I can’t tell you how many “Million dollar ideas” I have given away – both here and on Peoplenomics – over the years. But over a dozen. Here comes another…
Usually they turn into real-life products but the 10-year lag is annoying as hell, Still, I am not giving up and so this morning, here’s the next one.
Background of the Invention
I get involved in a lot of crazy shit. Because whether it’s a 3D printed model, or here lately working on medical devices, there is always someone, somewhere, who needs a problem solved.
I get a fair amount of grief from people who say “What do you have all those tools for? Tool slut!”
OK – that’s true. But I really like inventing things and so, there you go.
Why just this week I picked up a new ham radio; mostly out of curiosity. It was an Alinco DX-SR8T and sure as hell, poor transmit audio. Very tinny-sounding transmit.
And yet – with a 50-cent part and 20 minutes in the lab – it turns out to be nearly as good as an Icom 718 and they are similar except the Icom has great DSP. But what it lacks in DSP, the Alinco makes up for with a remote moutable control head. In other words, when installing mobile HF radio in the truck, the radio and the antenna couple can go anywhere but in view. Just the remote head is needed.
Not that I will mess up the old truck, but a remote head radio might be interesting in the shop, for example.
Always several projects a week like this come wandering through.
Shop Bench Space Issue
This should be self-explanatory.
Now we’re to it: The Background of the Invention.
See all the screens? There is a 24″ monitor, an arb. waveform generator, a good quality digital multi-meter and a 7″ oscilloscope.
What you don’t see – but useful when working out flyback voltages generated by feeding 5-amps of square wave into a 13-inch bifilar Tesla coil – are two other smallish handheld scopes.
This is absolutely the best book you can buy (*bnot written by me…ahem) about how my brain works. It’s because of being an engineer in my early days, a journalist as a second career, then management geek and then hiding out as a farmer that this insinct to solve really got honed.
This book is all about the 40, or so, dimensions along which a problem can be solved. Bigger/smaller, or hotter/colder, or longer/shorter, or heavier/lighter… the Russian science of TRIZ totally rocks.
“TRIZ, or the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, is a methodology developed by Soviet engineer Genrich Altshuller in the 1940s to systematically address technical and engineering challenges. It is based on the analysis of thousands of patents, which revealed recurring patterns in how inventive solutions overcome contradictions—situations where improving one aspect of a system negatively impacts another. TRIZ provides a structured framework to identify and resolve these contradictions without compromise, using tools like the 40 Inventive Principles, the Contradiction Matrix, and the Laws of Technical System Evolution. By abstracting problems into universal principles, TRIZ enables innovators to apply solutions from diverse fields to their specific challenges, fostering creativity and efficiency.
The core idea of TRIZ is to move beyond trial-and-error by leveraging a knowledge base of proven solutions. For example, the Contradiction Matrix helps users pinpoint principles that resolve specific conflicts, such as increasing strength without adding weight. Other TRIZ tools, like ARIZ (Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving), guide users through a step-by-step process to define problems, analyze resources, and generate solutions. TRIZ also emphasizes ideality, aiming for solutions that maximize benefits while minimizing costs and harm. Widely used in engineering, product development, and business innovation, TRIZ is valued for its ability to accelerate problem-solving and produce breakthrough results across industries..”
Yes – the Seven Major Systems of Life – used all the time on Peoplenomics has roots in this kind of approach.
Now Look at the Bench!
Count ther screens and add two more (the small hand displays). See it?
Wjhat I want (because my eyes are not good here north of 76) is a single interface.
IDEA!!!
Why not have a whole line of accurate (but affordable) test equipment that would output everyting to HDMI? That way, a single big screen with an external HDMI switch could display EVERYTHING.
I got on the AI stack and asked “Is this a cooler-than-shit idea, or what?”
“Test equipment with HDMI output, such as LCR meters, spectrum analyzers, or multimeters, is a compelling idea because it could reduce costs by leveraging external displays and enable more flexible data visualization. However, based on available information, there are very few, if any, mainstream test equipment manufacturers currently offering LCR meters, spectrum analyzers, or multimeters with HDMI output as a standard feature. Let’s break this down:
Current State of Test Equipment with HDMI Output
- General Observations:
- Most modern test equipment, like LCR meters, spectrum analyzers, and multimeters, rely on built-in displays (LCD or TFT) or connectivity options like USB, LAN, GPIB, or VGA for external output. HDMI is rarely mentioned as an output option in product specifications from major manufacturers such as Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Tektronix, GW Instek, or Hioki.
- The focus in test equipment design tends to be on rugged, self-contained units with high-resolution built-in displays or software integration for remote monitoring on PCs. Adding HDMI could increase complexity and cost, which might outweigh the savings from omitting a built-in display unless the device is explicitly designed for external display use.
- Some high-end oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers offer VGA or DisplayPort outputs for external monitors, but HDMI is less common due to its association with consumer electronics rather than industrial or laboratory standards.
- Specific Equipment Types:
- LCR Meters: Products like the Keysight E4980A, GW Instek LCR-6000 series, or Hioki IM3570 are designed with built-in displays and typically offer USB, RS-232, or LAN for data transfer. No mention of HDMI output is found in their specifications. For example, Keysight’s LCR meters focus on precision and speed, with connectivity for PC-based control rather than direct video output.
- Spectrum Analyzers: High-end models like the Keysight UXA or Rohde & Schwarz FSW series sometimes include VGA or DVI outputs for external monitors, but HDMI is not standard. For instance, the VIAVI CellAdvisor 5G has advanced connectivity, but its output options are geared toward network interfaces rather than video.
- Multimeters: Benchtop multimeters (e.g., Keysight 34461A or Fluke 8846A) and handheld models typically use built-in displays or USB/LAN for data logging. HDMI output is not mentioned in product documentation, as multimeters prioritize simplicity and portability over external display connectivity.
- Closest Alternatives:
- Some oscilloscopes, like the Siglent SDS2000X Plus or Rigol DS7000 series, offer VGA or HDMI-like connectivity for external monitors, but these are not LCR meters, spectrum analyzers, or multimeters. For example, Siglent’s oscilloscopes can output to an external display via VGA or HDMI for waveform visualization, which aligns with your idea of reducing display costs.
- Software-based solutions exist where test equipment streams data to a PC or tablet via USB/LAN, and the PC’s HDMI output can then connect to a monitor. This is common in modern setups but requires additional hardware and software, negating the direct HDMI output advantage.
- USB-based oscilloscopes or multimeters (e.g., PicoScope or Digilent Analog Discovery) rely on a PC for display, which could theoretically connect to an HDMI monitor, but the test device itself doesn’t output HDMI directly.
Why HDMI Output Is Rare
- Cost and Complexity: While omitting a built-in display could save costs, integrating an HDMI output requires additional circuitry, licensing fees (HDMI is a proprietary standard), and processing power to render the interface for external displays. This might offset the savings unless the device is designed for mass-market use.
- Target Audience: Test equipment is often used in controlled environments (labs, production lines) where built-in displays are preferred for portability and reliability. External displays are less critical when devices are networked or paired with PCs.
- Alternative Connectivity: Manufacturers prioritize USB, LAN, or GPIB for data transfer and remote control, which are more versatile for automation and integration into test systems. VGA or DisplayPort, when offered, are more common in industrial settings than HDMI.
- Durability: Built-in displays are ruggedized for lab or field use, whereas HDMI connectors and cables are less robust and more consumer-oriented, potentially reducing reliability in harsh environments.
Potential for HDMI-Enabled Test Equipment
Your idea of an HDMI-output test device is innovative and could be a game-changer for certain applications, particularly in education, small labs, or hobbyist settings where cost is a major factor. Here’s why it could work and what might be needed:
- Cost Savings: Displays are indeed a significant cost component in test equipment. A device without a built-in screen, relying on HDMI to connect to TVs, monitors, or projectors, could be priced lower, making it accessible to students, startups, or DIY enthusiasts.
- Flexibility: HDMI output would allow users to choose their display size and resolution, from small monitors to large TVs, enhancing visibility for presentations, classrooms, or collaborative work.
- Market Gap: Since no major manufacturer currently offers LCR meters, spectrum analyzers, or multimeters with HDMI output, a company could differentiate itself by targeting this niche. A modular device with HDMI, USB, and LAN outputs could appeal to both hobbyists and professionals.
- Challenges: To make this viable, the device would need a simple, low-cost processor to handle HDMI output, a user-friendly interface optimized for external displays, and robust firmware to ensure compatibility with various monitors. Licensing HDMI could add costs, so open standards like DisplayPort might be considered as alternatives.
Existing Products or Workarounds
While no LCR meter, spectrum analyzer, or multimeter explicitly advertises HDMI output, here are some workarounds or related products:
- Oscilloscopes with HDMI/VGA: Devices like the Siglent SDS1204X-E or Tektronix MDO3000 series offer VGA or similar outputs. These could inspire similar features in other equipment types.
- PC-Based Test Equipment: USB oscilloscopes, multimeters, or LCR meters (e.g., Hantek or PicoScope) rely on PC software, and the PC can output to an HDMI monitor. This is the closest existing solution to your idea.
- DIY Solutions: Some hobbyists have modified test equipment to add HDMI output using Raspberry Pi or FPGA-based systems to process and display data. This is not commercial but shows the concept’s feasibility.
- Future Trends: With the rise of IoT and remote labs, manufacturers might explore HDMI or wireless display options (e.g., Miracast) to make test equipment more versatile. Companies like Rigol or Siglent, known for cost-effective gear, could lead this innovation.
Recommendations
- Contact Manufacturers: Reach out to companies like Keysight, GW Instek, or Siglent to inquire about custom solutions or future plans for HDMI output. Keysight, for example, offers customization options for some equipment, though this may increase costs.
- Explore Open-Source Hardware: Platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi could be used to prototype a low-cost LCR meter or multimeter with HDMI output. Open-source projects like the “Transistor Tester” have basic LCR functionality and could be adapted.
- Monitor Emerging Brands: Smaller companies or startups (e.g., Owon, Hantek, or UNI-T) might introduce HDMI-enabled test equipment to compete with established players. Keep an eye on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter for innovative test gear.
- Advocate for the Idea: Share your concept on forums like EEVblog or X posts to gauge interest and encourage manufacturers to consider it. A groundswell of demand could prompt innovation.
Conclusion
Currently, no major manufacturer offers LCR meters, spectrum analyzers, or multimeters with HDMI output, likely due to cost, complexity, and the preference for built-in displays or alternative connectivity. However, your idea is forward-thinking and could address a real market need, especially for cost-sensitive users. Until such a product emerges, PC-based test equipment with HDMI-capable computers offers a partial solution. If you’re passionate about this, consider prototyping a DIY version or pitching it to innovative test equipment brands….”
Nope, screw that. I’m too old, and have too much fun already with ham radio and a new music snyth showing up this week to “donate to corporations.” Screw ’em – if you want to, though, go for it. Or, if you do a GoFundMe, put me down as a beta site for the protos.
The biggest cost item of a new piece of gear is power supplies and displays – which is how everything got rolled over onto USB power. Well, is it that freaking hard to figure out that a TV/computer display would drop costs even more?
OK..throw this in with our other million dollar idea (sell completed PCBs on Amazon and have an .STL file emailed to the buyer so they can print their own enclosures) is another billion dollar ERarth-Friendly that hasn’t gone anywhere because too many people are bullshitters and not doers.
Know what I’m saying?
Back to the shop then: “Planning is overhead. Doing is equity.”
Write when you get rich,
[email protected] ac7x
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