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Need An Oscilloscope
- Thread starter KD2GOE
- Start date
Well I'm using an Elenco S-1390, if that helps. It's a two-channel scope that does the job I need it to do (monitor modulation). Are you looking to buy a scope from a member here or are you merely looking for suggestions?
You might be far better off getting one from a local city and pay far less for one. BTW - the new digital storage oscilloscope ('DSO') have made the analog scopes obsolete in many ways, so the price of an analog scope has plummeted. Shipping cost for an analog scope isn't cheap either, as their weight and bulk after packing them makes their cost more than the scope itself is worth.
Of course, it will depend where you live as to how available a scope may be. Might look on Craigslist for the largest city close to you; since many people that want to sell their analog scope wants to get rid of them. The drive cost might make it practical, not to mention you can see it before you buy.
Nothing wrong with an analog scope still. True; they will use a lot more energy, take up a lot more space, give off a lot more heat, and have fewer features than the new digital scopes do. But they will do just fine for the purposes of radio. The best of them would be Tektronix, Hitatchi, and LeCroy.
Yes; they can prove to be a bargain now that digital scopes are here. Just need a break and use your hunting skills and I'll bet you can come up with a real find for around $100. It is a buyers market; so take the lead.
Or you just might consider getting a digital scope too. The eevblog has reviews on scopes. Stay away from Owon brand and all of the PC based/plug in scopes; they neither have the features nor the bandwidth to be practical. Rigol is the best of the budget scopes.
Just some thoughts . . .
Of course, it will depend where you live as to how available a scope may be. Might look on Craigslist for the largest city close to you; since many people that want to sell their analog scope wants to get rid of them. The drive cost might make it practical, not to mention you can see it before you buy.
Nothing wrong with an analog scope still. True; they will use a lot more energy, take up a lot more space, give off a lot more heat, and have fewer features than the new digital scopes do. But they will do just fine for the purposes of radio. The best of them would be Tektronix, Hitatchi, and LeCroy.
Yes; they can prove to be a bargain now that digital scopes are here. Just need a break and use your hunting skills and I'll bet you can come up with a real find for around $100. It is a buyers market; so take the lead.
Or you just might consider getting a digital scope too. The eevblog has reviews on scopes. Stay away from Owon brand and all of the PC based/plug in scopes; they neither have the features nor the bandwidth to be practical. Rigol is the best of the budget scopes.
Just some thoughts . . .
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I have to agree and disagree 
Even Dave on EEVBlog will tell you to get both of the scopes.
There are a few things with an analog scope that just works better than a DSO. Unless you spend 2 to 3 grand for one. Which is not top of the line by no means. Seems analog just works better for RF related stuff than a DSO.
I do own a OWON scope. It does ok for what it is. So I will agree with you on that.
The Rigol is an excelent choice.
If it was me, I look for a Tektronix 23xx model. I own 2 2335 scopes and love them. I have less than 50 bucks in them. They are out there you just have to shop around.
At the moment I have 9 scopes.
But you are spot on Robb
Even Dave on EEVBlog will tell you to get both of the scopes.
There are a few things with an analog scope that just works better than a DSO. Unless you spend 2 to 3 grand for one. Which is not top of the line by no means. Seems analog just works better for RF related stuff than a DSO.
I do own a OWON scope. It does ok for what it is. So I will agree with you on that.
The Rigol is an excelent choice.
If it was me, I look for a Tektronix 23xx model. I own 2 2335 scopes and love them. I have less than 50 bucks in them. They are out there you just have to shop around.
At the moment I have 9 scopes.
But you are spot on Robb
Tektronics has the new Digital Storage Oscilloscopes for right at $500.00 and they are no larger than a lunch box. Remember those?
Ok thanks all varey good information you guys gave me. i am just looking for an analog scope Right now but I am still open minded about a digital ones. there is something about the old school feel of analog and I just love. I also frequently EEVblog a lot, and watch most of his videos if not all of them already.
I am looking on Craigslist as well i see one that is local and a few that are a hour drive but there $300 i know if i wait it out I can get a better deal.
When i get this scope it will be the one I'll be learning on I don't have very much skills in the manner of using one. but I have the drive to learn and I have the Internet... and most of you guys if you have the the patience with me.
I am looking on Craigslist as well i see one that is local and a few that are a hour drive but there $300 i know if i wait it out I can get a better deal.
When i get this scope it will be the one I'll be learning on I don't have very much skills in the manner of using one. but I have the drive to learn and I have the Internet... and most of you guys if you have the the patience with me.
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$300 is too much for an analog scope. For that much money, I'd just wait until I could save another $100 and get a digital 100mhz Rigol scope. There are also any number of Hitatchi 100mhz 2 channel scopes on ebay right now for around $100 & shipping that are every bit as solid as a Tektronix scope.
There are lots of YouTube videos that can tutor you to use a scope. Once you break down the functions on a scope and watch half a dozen videos, you will see that it was really very simple to grip.
There are lots of YouTube videos that can tutor you to use a scope. Once you break down the functions on a scope and watch half a dozen videos, you will see that it was really very simple to grip.
wow thanks Robb!
This guy is not making any money on shipping @ $20 I snatched one up ill let you know when I get it in... there is so many typs out there it is intimidating, I was just narrowing my search's to Tektronix, Rigol, and HP-Agilent scopes.
I hope when 10 meters opens wide up or I go and pass my general and can work 20 and 40 meters. I can talk you guys up some time..
This guy is not making any money on shipping @ $20 I snatched one up ill let you know when I get it in... there is so many typs out there it is intimidating, I was just narrowing my search's to Tektronix, Rigol, and HP-Agilent scopes.
I hope when 10 meters opens wide up or I go and pass my general and can work 20 and 40 meters. I can talk you guys up some time..
All ready done friend of mine has a box of them and gave me 3