I think one day soon, if not already now, somewhere, there will be Multimeters that have touchscreens and are software configurable with Apps that allow you to add most anything to your meter like an O-Scope, function generator, logic analyzer, etc. and a way to configure inputs and outputs and test sequences to use for specific testing circumstances. And if your repairing a certain type of device you can upload your test sequence so that others can follow your process and steps with things like "put the leads on this component press test" and it compares the results to your pass/fail requirements along with pictures and so on, so you can do this on site. Companies can send out the complete steps to troubleshoot their gear that are downloaded and put into your meter so that all you have to do is follow along to find the problem. With that in mind, is there a particular development board and software out there that can handle something like this? I think the touchscreen part is out there but I need something that has specs like National Instruments multifunction PCI card that is built onto the development board, or an add on board, or could someone smarter than me make something like this ASAP?
Thanks Russ
Best Answer
This would be doable with current technology with ease but a (or perhaps the) key question is "what is the market demand?". While it would definitely be useful for some people, how many is "some" compared to total market? You may be able to find a lucrative niche. Or not.
Not too many manufacturers are liable to want to enable the unskilled in this way - or get them dangerously involved - when there are service people making a living from it already.
An alternative to this is an eg USB interfaced meter (or Bluetooth etc) and a smart Pad/Phone or a PC. The cost of doing this in small volumes would almost certainly be hard put to justify compared to an Android application or similar. In most cases you would not even need a meter interface - you "just" follow the instructions and key in the results. Certainly a lot more certainty would be possible with a connection to the meter if inexperienced or unskilled people were using this - but they are not a good target group for letting loose in this arena regardless of the tools available.