- Authors
- Name
- Derek (SpecSniffer)
I've wasted money on junk equipment. Meters that drift. Scopes that lie. Power supplies that catch fire (almost).
This is the gear I actually trust on my bench. Everything here has been tested. Not "reviewed" from a press kit. Tested. Measured. Used until something broke or until I trusted it.
Some links are affiliate links. I only link to products I own and use.
Multimeters
Aneng AN8008 (~$25)
This is the budget king. True RMS, decent accuracy, doesn't lie to you.
What I measured:
- DC voltage accuracy within 0.5% of my Fluke reference
- AC RMS actually works (verified against known loads)
- Continuity beep is fast enough to be useful
Limitations:
- Input protection is adequate, not great. Don't probe mains with this.
- Leads are mediocre. Replace them.
Verdict: Best value under $50. I keep one as a backup.
UNI-T UT61E+ (~$80)
When you need better accuracy and logging.
What I measured:
- 22000 count display. Actually useful resolution.
- USB data logging works with Sigrok.
- True RMS on AC.
Limitations:
- Software is Windows-only garbage. Use Sigrok.
- Still not a Fluke. Don't bet your life on it.
Verdict: Solid mid-range. Good for development work.
Oscilloscopes
Hantek DSO2D10 (~$180)
2-channel, 100MHz, built-in signal generator. Ridiculous value.
What I measured:
- Bandwidth actually hits 100MHz (verified with known source)
- Timebase is accurate enough for most work
- Signal generator outputs clean waveforms to ~10MHz
Limitations:
- UI is clunky. Budget scope, budget interface.
- Sample memory is limited. Don't try deep captures.
- Fan is loud on some units.
Verdict: If you need a real scope and have $200, this is it.
Soldering
FNIRSI HS-02B (~$50)
Portable soldering iron. USB-C PD powered. Actually good.
What I measured:
- Heats to 350°C in under 10 seconds from cold
- Temperature stability within ±5°C once settled
- Tips are JBC-clone compatible (huge win)
Limitations:
- Needs a 65W+ PD power source. Weak chargers won't cut it.
- Handle gets warm on long sessions.
Verdict: Replaced my Hakko for portable work.
TS101 (~$70)
The upgrade from the TS100. Same idea, better execution.
What I measured:
- STM32 brain. Firmware is open and hackable.
- OLED display is crisp.
- Heats even faster than the FNIRSI.
Limitations:
- Power barrel connector. Not USB-C without an adapter.
- Stock tips are fine but aftermarket varies wildly.
Verdict: Best portable iron if you want firmware control.
Power Supplies
RD6006 + Enclosure (~$80-100)
Buck converter module with a good interface. Add your own 24-48V input supply.
What I measured:
- Output regulation within 10mV under load
- Current limit actually works and trips correctly
- Wifi/USB logging is functional
Limitations:
- You need to provide input power. This is just the DC-DC stage.
- Calibration drifts slightly over time. Recalibrate yearly.
Verdict: Best value bench supply if you're willing to DIY the enclosure.
ESD Protection
Anti-static mat + wrist strap (~$15-25)
Not optional. Protect your parts.
What I actually use:
- Generic silicone mat from Amazon. Works fine.
- Wrist strap with alligator clip to the mat.
- Ground the mat to earth ground.
Test it: Use a meter to verify continuity from your wrist to earth. If it's open, something is wrong.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I've actually tested on my own bench.
The Short List
| Tool | Use Case | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aneng AN8008 | Budget multimeter | ~$25 |
| UNI-T UT61E+ | Better multimeter | ~$80 |
| Hantek DSO2D10 | Budget oscilloscope | ~$180 |
| FNIRSI HS-02B | Portable soldering | ~$50 |
| RD6006 | Bench power supply | ~$80 |
Trust the datasheet. Then trust the scope. Measure it. Do not guess.
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