| Author |
Message |
Jim Yanik
Guest
|
 Posted:
Tue Oct 11, 2005 12:36 am Post subject:
Re: Opinions on Oscilloscopes |
|
|
"RR" <newspaper.20.broom@spamgourmet.com> wrote in
news:V7i%e.3574$U51.2990@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
| Quote: | "Walter Harley" <walterh@cafewalterNOSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:AtCdnf6HF86T9qDeRVn-jg@speakeasy.net...
"RR" <newspaper.20.broom@spamgourmet.com> wrote in message
news:oOY_e.2738$U51.339@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
Don't bother with a single channel scope (why would they even make
them
any
more!?). You'll find that it's very useful to compare waveforms, and
for that you want a two-channel scope at least. But 10MHz, or more
commonly 20MHz, is enough bandwidth for what you'll initially be
doing.
There are plenty of inexpensive Chinese-made 20MHz dual-channel
scopes out there, at least in the states - Leader, for instance.
Probably fine, for
a
first scope. The difference between that and something like a Tek
will be in things like the accuracy of the input stages and the
sensitivity of triggering on short spikes, and maybe features
depending on what models you're looking at.
If it were me, I'd recommend getting a new Chinese scope as a first
scope, unless you can land a used Tek or HP that is in guaranteed
known good working order. There's no sense struggling to learn how
to use a scope
that
doesn't work; even working ones can be tricky to fully understand.
Later
on
when you understand how to work with it and what it *should* do, you
can
get
a scope of high quality but unknown condition.
Yes, a new Chineses scope is the way I'm leaning. My local
(Australia) electronics chain has a 10MHz (1 Channel) for about
US$120. The 20MHz (2 Channel) is about US$300.
The low cost of the 10MHz seems great to get started for me. Then
when I get to the point I need a "real" scope, I might look at a
PC-based digital like the Stingray DS1M12 USB- I've got a couple of
old PCs (133 and 120MHz) sitting around doing nothing.
Though I keep reading mixed messages about PC-based scopes. OTOH, it
seems to me that to look at signal all you need is a fast A-to-D
converter and the right software; it's simple and obvious - unless I'm
missing something.
But, I hear what you're saying about the 2 channel. So maybe I should
go for the 2 Channel Chinese and then I'll have a usable analog scope
that will last me for many years.
It's not like I'm a "professional repairer" and it's not going to be
used 10 hours a day. In fact, it will probably spend 11 months of the
year just switched off (after my initial burst of study).
240V * 1.4 = 336V, by the way.
Thanks, yes I reviewed the RMS definition.
Thanks again for your advice, and also to others for their comments.
I must say the second hand market is a bit too hard for me to figure
out as a beginner.
Though I missed out (forgot to bid) on a Tek 2336 last week that went
for about US$300. The individual seller claimed it worked perfectly
except the screen was a little darkened and it was missing a case
clip. It certainly seemed like a real bargain at that price.
There's now a Tek 2215 in perfect order (with probe) currently bid at
about US$340. Very tempting....but like posters have alluded, who
knows about its calibration, and whether it will die in short time.
And what about parts, etc. etc. etc.
regards,
RR
|
I find 2200 scopes to be very useful,good scopes.I have a 2213 myself.
Far better than some other TEK scopes such as 434,any 5000 series scope.
IMO,2213/15 are one of the most repairable of the newer TEK analog scopes.
Calibration is not meant to be "long-lasting",TEK recommended at least
yearly calibration.
--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
|
|
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|
 |
BFoelsch
Guest
|
| Posted:
Tue Oct 11, 2005 5:56 am Post subject:
Re: Opinions on Oscilloscopes |
|
|
"Jim Yanik" <jyanik@abuse.gov> wrote in message
news:Xns96EBC88BC7625jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.84...
| Quote: | "RR" <newspaper.20.broom@spamgourmet.com> wrote in
news:V7i%e.3574$U51.2990@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
"Walter Harley" <walterh@cafewalterNOSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:AtCdnf6HF86T9qDeRVn-jg@speakeasy.net...
"RR" <newspaper.20.broom@spamgourmet.com> wrote in message
news:oOY_e.2738$U51.339@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
Don't bother with a single channel scope (why would they even make
them
any
more!?). You'll find that it's very useful to compare waveforms, and
for that you want a two-channel scope at least. But 10MHz, or more
commonly 20MHz, is enough bandwidth for what you'll initially be
doing.
There are plenty of inexpensive Chinese-made 20MHz dual-channel
scopes out there, at least in the states - Leader, for instance.
Probably fine, for
a
first scope. The difference between that and something like a Tek
will be in things like the accuracy of the input stages and the
sensitivity of triggering on short spikes, and maybe features
depending on what models you're looking at.
If it were me, I'd recommend getting a new Chinese scope as a first
scope, unless you can land a used Tek or HP that is in guaranteed
known good working order. There's no sense struggling to learn how
to use a scope
that
doesn't work; even working ones can be tricky to fully understand.
Later
on
when you understand how to work with it and what it *should* do, you
can
get
a scope of high quality but unknown condition.
Yes, a new Chineses scope is the way I'm leaning. My local
(Australia) electronics chain has a 10MHz (1 Channel) for about
US$120. The 20MHz (2 Channel) is about US$300.
The low cost of the 10MHz seems great to get started for me. Then
when I get to the point I need a "real" scope, I might look at a
PC-based digital like the Stingray DS1M12 USB- I've got a couple of
old PCs (133 and 120MHz) sitting around doing nothing.
Though I keep reading mixed messages about PC-based scopes. OTOH, it
seems to me that to look at signal all you need is a fast A-to-D
converter and the right software; it's simple and obvious - unless I'm
missing something.
But, I hear what you're saying about the 2 channel. So maybe I should
go for the 2 Channel Chinese and then I'll have a usable analog scope
that will last me for many years.
It's not like I'm a "professional repairer" and it's not going to be
used 10 hours a day. In fact, it will probably spend 11 months of the
year just switched off (after my initial burst of study).
240V * 1.4 = 336V, by the way.
Thanks, yes I reviewed the RMS definition.
Thanks again for your advice, and also to others for their comments.
I must say the second hand market is a bit too hard for me to figure
out as a beginner.
Though I missed out (forgot to bid) on a Tek 2336 last week that went
for about US$300. The individual seller claimed it worked perfectly
except the screen was a little darkened and it was missing a case
clip. It certainly seemed like a real bargain at that price.
There's now a Tek 2215 in perfect order (with probe) currently bid at
about US$340. Very tempting....but like posters have alluded, who
knows about its calibration, and whether it will die in short time.
And what about parts, etc. etc. etc.
regards,
RR
I find 2200 scopes to be very useful,good scopes.I have a 2213 myself.
Far better than some other TEK scopes such as 434,any 5000 series scope.
IMO,2213/15 are one of the most repairable of the newer TEK analog scopes.
|
For a scope to "fool around" with, I would suggest the OP look at a Tek
2225. They typically go for $50 - $100. They are also almost completely
discrete, so repairs are feasible in most cases. Definitely not a "high-end"
unit, but certainly enough to teach you the basics. |
|
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|
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Jim Yanik
Guest
|
| Posted:
Tue Oct 11, 2005 4:35 pm Post subject:
Re: Opinions on Oscilloscopes |
|
|
"BFoelsch" <BFoelsch@comcast.ditch.this.net> wrote in
news:YoqdneJ0ru1akNbeRVn-iw@giganews.com:
| Quote: |
"Jim Yanik" <jyanik@abuse.gov> wrote in message
news:Xns96EBC88BC7625jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.84...
"RR" <newspaper.20.broom@spamgourmet.com> wrote in
news:V7i%e.3574$U51.2990@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
"Walter Harley" <walterh@cafewalterNOSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:AtCdnf6HF86T9qDeRVn-jg@speakeasy.net...
"RR" <newspaper.20.broom@spamgourmet.com> wrote in message
news:oOY_e.2738$U51.339@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
Don't bother with a single channel scope (why would they even make
them
any
more!?). You'll find that it's very useful to compare waveforms,
and for that you want a two-channel scope at least. But 10MHz, or
more commonly 20MHz, is enough bandwidth for what you'll initially
be doing.
There are plenty of inexpensive Chinese-made 20MHz dual-channel
scopes out there, at least in the states - Leader, for instance.
Probably fine, for
a
first scope. The difference between that and something like a Tek
will be in things like the accuracy of the input stages and the
sensitivity of triggering on short spikes, and maybe features
depending on what models you're looking at.
If it were me, I'd recommend getting a new Chinese scope as a
first scope, unless you can land a used Tek or HP that is in
guaranteed known good working order. There's no sense struggling
to learn how to use a scope
that
doesn't work; even working ones can be tricky to fully understand.
Later
on
when you understand how to work with it and what it *should* do,
you can
get
a scope of high quality but unknown condition.
Yes, a new Chineses scope is the way I'm leaning. My local
(Australia) electronics chain has a 10MHz (1 Channel) for about
US$120. The 20MHz (2 Channel) is about US$300.
The low cost of the 10MHz seems great to get started for me. Then
when I get to the point I need a "real" scope, I might look at a
PC-based digital like the Stingray DS1M12 USB- I've got a couple of
old PCs (133 and 120MHz) sitting around doing nothing.
Though I keep reading mixed messages about PC-based scopes. OTOH,
it seems to me that to look at signal all you need is a fast A-to-D
converter and the right software; it's simple and obvious - unless
I'm missing something.
But, I hear what you're saying about the 2 channel. So maybe I
should go for the 2 Channel Chinese and then I'll have a usable
analog scope that will last me for many years.
It's not like I'm a "professional repairer" and it's not going to
be used 10 hours a day. In fact, it will probably spend 11 months
of the year just switched off (after my initial burst of study).
240V * 1.4 = 336V, by the way.
Thanks, yes I reviewed the RMS definition.
Thanks again for your advice, and also to others for their
comments.
I must say the second hand market is a bit too hard for me to
figure out as a beginner.
Though I missed out (forgot to bid) on a Tek 2336 last week that
went for about US$300. The individual seller claimed it worked
perfectly except the screen was a little darkened and it was
missing a case clip. It certainly seemed like a real bargain at
that price.
There's now a Tek 2215 in perfect order (with probe) currently bid
at about US$340. Very tempting....but like posters have alluded,
who knows about its calibration, and whether it will die in short
time. And what about parts, etc. etc. etc.
regards,
RR
I find 2200 scopes to be very useful,good scopes.I have a 2213
myself. Far better than some other TEK scopes such as 434,any 5000
series scope. IMO,2213/15 are one of the most repairable of the newer
TEK analog scopes.
For a scope to "fool around" with, I would suggest the OP look at a
Tek 2225. They typically go for $50 - $100. They are also almost
completely discrete, so repairs are feasible in most cases. Definitely
not a "high-end" unit, but certainly enough to teach you the basics.
|
A great beginner scope would be a T922 or T932/35;they have no TEK-made ICs
or special transistors in them.Very simple switches,too.
--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
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