Digital Oscilloscope, which one?

[Pryde]

I want to get a scope for repair work. I know many use and suggest old analog tektronics, etc. but I want something small that will run with my computer so I have narrowed it down to 2 which seem to be able to do basic amp diagnoses from my understanding.

Picoscope 2204
PP419 - PicoScope 2204 - $262.35

or

Hantek DSO-2090 USB
http://www.amazon.com/Hantek-Based-D.../dp/B0036FZRU4

The picoscope has a function generator where the hantek does not. Is that worth the extra $80 or so dollars to get it?

I just want something simple for basic/common amp repair and building work. Looking forward to your responses. Thanks.

[Mark Black]

Not familiar with the scope modules you listed, but in general I think older analog types are much more forgiving of an accidental overvoltage and have that nice smooth (non-pixelated) waveform that can reveal very small irregularities which can be telling in diagnosis.

My (admittedly limited) experience with digital scopes has left me unimpressed for this type of work, but maybe the higher end ones with extremely fast sample rate are OK (probably does not include the two you mentioned).

Just my $0.02

[Enzo]

It may be appealing to have the computer do the work, but my computer is where all my schematics appear, and I'd not be happy toggling between scope and schematic all day.

[Mick Bailey]

The Picoscope isn't a good bet for amp repair. I have one and don't use it. Think along the lines of buying a 2 mega-pixel camera for wedding photography. The last time I saw it was in the bottom of a toolbox full of tools I don't use either. For the price almost any analogue scope is a better bet and you could score a decent two-channel used scope for less money.

[Pryde]

OK then an analog scope it is. Problem is I don't know if an old tektronics, etc. on ebay would be working correctly, have good probes, etc.? No one local has anything available. Does anyone have a reliable online source to get an old analog scope? Thanks.

[Jazz P Bass]

It may be appealing to have the computer do the work, but my computer is where all my schematics appear, and I'd not be happy toggling between scope and schematic all day.

Ahh, but that is why they make newer computer video cards that can drive two monitors.

Not enough desk space?
Mount the flat panel monitors on the wall.

Beam me up a Scotty.

[Pryde]

Or better yet,
Do any of you fine fellas have an extra scope you would want to get rid off that is in good working condition? Willing to buy if so.

[Enzo]

I have a couple nice Tek lab scopes. They are the size of a small car and the tubes in them will heat the shop in winter. I got years of good service from a very basic B&K scope. A few years ago I decided to try something different and bought a basic 20MHz scope, Tenma brand, from MCM. Cost me some $300-400. It has worked just fine for me the last few years. And that was new with a warranty.

[doctor]

The first question that you need to ask yourself: “For what purposes I need a scope?”

If you repair only analog equipment, 2-channel 20MHz scope with appropriate probes will be sufficient. This option is much cheaper.

If you repair digital equipment, the digital scope will give you many useful features (you can read about them in user’s manual of any digital scope). Try to understand, what there written.
2-channel 100MHz scope with appropriate probes will be sufficient for most applications.

The second question is: “If I need a digital scope, whether it should be of USB type?”

I personally tested several digital USB scopes having price less than $1K, and turned out that they had serious problems: synchronization and so on. For this reason I cannot recommend this type of scopes despite the fact that it is very comfortable to use only small USB box in addition to existing computer.

My preferable manufacturers are Hitachi and Tektronix.

[Pryde]

I have a couple nice Tek lab scopes. They are the size of a small car and the tubes in them will heat the shop in winter. I got years of good service from a very basic B&K scope. A few years ago I decided to try something different and bought a basic 20MHz scope, Tenma brand, from MCM. Cost me some $300-400. It has worked just fine for me the last few years. And that was new with a warranty.

Enzo,
What model Tenma did you get? I see a few different 20MHz ones on ebay? I am fine with a Tenma if it gets your recommendation. Also, I just am doing analog repair, no digital stull.

Thanks

[Mick Bailey]

You can still buy Tenma scopes new - Farnell has them amongst others.

[Gregg]

Maybe you should check this out:

Your Source For New and Used Oscilloscopes | The Oscilloscope Shop

[Pryde]

Maybe you should check this out:

Your Source For New and Used Oscilloscopes | The Oscilloscope Shop

Thanks for the link. This site just links to ebay sales though.

[Tom Phillips]

So what's the deal with the "Oscilloscope Shop?" All their equipment listings just link to eBay auctions.

Search the forum for other discussions about scopes too. An old Analog scope can be a joy to use but a real pain if it is not in good working order. My scopes of choice are Tektronix 465 and 465B models. Mine have required maintenance though and working inside one Makes a Mesa Boogie Mark IV seem like a very simple device to repair.

There were a couple of sellers on eBay that sold refurbished and guaranteed working Tektronix scopes. My advice is that one of those for $450 was a much better deal than a unit in unknown condition for $150. Keep in mind that these are high end scopes and are really beyond what you need in both performance and feature sets. The commercial scopes already cited in this thread would be just fine for your need. If you buy used it's best to get it from an seller who shows that it is in current working order and will guarantee that. Remember that you need scope probes too. They are to scopes what lenses are to cameras. Therefore, it's a much sweeter deal if the scope comes with probes.

Cheers,
Tom

[Pryde]

Thank you Tom.
I am aware of the "as is" deals and it is to much of a gamble for me. I do hear much about the Tek 465 but I imagine its way overkill for my needs. Really just looking for a simple, 20 MHz, 2 channel scope that is known to work fine. That is the big hang-up.