After reading about this idea on John Boxall’s blog, tronixstuff , I thought it was an interesting approach to a more powerful AVR solution while keeping the Arduino format and importantly, being able to use existing shields.. Recommended as it is being supported by Freetronics, who make great stuff.

Bought an OWON PDS6060 DSO on eBay with a faulty screen. Was able to source a replacement and once fitted the unit worked, and after a bit of PCB cleaning and joint rework, the traces were in spec and looking good..

Update: both these units sold on eBay quite quickly

With the web connection, you could drive them from anywhere in the world..and they look cute!

Was working on an old Fluke 8000 DMM – appears to have a damaged special IC, so probably not repairable unless another broken 8000 turns up!

I have a faulty Fluke 1900A counter on the bench now – having another working unit allows testing of socketed special IC’s and the front end ECL module – they all work so the problem is somewhere in the main board TTL/CMOS.

The Tek 2430 is gone (sold on eBay) had obscure problems that were going to take too long to fix – Uni Tri. 1 starts on Monday 20 Feb, and I didn’t have the time/space..

My only concern is that there is no current limiting, which is vital to avoid damage due to shorts or wrong connections to your protoboard etc.  Implementing this may be worth looking at, without making a neat project too complex.  I have a couple of Arlec transformers that may be suitable if I can live with lower total current.

You can get shoebox sized containers with lids for $4 ea and half that size for $2.50, also some nice small screwtop food containers (ideal for screws from disassembling stuff) for $1.25.  Bunnings also have a range of cheap clear plastic boxes with adjustable dividers.

For many years, I saved tofu containers and yoghurt tubs for parts etc, but they did not have lids and eventually cracked/broke. Containers with lids are the way for space-constrained workshops!