Each time I receive a piece of test equipment for evaluation, I conduct my own type of unscientific test sequence. To put it simply, I try to see how far I can go without reading the instruction manual. Perhaps you’ve heard the old expression “When all else fails, read the instruction manual.” I lose patience if I’m forced to waste time with a ponderous instruction manual that does little or nothing to help me understand the task at hand. It may be wrong-headed, but if the manual’s a tough read, I’d rather try to figure it out on my own first.