@Aleph(0)

Ok... I've 'merged' the (as of yet incomplete) disassembly 'prequel' with the 'main' tutorial --- It's bit of a mess at this point butcha know what they say about eggs, omelettes and all that

All the best
HP

HP Ok! But I'm saying tutorial is like _stalled_ until you're done figuring out about how to salvage tubes? Now I'm saying is just stupid to have to fight water and bureaucracy both! If it was me I'd tell Stan what he could do with his constant excuses delays and BS! All for what I say are questionable tubes anyhow! HP since there's no reasoning with you when bitten by collector bug I say you should take own advice for situations like that and just make him offer for tubes sight unseen and let his team sweat the BS and work!

HP I took your advice and moved DU glazed ceramics away from PMT so He from alphas won't kill vacuum HP I still say source is too weak to matter but I know what you are saying!

 

If it was me I'd tell Stan what he could do with his constant excuses delays and BS!

I say you should take own advice for situations like that and just make him offer for tubes sight unseen and let his team sweat the BS and work!

Believe me - I am thinking about it! --- Please understand that my desire to participate in the salvage effort owes entirely to the necessity of personal oversight of cargo handling!

That said, while I both expect and accept certain risks - potential exposure to nickel carbonyls is not among them! -- carboxyhemoglobinemia and 'nickel plated' lungs make for a bad day --- Or, more succinctly; successful undertakings obviate requirement of the services of an undertaker

Best regards
HP

 

while I both expect and accept certain risks - potential exposure to nickel carbonyls is not among them! -- carboxyhemoglobinemia and 'nickel plated' lungs make for a bad day

HP I'm saying polished inside of Ni tank isn't enough surface area to worry about even for year long exposure to 20,000 PSI of CO! I know about La Chatelier's axiom and all that but I say not enough Ni(CO)4 (or whatever isomer) present to matter Anyhow who says tanks are leaking? HP since you'll be wearing scuba gear you must be worried about transdermal absorption and like that? So I say take a cue from Polar Bear Club and kinky folks the world over and just grease up with petrolatum! HP you know carbonyls are unstable under atmospheric conditions so just force ventilate hold for a few hours when on surface. HP you know I don't want you to be bobbing for tubes at all! I'm just saying toxic gasses are least of the hazards!

my (well-nigh) erstwhile revulsion for annelids!

HP I can relate! The sight of ALL politicians makes me sick too and nothing erstwhile about it!

 

HP I'm saying polished inside of Ni tank isn't enough surface area to worry about even for year long exposure to 20,000 PSI of CO!

I dunno -- given the significant pressure, favorable temperature and exceeding toxicity all bets are off...

I know about La Chatelier's axiom

Congratulations!

Anyhow who says tanks are leaking?

I say not enough Ni(CO)4 (or whatever isomer) present to matter

Would you bet your life on it???

HP since you'll be wearing scuba gear you must be worried about transdermal absorption and like that?

That - and the fact that recreational self-contained respiration apparatus is neither intended nor tested for use against toxic atmospheres...

I say take a cue from Polar Bear Club and kinky folks the world over and just grease up with petrolatum!

Such a 'barrier' is of dubious efficacy and rather difficult to apply conscientiously...

HP you know carbonyls are unstable under atmospheric conditions so just force ventilate hold for a few hours when on surface.

Yebut -- the liability is vested in the process of arrival at that juncture (i.e. boat on surface/hold open)

HP you know I don't want you to be bobbing for tubes at all! I'm just saying toxic gasses are least of the hazards!

Nothing ventured nothing gained -- Or, rendered in your lingo, YOLO!

RE: Annelids

HP I can relate! The sight of ALL politicians makes me sick too

An apt analogy inasmuch as I suspect the rather common revulsion to annelids is a 'hard wired' response to their resemblance to nematode/cestode parasites!

All the best
HP

 

Attention: @Aleph(0)

Please refrain from emailing (or otherwise privately communicating) messages that may appropriately be posted here! --- Although I've a lot on for the next few weeks I attempt to' look in' here on a daily basis...
Please rest assured that I'll get things 'caught-up' when I'm back to stay ...K?

In the meantime your contributions to this thread (as opposed to my email backlog) will be greatly appreciated!

With best regards (and profuse apologies to Henry Alford!)
HP

 

HP I'm sorry that I'm not here much! So I'll be back to normal when you are!
HP now I am getting like _CFRB orange_ Plz say why cuz setting is for classic blue style?

HP plz can you suggest circuit for 400hz inverter for selsyns? I know it sounds like trivial problem but I need sine wave and doing it with linear amps is just too lame So I thought royer or mv driving tube tester filament transformer cuz with all those taps I can get near right voltage and hopefully transformer will be like lp filter? I would say to resonate segment of secondary with parallel capacitor but it's hard to know its effective inductance cuz xfmr image of primary and loading and all that HP plz say if it's possible to use automobile alternator as selsyn if I bring out both rotor leads and all three of the stator leads? It looks fine on paper but maybe not in practice?

HP Will 8020 tube work for x-ray source for 80kv inverse polarity cc operation?

 

I'll be back to normal when you are!

IOW, Should I fail to hold my breath - you'll need to hold yours much longer?

HP now I am getting like _CFRB orange_

HP plz can you suggest circuit for 400hz inverter for selsyns? I know it sounds like trivial problem

--Emphasis added--
Indeed it does!

So I thought royer or mv driving tube tester filament transformer cuz with all those taps I can get near right voltage

Would that be the 'standard' 57.5V? --- In any event you are advised to implement a feed-back regulation scheme...
And puleeze! -- Don't even think of implementing the circuit as a power oscillator! -- Even if you managed to get it 'on frequency' it would 'shift' with every variation of the load! --- You may drive the power switching devices with a 400Hz symmetrical square-wave and use resonant design to filter off the harmonics...

hopefully transformer will be like lp filter?

Indeed it will

I would say to resonate segment of secondary with parallel capacitor but it's hard to know its effective inductance cuz xfmr image of primary and loading and all that

A good approach will determine the 'ball-park' inductance 'parametrically' --- otherwise you may use the measured inductance as a 'starting point' --- Please bear in mind that the rather low (loaded and unloaded) Q inherent to such a system is both acceptable and desirable!

HP plz say if it's possible to use automobile alternator as selsyn if I bring out both rotor leads and all three of the stator leads? It looks fine on paper but maybe not in practice?

That's a good question (Translation: I don't know) -- The principal (potential) problem I envision lays in the rotor winding -- Synchro rotors appear to be wound such that most of the conductor is parallel to the shaft -- whereas automotive alternator rotors appear to be 'coaxially wound' --- Assuming my observation is correct, such a system may synchronize but every 45° (assuming eight-pole construction) -- as opposed to 180° as is the case with 'proper' single-phase-rotor Synchros...

HP Will 8020 tube work for x-ray source for 80kv inverse polarity cc operation?

Yes, of course -- but with rather low output and very poor focal characteristics (owing to the less-than-substantial 'target', and no focal spot [per se] respectively) -- then too, cold-cathode operation is 'bogus' for serious work... --- You possess proper Coolidge valves - why lark about with "beginner's toys"?

All the best
HP

 

You possess proper Coolidge valves - why lark about with "beginner's toys"?

HP it's cuz I know some ppl who are interested to do experiments with xrays and are too mean to buy real xray tubes! Anyhow I say it's just as well cuz a mistake with repurposed rectifier tube is like worst case dose of 0.2 mGy/min but with even tiny little dental coolidge tube it's like 3 Gy per minute at 10cm (which is six orders of magnitude difference)! So even though that's not full body exposure dose at that distance it's still totally too dangerous for someone learning ropes! HP don't freak! Cuz I'm doing like you insist so I don't help or encourage anyone that I don't know first hand is responsible adult living in detached single residence country house! Also I don't give or lend anything that could be used for dangerous experiments to anyone!

 

HP don't freak! Cuz I'm doing like you insist so I don't help or encourage anyone that I don't know first hand is responsible adult living in detached single residence country house! Also I don't give or lend anything that could be used for dangerous experiments to anyone!

Liability, thy name is not Aleph!

Best regards
HP

 

Yo ???, I'm here to say that I managed to register and am present and accounted for

Unfortunately my first post here was deleted b/c it came off as uncivil, so just in case either of you saw it I just want to say I didn't intend that!
Just so you know I JOKED that the mental juxtaposition of surgical instruments and high voltage set a Frankensteinian mood

Seriously though, I'm a little worried about HP! It looks like her activity on here has dwindled to almost nothing? I hope everything's ok?
The only other thing was that I'll read through the entire thread and post questions if that's ok by you and HP? Just so you know, I'm looking forward to the continuation of the course!

Mod edit: removed user first name

 

Yo ???...

Hey ????! @Aleph(0) selected a username! - Common courtesy compels your respect of her privacy! - If you feel this rebuke errs on the side of vituperation - I fear you'll find it compares quite favorably to Aleph's (forthcoming) reaction at sight of your 'liberties'! Moreover, I hardly need point out the fact that, inasmuch as you deigned to employ my UN, 'it slipped your mind', is not a defense!

Unfortunately my first post here was deleted b/c it came off as uncivil, so just in case either of you saw it I just want to say I didn't intend that!
Just so you know I JOKED that the mental juxtaposition of surgical instruments and high voltage set a Frankensteinian mood

Granting that new members are (IMO, quite correctly) 'kept on a short leash', I nonetheless very much doubt that such a quip would prompt deletion of your post-- So... Howz about you 'man up' and tell me what you really posted?

Seriously though, I'm a little worried about HP!

Aw shucks! Your concern thrills me to tears!

RE: My participation on these fora:

It looks like her activity on here has dwindled to almost nothing?

As Aleph (should have) advised you, I have a lot on these days with the upcoming salvage operation and EFA 'business' --- I expect to have much more time in a few weeks (i.e, by early to mid July) -- in the meantime it's 'catch-as-catch-can'

The only other thing was that I'll read through the entire thread and post questions if that's ok by you and HP?

As far as I'm concerned it's both 'ok' and most welcome!!! --- Of course, as TS, Aleph has the 'say' --- IOW you have much sincere apologizing/explaining to do (Re: divulging her given name)

Just so you know, I'm looking forward to the continuation of the course!

Great to hear! --Seems I 'let myself down' a while back with some unfortunate comments perceived as 'elitist' (100% my fault [i.e. my remarks weren't intentionally elitist - however, in retrospect, I fully understand how some could arrive at that conclusion]) Point being the 'echoes' in here have been deafening -- Prior to your post I was serriously considering 'retiring' from the fora - All of which is to say your interest in the tutorial is most encouraging!

@Jazz2C --- I crave a single, vital boon -- Inasmuch as we are - and are now known to be - 'real world' acquaintances - please do not 'like' ('up-vote') my posts! -- Lest you be taken as a 'straw-man', 'puppet' or 'kowtower'

Best regards
HP

Mod edit: removed user firstname

 

Mod edit: removed user firstname

For my part, I offer thanks! -- You may have prevented WWIII (At least!)

Best regards
HP

 

@Aleph(0) selected a username! - Common courtesy compels your respect of her privacy! - If you feel this rebuke errs on the side of vituperation - I fear you'll find it compares quite favorably to Aleph's (forthcoming) reaction at sight of your 'liberties'!

Yeah, ok my bad! It's that I rap with aleph all the time so I'm used to calling her by name. There's all kinds of ppl with that name so no harm done!

Granting that new members are (IMO, quite correctly) 'kept on a short leash', I nonetheless very much doubt that such a quip would prompt deletion of your post-- So... Howz about you 'man up' and tell me what you really posted?

I don't know what I said wrong and they won't tell me! It's not worth pissing off the mods to belabor the point so I figure it's a misunderstanding b/c being new I'm the unknown quantity and all that!

I have a lot on these days with the upcoming salvage operation and EFA 'business' --- I expect to have much more time in a few weeks (i.e, by early to mid July) -- in the meantime it's 'catch-as-catch-can'

Got it!

As far as I'm concerned it's both 'ok' and most welcome!!!

Tnx! You know I'm happy to be on board in any capacity!

I crave a single, vital boon -- Inasmuch as we are - and are now known to be - 'real world' acquaintances - please do not 'like' ('up-vote') my posts! -- Lest you be taken as a 'straw-man', 'puppet' or 'kowtower'

Ok!

FYI I'm about a quarter of the way through the thread when I get done I'll start again and post questions and comments. BTW where's aleph? I can't reach her offlist either? Is she that mad about her name?

There! I got my avatar! It's not as nearly body double as yours and aleph's but I like it!

 

There's all kinds of ppl with that name so no harm done!

Hey! I'm convinced! - You'd best save the rationalizations for Aleph!

I figure it's a misunderstanding b/c being new I'm the unknown quantity and all that!

What's 'new' have to do with it? I expect your parents yet consider you an 'unknown quantity'!

Tnx! You know I'm happy to be on board in any capacity!

No need to complicate matters! - 'Ulterior motives' (if any) 'need not apply' ...K?

FYI I'm about a quarter of the way through the thread when I get done I'll start again and post questions and comments.

Good deal!

BTW where's aleph? I can't reach her offlist either?

For one who (in your own words) "raps with her all the time" you seem to be at a loose end!?

Is she that mad about her name?

Unlike you (intrepid soul that you are) - Aleph does not 'suffer in silence'! -- Hence you may expect to hear from her loud and clear next time she looks in here!

There! I got my avatar! It's not as nearly body double as yours and aleph's but I like it!

I've got news for you... IMO It's closer than you seem to think!

Best regards
HP

 

Yo HP
Aleph told me that I can ask this on here so I hope it's cool by you!
I need you to explain what I can do about exploding LA batteries! I lost 3 new deepcycles that O`riley won't cover b/c they automatically assume explosions are the result of faulty charging or installation or whatever! They're mounted in the rack and trickle charged! I took your advice and keep tabs on the electrolyte level so the the H2+O2 gas mixture has as little volume as possible but it's still enough to blow the walls out of the batts and spray corrosive electrolyte sh_t all over the cabin! Aleph says that I should use all AGM but I'm not a millionaire! SoI hope you can help! I'm just getting caught up after the long weekend so I'm still pursuing the thread. Wow! It sure meanders! I'm intrigued by your and Aleph's discussion about how rest energy is just kinetic energy due to the mass' velocity in another dimension! Also I've never seen the formula for total rest+kenitic before so thanks to you two now I know how E=MC^2 was derived and what it really means! Hey! Plz tell me where I can buy the type of FB transformer you use in the EHT course, Aleph says you mean we can get them Ma and Pa electronics distributors but where do I find them? Tnx!

 

Aleph told me...

BTW you're welcome for my intervention with Aleph following your faux pas!

I need you to explain what I can do about exploding LA batteries!

Aleph says that I should use all AGM

Take Aleph's advice!

I'm not a millionaire!

Sigh! 'The New Math' strikes again!

So here's some 'classic' arithmetic -- I know how challenging and scary this must be but please - Pay close attention!
20 Batteries * $200 = $4K
$4K = 1/250'th of $1M
Hence $4K < $1M -- Capiche?

Inasmuch as you cited O'Reilly's -- I took the liberty of visiting their site with an eye to locating AGMs meeting your requirements --- Note that although the linked product is offered for 'SLI' service - It is, nonetheless, suitable to your application -- And, yes! - I'll stand behind that!

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...=Search_C0423_5190689_1525&pt=C0423&ppt=C0005

Note that I have left the link in 'raw' form such that it may remain useful in the event that something changes or -saint's preserve us!- goes wrong!

I'm just getting caught up after the long weekend

Aren't we all...?

I'm intrigued by your and Aleph's discussion about how rest energy is just kinetic energy due to the mass' velocity in another dimension! Also I've never seen the formula for total rest+kenitic before so thanks to you two now I know how E=MC^2 was derived and what it really means!

While I genuinely appreciate your appreciation -- please be advised that said discussion is both highly cursory and without many vital qualifications! -- IOW it is in no way, shape or form suitable as instructional material!

velocity in another dimension...

Please! In deference to my neurotic sensibilities - express it as: "along another dimension" ...K?

Plz tell me where I can buy the type of FB transformer you use in the EHT course, Aleph says you mean we can get them Ma and Pa electronics distributors but where do I find them?

Might I trouble you to read the intro to the tutorial?! -- After which I'll be pleased to assist you should you yet have questions!

Best regards
HP

 

Attn: @Aleph(0)

In case you do find a chance to 'look in' this weekend - please review/proofread the instrument addendum (post #470) then post your comments/thoughts here...

We certainly need to include a monition as to the inadvisability of used instruments! - Autoclaved or otherwise! - Apart from anything else (and there is plenty 'else') the thermal/chemical stability of prions essentially revolutionizes our understanding (and, indeed, definition) of pathogens - and, hence, of effective aseptic technique -- A consideration of great concern in any event but especially with regard to rongeurs (Re: the addendum)!

OBTW -- @Aleph(0) and @Jazz2C no bickering on the fora! -- please!!! -- @Jazz2C -- Please remember, as TS, Aleph is 'in loco parentis' on this thread... K? --- See y'all next week! --- Behave yourselves kids!

Best regards
HP

 

Below is photograph an all glass syringe and associated 'plunger'

HP I say an you are missing an article and conjunction from heading! Also you know we decided that saying _image_ is better than _pic_ and _photo_ in tutorial text cuz of formality Sry! cuz I'm too busy to completely proofread now!

We certainly need to include a monition as to the inadvisability of used instruments! - Autoclaved or otherwise! - Apart from anything else (and there is plenty 'else') the thermal/chemical stability of prions essentially revolutionizes our understanding (and, indeed, definition) of pathogens - and, hence, of effective aseptic technique -- A consideration of great concern in any event but especially with regard to rongeurs (Re: the addendum)!

Prolly so but where do we draw line of holding fools back from stupid folly? Should we tell them not to stare at sun or huff dusting spray too? I say anybody crude and stupid enough to knowingly buy used surgical instruments deserves every thing they get! Cuz not doing it is like innate common sense and basically decent hygiene! I say they're like those total pigs who drink out of same glass and share same piece of chewing gum and like that! HP is worth a try but I say you can't reform someone that crude and ignorant! I say tutorial is for students not denizens of barnyard! HP plz don't ask me to tone it down cuz I say stupid crude ppl are voluntarily subhuman and they need to be left to their fate cuz they are hazard to everyone and they refuse to learn which is why they are total waste of space! I say it is good to warn that prion disease isn't stopped by standard disinfection procedure but I also say warning is lost on those total losers cuz they think they're indestructible! HP you know I'm not mean spirited and don't have superiority complex is just that I despise negligent idiots!

OBTW -- @Aleph(0) and @Jazz2C no bickering on the fora!

If I misbehave are you going to give me grounds restriction and rescind my vehicle privs for next weekend?

Behave yourselves kids!

When the cat's away!

 

Instrument addendum -- Final draft - stage 1 alpha proofreading.
Last action @8 Jun 2016
=============================

Medical instruments having readily available, non-medical 'equivalents':

Hemostatic forceps
Non-medical 'locking forceps' are mechanically and thermally better suited to electronics work than are their medical counterparts...

Please note: Although 'non-surgical' hemostats are readily available, I am unaware of a satisfactory non-medical substitute for vulsella/tenacula?...
/////

Scalpels
'X-Acto' tools and their equivalents are effective, economical, substitutes for scalpels in nearly all non-surgical tasks requisite of precision sectioning.
/////

Endoscopy/Laparoscopy systems, etc...
-Although commonly available non-medical inspection cameras lack instrument channels (and, hence, manipulation capability), they are, generally, better suited to non-medical inspection-only applications than are 'bona fide' endoscopy systems.

-Non-medical fiberoptic inspection cameras are, in essence, passive laparoscopic imaging systems.

-While Certain 'drain inspection cameras' provide for transport of implements, their (large) size precludes application to most electric/electronic devices - A noteworthy exception being inspection of potted power distribution equipment (e.g. transformers, switch-gear, etc...)
/////

Picks
Picks are useful for prototyping and repairing PC boards, soldering and fine manipulation of materials. Nonsurgical picks fashioned of 'stainless' are ideal, while aluminum's high degree of thermal conductivity and relatively low hardness render it unsatisfactory for said applications (as does plated steel's 'propensity' for flaking)...
/////


Some medical instruments having application to electronics work:

Rongeurs
Non-medical uses of (principally, Stille-Luer) rongeurs include forming and sectioning of brittle, 'tough' and rigid plastics (e.g. Bakelite, epoxy and [C]PVC - respectively), sintered materials (e.g. ferrite and Fe Powder forms) and mineral based electric/thermal insulating materials (examples include fiberglass, mica and chrysotile) -- Note that, while I have experienced excellent "off label" results with said instruments, the reader is advised that less costly 'general purpose' solutions for the above tasks may exist! -- Should anyone be aware of a non-medical 'equivalent' available in single/small quantities at 'piece prices' of < $500 (USD) - Please advise me of same (via a post on this thread) such that I may 'update' this addendum)


Image of Stille-Luer rongeurs:

/////

Vulsella/Tenacula
Non-medical uses of these highly recommended forceps include manipulation/dressing/winding of very fine conductors (down to #42 AWG), recovery of 'severed ends' from intricately wound assemblies, etc...

Types and tip patterns
While a wide variety of patterns/styles are available, I feel the following represent those most applicable to electronic/fabrication applications: (Should you disagree with said assessment -- please tell me about it!)

-Schroeder/Braun (uterine) tenacula feature two opposing 'tips' having a 'square' convergence pattern (Braun) or a 'curved' convergence pattern (Schroeder) -- In either case selection of a atraumatic instruments is strongly advised! (Please see selection note #1 below).

-Barett (cervical) tenacula feature the 'Braun tip pattern' but with reduced overall instrument length.

-Schroeder (uterine) Vulsella feature two opposed 'forks' each of which being comprised of two or more 'tips' -- applications include recovery/extraction/manipulation tasks where the increased stability attendant to 'interlocking traction'/grasp is desirable.

Instrument selection notes --- Please read!:
1) To facilitate fine work and to avoid damage to the work-piece, use of atraumatic instruments (Specifically; those featuring non-overlapping tips -- e.g. 'Iowa'/'Teale') is essential! -- Properly specified, quality atraumatic forceps will remain in correct occlusion at full tension (i.e. beyond full ratchet engagement)...
2) A word of caution, as regards forceps style and pattern: -- inter-supplier disparity in nomenclature is an annoyance of longstanding! --- Point being - Prior to placing an order please be certain to view a distributor-supplied image of your prospective purchase!


Image of Braun uterine tenaculum forceps:

Image of Schroeder uterine vulsellum forceps:

/////

Curettes
Non-medical applications of curettes include sculpting of plastics (polymers) and removal of contaminates from surfaces - especially where a precisely controlled, highly restricted, cutting angle is desirable.

Curette types
-The 'blade' of a solid curette is merely a small, elongated, spoon featuring sharp edges -- useful where retrieval of 'parings' is desirable.

-The blade of a fenestrated curette is essentially a looped, inclined, band having a sharp 'cutting' edge.

Assortment of fenestrated uterine curettes.

/////

Trocars, Cannula, Syringes, Hypodermic needles, Catheters and their ilk:

Common non-medical uses include precise application of chemicals, removal of potting oil, etc... Although available from pharmacies at low cost, syringes and (especially) hypodermic needles, owing to their 'popularity' with intravenous substance abusers, will likely be age restricted in many areas -- moreover, the purchaser is advised to voluntarily apprise the pharmacist and/or security/compliance personnel of his/her intent sans prompting --- Be prepared to sign a register and show ID! --- Should pharmacies at your location be subject to regulations or policies preclusive of OTC sales of said items - you might find veterinary grade devices at agricultural supply centers (e.g. 'Mills', etc...) --- But please don't resort to duplicity or otherwise risk getting yourself into 'hot water' or acquiring an undeserved reputation as a 'Hype'!... -- These tutorials and projects are intended to be both educational and engaging -- Drama and trauma, however, need not apply!

Note that glass syringes are ideal for their re-usability and excellent chemical/thermal properties...


Image of all glass syringe and associated 'plunger'

/////

Otoscopes
Non medical use includes general purpose low power microscopy, inspection of blind bores, recesses, Etc... Not to be confused with the visually similar opthamoloscope -- The latter instrument having little to no non-medical utility --- Please see the images below:

Image of a standard otoscope

Image of a standard opthamoloscope

/////

Specula
Non-medical applications include 'expansion clamping', fabrication/dressing of air-wound inductors, repairing coil-stock, placement of wave-guides, elastic ligatures and certain spring clamps - distensive [re]formation (as of conduit) and 'reverse-loading' of constrictive structures (e.g. [physically] elastic cavity resonators, etc...) to facilitate inspection and/or repair...

Considerations in regards to instrument selection:
-For these purposes my first choice is a 'standard' Winterton (2.45 cm by 13.83 cm) -- Alternatively a (large) Pederson or Cusco is acceptable. -- Note that Graves is inapplicable to most (non-medical) applications owing to its increased distal end girth ('spoon-bill form', if you will).

-Instruments fashioned of polymers should be avoided except where optical transparency is required - Note: polymer instruments are not necessarily good electrical insulators! - nor is it wise to rely upon the properties of 'electrosurgical coatings' outside of their designed application!

-Please avoid disposable stainless steel instruments -- Their 'light duty' construction renders them dubious as applied to 'off label' use...

++++++++++++++++++++
To be clear: My remarks (above) have no bearing whatever upon the relative or absolute merits of these instruments as applied to their designed purpose! --- I am addressing their suitability to certain non-medical applications only!
++++++++++++++++++++

Image of a Winterton speculum:

Image of a "Cusco-esk" speculum fashioned of polycarbonate:

/////

Radiographic devices:
Please note that discussion of EHT and radiological safety, devices, practices, procedures and technique will be incorporated into the tutorials where appropriate.

Non-medical apparatus applicable to electronics work:

Predrilled steel 'construction kits':

If you can find metal “Erector set” (sic.) it is extremely useful for prototyping electromechanical machinery and like that! It was originally sold as toy that went to plastic for safety but metal sets are available on ebay and I think there is equivalent metal set manufactured under a different brand name?

While I had to Google to get a reference page, the name I think your referring to is, "Mechano". Erector set was one of my favorite toys as a child. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meccano
Here's also a link to the many "Erector set" copies over the years - http://www.girdersandgears.com/systems.html

Pretty sure the metal Erector set is still available, or at least it was a few years ago.

Meccano is to Erector as Dinky is to Matchbox. The former was from England and the latter from U.S.A.

A source of clean anhydrous 'dusting' gas:
Owing to the regulatory requirement (USA) of addition of 'bittering agents' (denaturants) to commercial dusting spray products, substitution with USP/FCC CO2 or (reasonably) anhydrous compressed air is recommended. -- Note: I do not recommend use of compressed gaseous fuel products (for their flammability and potential contaminant content - e.g. 'odorants', traces of 'high-boiling' fractions, etc...)!

To be continued as required

Again, any and all on-list feedback is greatly appreciated

 

@Aleph(0) and @Jazz2C
What's with the crickets???

HP I say an you are missing an article and conjunction from heading! Also you know we decided that saying _image_ is better than _pic_ and _photo_ in tutorial text cuz of formality

Thanks! -- Those (and, soooooo much more) Corrected! --- Please see post #500

Re: Disclaimers as to the inadvisability of 'used' surgical instruments...

Prolly so but where do we draw line of holding fools back from stupid folly? Should we tell them not to stare at sun or huff dusting spray too? I say anybody crude and stupid enough to knowingly buy used surgical instruments deserves every thing they get! Cuz not doing it is like innate common sense and basically decent hygiene! I say they're like those total pigs who drink out of same glass and share same piece of chewing gum and like that! HP is worth a try but I say you can't reform someone that crude and ignorant! I say tutorial is for students not denizens of barnyard! HP plz don't ask me to tone it down cuz I say stupid crude ppl are voluntarily subhuman and they need to be left to their fate cuz they are hazard to everyone and they refuse to learn which is why they are total waste of space! I say it is good to warn that prion disease isn't stopped by standard disinfection procedure but I also say warning is lost on those total losers cuz they think they're indestructible!

@Aleph(0) Please rest assured that while I both concur with you and sympathize with your sentiments as regards the 'willfully ignorant' -- I assert that it is reasonable to assume many intelligent, educated, individuals outside of the 'health field' ignore the potential persistence of biosafety issues following 'standard disinfection' --- Hence I maintain that the proposed disclaimer is all of ethically, legally and, morally obligatory!

HP you know I'm not mean spirited and don't have superiority complex

Of course I do! -- You're merely headstrong, opinionated and prone to snap judgments -- IOW you're merely acting your age! --- But Seriously - I agree with 99% of your 'lill rant -- The remaining 1%, however, is vital!

If I misbehave are you going to give me grounds restriction and rescind my vehicle privs for next weekend?

Nah! That's old-hat! -- Nowadays I hear the ultimate sanction is 'microwaving' of the offender's smartphone! -- A penalty which, in the eyes of the 'rising generations', no doubt compares unfavorably with a junket to Huntsville!

Please have another look at the addendum (as re-published in post #500)

All the best
HP