Save on Willtek / Aeroflex Mobile Phone Testers

If you have software written for the Willtek line of mobile phone testers then we have several units in stock you may have interest in. When Willtek was acquired by Aeroflex in late 2010 they continued to manufacture, support and re brand some of these of products. One such mobile phone tester is the Willtek 4403.

Off Lease Single User Willtek 4403 for Sale

Aeroflex is now producing the 4403 under the Aeroflex brand. Our Willtek units have upgraded to Aeroflex OS and the newest firmware. The outside equipment case may have the Willtek logo, but the splash screen displays Aeroflex. These are current Aeroflex upgraded units at a significant savings. Options include CDMA2000, 1xEV-DO, 4400-CDMA and OXCO. Can these be upgraded to perform 4G testing? Sorry no 4G testing upgrades are available for these 3G models. Aeroflex continues to support the 4403 and a date of discontinue has not been determined for them. Since not all companies need 4G test capability, one can buy these at a fraction of list price. We also have the Willtek 4921 RF Shield box and the related 4916 antenna coupler for turn key wireless testing and production.

The Willtek 2201 is Perfect for Repair Shops

This user friendly ProLock instrument is for GSM, GPRS and WCDMA repair, depending on options. This is a 3G instrument, if you require 4G it falls short as well. Connectors on the back of this tester allows for a clean workbench eliminating cabling confusion in front. Accessories include the antenna coupler and shield box profiled above.  Recommended by many mobile phone vendors such as RIM for BlackBerry device testing and very popular for easy, simple Go/NO GO testing. All firmware can be updated to the current Rev level at no additional cost.

The 4400M Tester is Dedicated to GSM

The Wavetek / Willtek 4400M is a low price tester for small cell phone repair shops. When Aeroflex purchased Willtek, these Wavetek branded testers came along from a previous acquisition to round out the family of 3G products. Whatever your budget, we can fill the need and can also offer a lease to own program to smooth out your payments. We have more 4200 and 4300 Series testers to choose from including the 4201, 4202 and 4303. These mobile phone testers are approved by vendors such as Motorola, HTC, Nokia and Samsung, with many of these companies assisting in the design and actual product development.

So What 4G Testers are Replacing These?

The front-runner replacement for 4G mobile device test is the more expensive but excellent R&S CMW500 as previously highlighted in this blog. As of this date, Aeroflex has not announced successor units or hardware updates that can be used for low cost LTE device test. But the demand for 3G testers still is present, driven by the needs of developing countries where the mobile phone per capita percentage is low as compared to more developed countries with higher per capita usage. For a first time user, 3G speeds and features are a wonderful experience.

Diagnostic Insulation Testing Digest

Insulation defects are the most common cause of electrical failure or damage. Regular testing of the quality of the insulation is a decisive part of every maintenance program.

Megger MIT1020-2

Only by regular testing can you get the information required to minimize Equipment failure and to plan investments and maintenance programs. Comparing the results of a simple test of the insulation resistance against the limits established for the equipment gives a pass/fail decision. But is a “pass” really a good result? What does fail mean? Where is the problem?

Induced Currents

When we subject a test object to a test voltage, we can measure the induced current and calculate the insulation resistance using Ohm’s law. Unfortunately, the picture is complicated by the fact that the instrument will display a result which is the sum of the following components;

• Capacitive charging current
• Absorption- or polarizing current
• Surface leakage current
• Leakage current

The capacitive charging current quickly falls to zero, whereas the absorption current falls more slowly as the molecules in the insulation become polarized. After this charging period, just the leakage current and the surface leakage current remain. Understanding these currents and applying some of the following diagnostic techniques which are built into some of Megger’s latest insulation testers allows the operator to better understand the quality of the insulation and identify problems. Each test is designed to offer a different insight into the condition of the insulation. Test voltages no more than 10kV ensure these tests are totally none destructive to insulation, the aim after all is to analyze and diagnose the condition of insulation not over stress it.

Megger MIT400-EN
Insulation and Continuity Tester – The new Megger MIT400 Series insulation and continuity testers has been designed for electrical testing by power utilities, industrial, telecommunication companies, commercial and domestic electricians.

Guard Terminal

Surface leakage current can be diverted round the test instrument measurement circuit using the guard terminal Surface leakage current between the test leads will be present if the insulation is contaminated by dampness, grease or salts. However always check the performance of the Guard terminal when selecting an instrument. Megger provides this important information.

Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR)

Good insulation will show increasing resistance during the test as the charging currents disappear. In poor insulation the high leakage currents will hide the charging currents, and a graph of the insulation resistance over time will show a much flatter curve. With certain insulating materials it can take hours for the insulation to become polarized and for the absorption current to fall to zero. How can you make a quick evaluation of the insulation in such situations? Based upon the principle of good insulation showing an increasing insulation resistance test result with time, the DAR is a ratio derived from two results at particular points in time during a test. It has the advantage of being quick, sometimes no more than 60 seconds, and can be seen as independent of temperature. The two time points selected for the DAR test can be defined by the user, and 60seconds/30 seconds is typical. The test is useful in showing up damp or contaminated insulation Because the concept relies on relatively rigid insulating structures, it is however not suitable for use on insulating oils.

Polarization-Index Test (PI)

A popular DAR test is the Polarization-Index Test. Two measurements are taken, at 1 minute and at 10 minutes, and these results are used to calculate a PI ratio.

Step Voltage Test (SV)

Because good insulation is resistive, an increase in test voltage will lead to an increase in current, with the result that the resistance remains constant. A deviation in resistance as voltage increases indicates a problem with the insulation. This test procedure is a good way to locate pinholes and cracks in the insulating material, where ionization occurs and reduces the insulation resistance.

Dielectric Discharge Test (DD)

Bad layers within an insulation are characterized by high absorption currents. If you fully charge the insulation, and then continue to measure in the discharge phase, then within the first few seconds the leakage currents disappear and the capacitance is discharged, leaving just the absorption current for the test instrument to measure. If a layer of insulation is defect, it would be expected to show reduced leakage resistance, but the same capacitance. The DD is a value calculated from the current, capacitance and test voltage, and can indicate problems in individual layers of the insulation.

Burn Mode

To locate a fault it can sometimes be beneficial to create and maintain an arc at the fault so that the ionization can be detected.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature changes can have a significant effect on the insulation resistance measurement. A 10-degree rise in temperature halves the resistance. This effect can be quantified, and temperature correction tables can be used to help evaluate test results. Humidity effects are unfortunately not so easy to quantify, as different insulating materials absorb moisture to different extents, which can also be dependent upon the age and condition of the equipment. An attempt should however be made to account for the effect of humidity on the test result.

Measure Current or Resistance?

Insulation testers measure current and calculate the resistance. One of the reasons for this is probably just that it is traditional. Good insulation gives a high resistance value, poor insulation gives low results. Furthermore, good insulation is resistive; increasing the test voltage increases the current, but the resistance should stay the same. Some faults are however easier to identify by observing the change in current. Many insulation testers give you the choice of seeing the result in either resistance or current.

Free Megger Insulation Testing  Booklet

A Free 28 page booklet containing guidelines for insulation testing above 1 kV, and Megger product information.
Download HERE

The MIT520/2 measures to 15 T½, replacing the ambiguous “infinity” reading with an actual number that can be used for predictive/preventive trending on the highest quality insulation. Both units are supplied with test leads with medium insulated clips.

MIT520/2 Highlights:

• Line supply or battery operated
• Digital/analog back-lit display
• Measurement range to 15 T½ (MIT510/2 and MIT520/2) and 35 T½ (MIT1020/2)
• CAT IV 600 V safety rating
• Automatic dielectric absorption ratio, polarization index, step voltage, and dielectric discharge tests
• RS232 or USB download of results
• Ingress protection to IP65
• 3 mA short circuit current

The 3 “R’s” to Reduce Capital Equipment Expenditure During These Tight Economic Times

Capital budgets are tighter than ever, and these 3 simple steps can help extend even the tightest of budgets. Manufacturing facilities are faced with the smallest budgets ever,  engineers and technicians are struggling to find ways to extend their test equipment resources, while still maintaining efficiency, productivity and quality.

Utilize the following information as a plan for economic recovery:

• Repair, Calibrate and Maintain your Equipment – Often companies will replace equipment when it is out of calibration or needs repairs. Instead of replacing equipment consider repairing it  – Test Equipment Connection offers repair and calibration services for test equipment from over 300 different test and measurement manufacturers. NIST and Specialty calibrations are available as well as repairs for thousands of obsolete models that the manufacturers no longer support.

• Replace with Refurbished -Many companies including the US Government have a buying preference for new equipment even when the same make and model is available at a substantial savings. Refurbished test equipment generally has a savings of 30 to 80 percent off new list prices, includes a part and labor warranty, and has an acceptance period to ensure satisfaction. Work with a trusted company – Test Equipment Connection has over 16 years experience in the global test and measurement community.

• Resale -Manage your idle assets, idle equipment is a negative asset that takes up your valuable space, time and money. Prevent your equipment from becoming obsolete and protect your investment by using our Consignment Services or Trade-In programs for your underutilized test and measurement equipment, receive cash or credit towards the test solutions you need today. This is a great way to maximize the value of surplus, excess and underutilized T&M solutions.

Test Equipment Connection
Voice: 800-615-8378 | 407-804-1299

Embedded usually means DC-powered electronics sometimes run by batteries. But military systems are different: They can require high DC voltages (28 VDC for vetronics) and even high-current AC in many airborne platforms. Alternating current is more efficient in these instances and is eventually converted into DC for the electronic suites. Chroma Systems Solutions offers a way to rig three 18 KW 1- and 3-phase units in parallel to source up to 54 KW. The lab testing-oriented 61501 and 61601 are programmable and use advanced DSP algorithms to generate very clean sine waves with a total distortion that’s less than 0.5 percent at 50/60 Hz. Designed to test aerospace systems in accordance with MIL-STD-704F, RTCA DO-160D, and ABD100, the units offer power line disturbance simulation, programmable output impedance, wave-shape synthesis, and the ability to simulate harmonic components in the waveforms to simulate dirty power often found in deployed applications. Front-panel programmability includes an LCD and keypad, along with remote control via GPIB, RS-232, USB, or Ethernet. LabVIEW drivers are even available. (source Military Embedded Systems)

Chroma Systems Solutions 61500 Series High-power AC power source 12K VA – 18 KVA

• 1 – 3 Phase

• Highest performance ACS source with power analyzer functions built-in

• Provides 0-300 VAC or 0-424VDC output from a single source

• Built-in DSP provides for voltage transient simulations, harmonic current measurements and compliance testing to many IEC and military standards

Chroma 61500/61600 series are able to provide precision measurements such as RMS voltage, RMS current, true power, power factor, current crest factor and so on. By applying the advanced DSP technology, model 61511/61512 can measure THD and up to 40 orders of current harmonic components. And 61511/61512 can easily simulate power line disturbance  (PLD) by LIST, PULSE and STEP modes. They also allow users to compose different harmonic components to synthesize their own harmonic distorted wave-shapes. Besides that, users can program a sweeping frequency component incorporate with fundamental voltage to find the resonance points of UUT. To simulate the natural waveform, the 61500 series also provides an external analog input to amplify the analog signal from arbitrary signal generator. Thus, it is capable of simulating the unique waveform observed in the field.

When obtaining Test and Measurement Equipment there are many factors involved in the decision making process. Below are some considerations to assist you in making a favorable buying decision.
The categories for purchasing T&M equipment can be considered as follows: New, Used and Refurbished.

• New equipment requires minimal functional consideration other than “is it suitable for the application?” New equipment is obviously the highest priced choice and in some cases may have long delivery or lead times.
• Used equipment typically is sold “as is” and un-tested with little or no warranty or right of return. Although the low price can be very appealing the actual product condition will vary.
• Refurbished equipment usually has been cleaned and tested, with non-functioning parts replaced and has a warranty, right of return, operator manual and basic (standard) accessories. The price may be just slightly higher than the same used piece of equipment.

Therefore the focus of this article is on refurbished equipment.

Typically a savings of 30 to 80 percent from new list price is not unusual, including a quicker than new delivery time.

• Consider Your Vendor:
  • How long have they been in business?
  • Are they a ‘brick and mortar’ business or a small Internet entity?
  • Are they easily accessible by phone or email?
  • What is their response time?
• Consider Competitive Quotes:
  • How do the right of return and warranties compare?
  • Are you comparing similar pieces of equipment?
  • Did all quotes come back in a timely manner?
• Consider Your Purchasing Options:
  • Straight purchase?
  • Rental for short-term use?
  • Lease to extend your budget?
  • Trade-in under utilized equipment to defray costs?
• Consider Make, Model, Configuration:
  • What make and model do you require?
  • What options do you really need for your application?
  • What options are on the unit being offered?
• Consider Accessories and Manuals:
  • What accessories come with the unit?
  • Operator manual included?
• Consider Warranty:
  • What is the length of the warranty?
  • Where is the equipment serviced?
  • What is the warranty process?
  • Is an extended warranty available?
• Consider Right of Return:
  • Is there a right of return?
  • How long is the return period?
  • When does it start?
  • What is the return process?
• Consider Calibration or Quality Standards:
  • If you require calibration, what type of calibration is required?
  • Can they provide it?
  • If calibration is not a requirement is there a certificate of compliance?
  • What if any are the costs associated with the above?
• Consider Packing and Shipping Methods:
  • How is the equipment packed for shipment?
  • Do you need to insure the shipment?
  • Is there a considerable savings between overnight, second or third day shipping?

According to Frost & Sullivan, the estimated size of the North American used test and measurement equipment market was $446 million in 2004 and is estimated to grow to $654 million by 2011.

Buying refurbished test equipment has moved into the mainstream as compared to 15 years ago. Refurbished first is now a primary acquisition strategy for companies of all sizes — from the world’s largest commercial and defense contractors, to mid size commercial electronics and RF companies, and vertically down to smaller, entrepreneurial wireless R&D companies and subcontractors.

The current economic climate as of the date of this article actually favors buyer and budget awareness for refurbished equipment – especially high dollar test equipment such as spectrum analyzers.