Every craftsperson has a set of tools. Tools of the trade, tools to make the work go better.
The right tool can sure make life easier.
Years ago, when I started designing audio products, it was hardly an understatement that the tools I could afford were minimal: a soldering iron, pliers, a signal generator, a multimeter, and an oscilloscope.
At the time, I was working on a new power amplifier design for PS Audio, and I did not have the luxury of a Variac. For those unfamiliar with this tool, allow me to explain. A variac is a variable power transformer—a handy means of putting 120 volts into one end and then, through a big knob on top, allows the designer to slowly turn up the output AC voltage feeding their circuit from 0 to 120 volts.
If one is careful, one can monitor the meters and scope to identify any problems before they manifest themselves in the release of the dreaded blue smoke of death.
Without a variac, I had to plug my prototype circuit directly into the 120V AC wall socket and pray (as well as stand back). Time and time again, my circuit would amplify the signal as I wanted until, seconds later, it would erupt in a spectacular display of flame and blue smoke.
Sigh. This meant I had to guess the problem, make a correction, rebuild the entire PCB, and try again—with pretty much the same results.
In the end, I ponied up for a variac so I could actually make some progress. It was the right tool for the right job.
Fifty years later, we don't have the same financial constraints as we did back in the early days when purchasing a tool was often the choice between paying the rent or making do without it.
The most important tools we have is knowledge and experience. A nail isn't all that useful without a hammer, but without the knowledge of how it works, you might be nursing a broken thumb instead of building what you want.
