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Which oscilloscope to buy?

S

spinjector

It's time to buy a scope. I need to work on our DX-10, and we don't have one. There "was" one at some point but it seems to have turned "invisible". I think it's something to do with the long line of engineers of questionable intent that came before me.

So I need to convince the GM to spend the money.

Can anyone suggest a good currently available make/model that won't break the bank..?
 
I like your comment about: "something to do with the long line of engineers of questionable intent". But, I will say I once worked at a station where the GM claimed my personal test equipment belonged to them. Much to his surprise, I keep all receipts, and always take inventory.

I just pulled a Leader 20Mhz scope down from my attic in Florida after sitting for close to 3 years. It fired up fine and appears to work ok. But, you might want something with a little more meat & potatoes, like a HP or Tektronics. Lots of choices on E-bay (about 6,958). Some expensive, while others are a real deal. You'll probably pay through the nose if you go for new in the box. What's in your station's wallet?!

http://cgi.ebay.com/B-K-1564-Oscill...71780?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item53e39979c4

Rick
 
RadioRickster said:
I like your comment about: "something to do with the long line of engineers of questionable intent".
Click to expand...

Yea that's my PC way of saying I was preceded by some incredible idiots. Not that I'm entirely normal myself, but hey I'm a radio engineer. =-)

I clicked your link to Ebay, then Googled that model for specs/manual, and I stumbled on this guy:
http://www.oscilloscopestore.com/2009/11/01/oscilloscopes-for-sale/

Looks interesting, I might pick up one of his units with my own money and keep it for myself. I'm going to flip through them all and see what look$ good.

O.O ---> I do have a question though: for general radio work, what kind of bandwith/features do I need in a scope? I know that I at least need dual trace with triggers, but what about bandwidth and other features? I've always pretty much used what was already on the bench wherever I worked; I never looked closely at what it had.
 
Truthfully speaking, the last time I used a scope (for any real work) was way back in 1980! And, that was strictly for audio phase alignment plus some basic voltage comparisons. I also used them to align head blocks on Scully and Ampex units. (Wow, now I'm giving my age away) LOL. I hope I didn't come off as being some kind of an "expert", because I'm really not. I had to reply to your post becasue I got a real kick out of your statement! I also don't want to steer you wrong on this subject, but I would believe you should have at least a good 30Mhz or better unit. That's why I pointed you towards the 60Mhz model. Not sure if that's even overkill for your purpose. BTW: when I worked with o-scopes, we used HP because they were the most durable and accurate. On the other hand, they were also the most expensive! I would think in today's market, you'll find something reasonable. Good Luck!
Rick
 
Use the Tek scope all the time. Good for sniffing around a PC board looking for the source of noise in power supplies and audio, or just plain distortion in audio.

Have a home-brew "transistor" tracer that uses the X-Y mode to test semiconductors of all types, capacitors, MOV's, etc..

Use it as a logic probe. If it’s got storage capability, all the better!

Most of the solid state AM transmitters seem to need a good dual-trace 100 MHz scope to troubleshoot or align them. Use it occasionally on a DX and Gates-5.

You can also use it as a modulation monitor , or to align one.
 
boiseengineer said:
Most of the solid state AM transmitters seem to need a good dual-trace 100 MHz scope to troubleshoot or align them. Use it occasionally on a DX and Gates-5.
Click to expand...

If you plan to work on CD palyers, you will also need a 100 MHz scope. At used prices, you might as well go for it. You can never be too rich, too good looking, or too thin....
 
There's Tektronics, and there's everybody else. They all work, the Tek usually works better longer. EBay is probably Your Friend.
 
I found a Tek 465 (100 MHz) with probes and nice bright CRT at a local hamfest about 15 years ago for $250 and it has worked out very well - I take it on the road frequently and it's still going strong. It's a little heavy, but not what I would call a boatanchor. You can probably find a good used one for under $200 if you shop around.
 
I have 1 Du Mont, 2 Big Teks, one on cart and with unknown plug-in.
I have a 454A on the desk here to see modulation.
A division of a company I worked for was tossing them in the mid-90's and I got to take home a good one.
They were originally Radiation, Inc, and built NASA links in Melbourne FL.
Case has RADIATION stencil sprayed on.

I have a soft spot for that RCA WO-33 ? that could be bought built or as a kit.
Probably didn't work any better than the DuMont. I heard a capactior dying...dangit.
Another thing on the list....That's been a year or more.

If you want to impress someone with a great big roll-around tek, I just want this one to go to a good home.
Maybe even throw in the other big one as I honestly never got around to trying them.
Or anyone else reading this thread who really needs to give a home to one or more of these, PM.
NO idea on what shipping would be. Hmmmm.
 
The last scope I bought for a station was a used unit from Tucker (their web site was down when I just tried it but they also sell on ebay: TEoutlet). It was an HP scope made for the Navy and worked nicely. I don't know if they still have it. A bit bigger than current scopes but not as big (or as heavy) as the tube units.
 
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