Several engineers, project managers and research scientists have asked me the question regarding the benefits of renting test equipments like spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, Signal Analysis Meter, etc. 

In this article, I would like to go over the the advantages of renting such electronic test equipments. 

Most of the electronic test equipments are very expensive and the need for them is usually short term. The nature of these prodcst makes it a very good candidate for renting. 

Below are some of the companies who specialize in renting, leasing or even selling used/new equipments like oscilloscope, wave frequency analyzers etc. 

Below are some of the advantages of renting test equipment versus buying it. 

Rental Advantage 1: Absolutely no unforeseen or hidden costs involved 

When you rent out a test equipment, the rental rate would include Maintenance, support, Calibration, administration, logistics etc. So, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of particular equipment is known upfront. However, if you buy, there could be unforeseen costs involved like buying related accessories, calibration, add ons etc. 

Rental Advantage 2: You get to test and try out the equipment before you buy 

Several times, you are not exactly sure what kind of test equipment would fit your needs. Instead of investing huge money to buy test equipment which you are not sure of, it makes more economical sense to try it out by renting it first. Several test equipment companies also offer rent to buy options. Below are some. 
 

Rental Advantage 3: No Commitment to Capital necessary 

Renting enables to run business with low capital investment in test equipment 

Rental Advantage 4: Obsolete technology 

Electronic testing equipments become obsolete very soon. Newer models keep getting released to the market making the older equipment obsolete pretty soon. Renting protects you from this. 
 

Rental Advantage 5: Replacements.

Most of the rental companies' offer free replacement service if you are not satisfied with a particular model or type of equipment. You don't have this flexibly when you are being. 
 

Rental Advantage 6: No disposal cost overhead 

Most states in USA make it mandatory to properly dispose the electronic equipment. This could mean additional cost. By renting you don't have to worry about disposing the equipment. 

Rental Advantage 7: Tax benefits   

All rental payments made towards renting the equipments are 100% tax deductible and will not be reflected in the balance sheet. 
 
 

To summarize, if you have a short-term need, a specific project, or don't know whether the equipment will be in use continuously over its life, then it makes best sense to rent. 

Please be an intelligent shopper and make sure you receive quotes from 3 to 4 rental companies before you place an order. The rental rates are very completive and some companies are willing to give you one week free rental depending on the term of the rental contract 

I have compiled a list of rental companies who rent test equipments like oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal sources, logic analyzers, network analyzers, rf test equipment, communication test equipment, fiber test equipment, SONET, Splicers etc..

Please feel free to check them out. 
 

Dan Jones

Technical Advisor for Spectrum Analyzer Tutorials