna have people name some brands that neither you nor I have heard of.

 

Yeah bro, you pegged it.
Just don't want to be blowing more subs because I'm gain happy you know ... Although there is a few other readings I thought would be cool to have an oscope for, saving the gear will be its use for now.

The hp40 is pretty pricey in my books for what I want it for at the moment. I wonder what the best buy is for an oscope that is strictly for clip testing. Tell Meade to get it done. Any more on this?

I've seen some real cheesy/cheap ones, raw boards etc, no brand names , sad looking screens.

Anything "good" under $100 I wonder? I don't really mind if I've never heard of it, as long as it works and doesn't break the bank

 

Aside from a DMM and o'scope, you should be able to make a decent test bench out of a spare/old deck, small amp, pair of coaxials, and battery. Buy some barrier strips, binding posts, and push terminals and you'll be well equipped for under $50.

 

Thanks guys, I have a better idea of what I'll need for a simple or better bench..

Thanks for the links Avidedtr..... I take it those prices are what may be called "good" prices?

 

Maybe Yes Maybe No on Prices....they are examples to quide you to what you may or may not need.

 

Gotcha, will shop around