I joined not too long ago. Originally I got into snipped-for-privacy@groups.io. then Tekscopes2, and then made my own, TestgearNotTekScopes.
they are pretty strict about content, so there is no politics or any of tha t, but it has proven to be a valuable resource for those who work on Tek sc opes, and most other things due to my group.
The site does not require anything, but you can also be thrown out if you p ost off topic things. They don't spam you or bug you to update your browser , FF15 works just fine. If you got something off topic to discuss there are email links for the members. At first you might think you are getting spam med because they send you an email about all the new posts, go to "subscrip tion" and tell it you want a daily summary. That way you just get what has been updated in the groups once a day.
I will not allow much discussion of Tek scopes on TestgearNotTekScopes beca use I do not want to fragment that group of dedicated Tek scope aficionados .
There is alot of test gear out there that is not a Tek scope, so to discuss that without any bullshit, join. No politics, no insults especially about anyone's technical expertise, if you know more, reveal it or STFU.
I mention this because I figure that out there people do work on test equip ment and don't want to wade through a million posts about Obama, Trump, Cli ntons, the TPP, NAFTA and all that shit. There are places for that.
If you want to get technical, go for it, just remember it is moderated, not like here.
I allow some leeway in testgear, for example, if you work on tape decks or tuners or whatever, an amp or receiver can be considered a test unit as it is needed to test the unit. A monitor for example, if you work on PCs, well that is necessary, if you work on VCRs (some still do) then a video monito r or TV could be testgear.
If consumer electronics goes too big, I will split it off to another group but that remains to be seen. Also, I might be looking for moderators soon. If nothing else just to approve new members' first posts. After that they a re not moderated, but you can tell if it is spam or whatever. If it is obje ctionable then don't approve it. I'll take care of the banning and plonking .
So maybe try it out. You can pick no email if you want, I don't and any mod erators shouldn't because they have to approve posts from new members.
If anyone wants and can't find it I will provide direct links.
Your call.