What is "Refurbished?"

We get a lot of questions about what we do to "refurbish" a particular piece of test equipment.  It depends to a large extent on what the equipment is and what condition it is in when we receive it.

All equipment is first given a basic power-on test and any internal diagnostics are run.  Once we know that the unit is fundamentally operational, we open the case and inspect the interior, paying particular attention to power supply capacitors and any power resistors.  If we notice any leakage or bulging of caps or the like, anything that makes us suspicious, we replace the parts.  If power resistors look burnt, they are replaced as well.  When replacing power resistors, we stand them off from the PC board whenever possible to limit any discoloration of the PC material.  This is also better for the resistor, as the added lead length acts as an additional heat sink.  We pay particular attention to any small tantalum capacitors; these can be troublesome, especially the "orange drop" style.  If we find one bad capacitor, we will replace them all.  In our experience we have found that they will typically fail close together, so it's better just to take care of them all at once.

The interior of the cabinet is checked for cleanliness, loose or missing hardware, etc., and any deficiencies are replaced.   Any memory backup batteries are tested and inspected and replaced if necessary.  All exposed switch contacts are cleaned and then lubricated with an electronic grade lubricant.  Any potentiometers are cleaned if they are "open case" design.  If they are sealed pots, they are checked for noisy spots and replaced if at all possible.*  Any indicating lamps or scale illumination lamps are inspected and replaced if burned out or questionable.   Cooling fans are inspected, filters cleaned or replaced, and fan motors lubricated if needed. 

Next we perform a full functional test of the equipment.  If we find that a function does not perform as indicated, we will either repair it, disclose it in the sales write-up, or scrap the unit for parts.  If we repair the unit, we repeat the functional test and re-calibrate as necessary and within the limits of our in-house equipment.  Our in-house testing equipment consists of several frequency counters, two oscilloscopes, several RF signal generators and function generators, multiple DVMs, an RF Voltmeter, a distortion analyzer, a time mark generator, a pulse generator, a spectrum analyzer, and various current probes, LRC meters, etc. We also maintain a good stock of components for most Fluke, Tektronix, WaveTek and HP equipment, as well as many other brands.  Regarding calibration, we are not a calibration lab but our test equipment is in good repair and we perform any calibrations as outlined in the equipment service manual when we perform repairs.  You are assured of 100% functionality with one exception, we don't test IEEE-488 bus (GPIB) operation, we just don't have the capability.  This doesn't necessarily mean that a 488 interface won't work, just that we can't test it. 

Finally, the cases and front panels are fully cleaned with an appropriate solvent and the equipment is reassembled and burned-in for anywhere from 1 to 4 hours.  If a case is badly scratched we will from time to time have it repainted, but this is more the exception than the rule.  It takes a lot of time to do a repainting and we reserve it for a worst case situation.  We have very close matches for Textronix and HP colors.   A second abbreviated functional test is performed just prior to boxing for shipment.  We also maintain copies of service manuals on CD for most of the equipment we sell, and frequently offer them with the equipment in any sale at no additional charge through agreements with various manual suppliers.

NEW:  As of January of 2009, we have acquired a new GPS disciplined oscillator which will allow us to calibrate all frequency dependent instruments to an accuracy of better than 1 part per billion (actually in some cases better than 0.1 ppb).  We will use this oscillator to calibrate all frequency counters and we are also using it to maintain our in-house frequency counters and time mark generators. The new GPS oscillator will allow us to confidently specify as "calibrated" any frequency devices within its range.  Full details will be specified in individual listings.  In December of 2008 we acquired a precision 5.000 Volt reference for verifying the display of scopes and mulitmeters and to act as a reference for our in-house equipment. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible instrumentation.

What is "Refurbished" to Other Sellers?

We will from time to time buy equipment from eBay or other sites and often see the term "refurbished."  I have taken the time to email a lot of these sellers asking them what they do to "refurbish" their equipment.  I get quite a varied response.  Some sellers do a very good job and I am impressed with their replies.  However, many sellers simply tell me they "cleaned off the dust" or "we plugged it in and it lights up."   So my message to any buyer is to make sure you find out what the seller does to claim the term "refurbished" in the listing.

If you buy from us, you are buying a piece of equipment that has been thoroughly inspected and tested.  Unless stated otherwise in the listing, we offer a 7-day, no questions asked return policy and a 30-day warranty.  Some items or components may be warranted for a longer period.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know us.  If you ever have any questions or concerns of any kind or just want more pictures, don't hesitate to email (Erevisited@aol.com) or call us at 978-464-5797.  We will do our best to make your purchase a pleasant one.

* We replace potentiometers if possible.  Many pots are product specific and have attached switches, etc., sometimes making replacement almost impossible to remain at all cost effective.  If a pot is too noisy and we cannot replace it or clean it, we will disclose it in the listing.  If we are selling the item as operational, it means even though a potentiometer might be noisy, it will settle down.  In the great majority of cases this is typically only seen in the older model equipment, circa 1960-1970 or so -- we don't have too much of that around.  We prefer to sell newer equipment.