Buying My First Oscilloscope Need Advice

pete1234 · 06-01-2007, 06:20 PM

I'm buying my first oscilloscope and need to know if a 20Mhz scope is sufficent for things like basic ham radio stuff, computer projects(usb/serial/parallel), PIC programming,solar panel projects, etc... Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

rshaw · 06-01-2007, 06:36 PM

thats pretty slow for anything other than viewing audio signals.

guzzi · 06-01-2007, 07:09 PM

I well know that faster means higher cost, but you will find that in digital circuits fast is good. I suggest you get the fastest scope you can afford.

My use of a scope is primarily for video signals, and with a Tek TDS2012 there are times I have wished for a faster unit. And, I bet in amateur radio you will find some really high clock/oscillator frequencies.

Glad to see your post, I enjoy using a scope, and I guess you do also.

pete1234 · 06-01-2007, 07:11 PM

Thanks for the reply. So how many Mhz would you Muzo. I'm looking to buy from http://www.madelltech.com/index.html. I probably can't spend more than like $350. I think they offer a 40Mhz model would that be sufficient? Any suggestions on better models is appreciated.

pete1234 · 06-01-2007, 07:13 PM

Thanks for the reply guzzi, any suggestions for a scope around $300-$400? Would I need as high as like 1Ghz?

masonm · 06-01-2007, 07:33 PM

I would go with something in the GHz range. If you can't afford a new one find a decent used one. No sense in scrimping on test equipment specs. A good spectrum analyzer also comes in handy.

guzzi · 06-01-2007, 07:51 PM

Just looked in my 2006 ARRL manual, and they don't state any bandwidth in particular. However they do mention getting the greatest bandwidth you can afford, and to consider older equipment.

A quick look on E-Bay brought up lots of very interesting prospects. Kind of wish I hadn't looked at all that candy

pete1234 · 06-01-2007, 08:01 PM

I don't see anything on ebay in the Ghz range for under $1000.

rshaw · 06-01-2007, 08:07 PM

yeah, ya get what you pay for. my general dynamics r2600 retails at $15,000, but it's much more than just an o'scope.

yeah, 'my' like i can afford it. company provided obviously.

pete1234 · 06-01-2007, 08:09 PM

Plus everything on ebay is sold "As is"; which is a no no. I suppose I'll just buy a cheap new oscilloscope and maybe a cheap new spectrum analyzer until I can afford a really good scope.

michaelk · 06-01-2007, 08:20 PM

IMHO a 100 - 350 MHz would be more then adequate for your needs. My favorite general purpose troubleshooting o-scope is a Tektronix THS-720 100MHz portable.

For a used scope I suggest the Tektronix 2430A. Its a 150MHz digital storage scope with cursors. Used one for many years. There are several on Ebay at the moment.

I agree that you should get the biggest bandwidth that you can afford.

pete1234 · 06-01-2007, 08:32 PM

Do you think I should go new, can you actually find something used and decent on ebay, cause most scopes I'm seeing are sold "as is" which doesn't sound good.

rshaw · 06-01-2007, 08:34 PM

yeah, i agree. we used 100mhz dual trace rigs in school. anything above that i find i get more mileage out of a logic probe and frequency counter.

pete1234 · 06-01-2007, 08:41 PM

rshaw(all opinions welcome of course) would you think I'd get more use out of / learn more from say buying a 20Mhz-60Mhz scope and a frequency counter, or just a 100Mhz scope?

michaelk · 06-01-2007, 08:50 PM

There are several that appear to be in good working condition but since your not familiar with the unit it might be best to go for something new. Like rshaw I get to use the company provided equipment i.e. Tektronix and Agilent stuff so I have not really used the more affordable test equipment available.