Recommend a Modest Scope

[c_hegge]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Sorry to dig up another old thread, but now I'm after a scope. All it needs to do is test PSU ripple. I found this on fleabay (DSO-2090 USB PC Based), reduced down to 175. Would it do the job?

[tronxkid]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Lately Rigol scopes play a huge roll in the scene. I'm not sure about the quality of the brand. But some says rigol make scopes for agilent.
but who knows????

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Sorry to dig up another old thread, but now I'm after a scope. All it needs to do is test PSU ripple. I found this on fleabay (DSO-2090 USB PC Based), reduced down to 175. Would it do the job?

I tried the 2150 version and I thought it was crap.

At low voltages [like a PSU] it has a background ripple you can't get rid of.
It's there even with the probe grounded and it changes in value when you change ranges in proportion to the range change so I know it comes from inside the scope.

I think it make be the ripple in +5v from USB getting amplified in the scope.
Never had time to try and fix it. I just shoved it in a drawer.
.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

There are plenty of cheap and reliable Tektronix scopes flooding the used market. The 465 and 475 for example.

PC's statement reinforces what I've heard the cheap portable digitals are garbage because they're built to a price. If you don't have the cash for a low end digital scope like a Rigol which is in the 400 buck range get an old analog Tek.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

As far as i remember c_hegge got one of the USB thingies and he's pretty happy with it. I don't recall which model he bought though.

I'm using an old russian analog scope, but as my SMPS knowledge increases i actually find myself using it less and less, because it sucks. It would definitely be the tool for checking ham radio equipment or something (it goes up to 100MHz), it's overkill for audio use, but it kinda loses it in the high noise environment that is a SMPS. The guy who sold it to me also gave me a schematic of the whole thing... but i lost it.

Edit: Found the schematic! I'll have to print it tho, it has so many pages. And it's in Russian of course... But it also comes with a full parts list which should come in handy.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

I have a Tektronix 7633 with 6 or 7 plug-ins. It's a tank!
I wanted the toy USB one so I could get screen shots without a hassle.
.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

100MHz, dual channel, dual timebase. Neat. Even with the crappy triggering that my Russian scope has, i'd be happy with it if it had two channels.

That's not to say it doesn't help at all - i just scoped out a bad driver transistor in an ATX PSU i'm modding into an adjustable supply - but it takes a fair amount of guesswork. Well, so they say - tools made by people who drink vodka, for people who drink vodka.

[tronxkid]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

I have no knowledge in troubleshooting using scopes. But I think its worth to invest few extra bucks for a good scope.I hope to use oscilloscope mainly for repairing motherboards and computers and for building audio amps and small Micro controller projects.
My budget is 0$-400$.

And I have few candidates in my mind.

Instek GDS-1062A (DSO 50Mhz)
Rigol DS1052E (DSO 60Mhz)
Tektronix TDS 210 (DSO 60Mhz, tek has recalled 210 series)
Tektronix 2235 (analog 100Mhz)

I have read 100 of reviews and comparisons and data sheet and all about oscilloscopes. but not yet able make up mind.

help me //////

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

I've only heard good things about the Rigol. Plus it can be hacked for 100MHz.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Your profile doesn't say where you are.
In the US one for under $400 should be easy.

Get a DSO type.
60Mhz is enough but hold out for a 100Mhz or higher.
.

[tronxkid]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Your profile doesn't say where you are.
In the US one for under $400 should be easy.

Get a DSO type.
60Mhz is enough but hold out for a 100Mhz or higher.
.

I'm from seattle WA. and I also think I should go for a DSO.
But the thing is.... which one? old tektronix or new china brand

I've only heard good things about the Rigol. Plus it can be hacked for 100MHz.

The latest rigol FW cant be hacked. Cant even downgrade it too.
And GW Instek scopes has better ADC than rigols. I'll attach the document soon.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

I went the old Tektronics route and I'm quite happy with it.
Have to be very careful when shopping for used ones though.
Not too hard to get burned.
.

[tronxkid]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

I went the old Tektronics route and I'm quite happy with it.
Have to be very careful when shopping for used ones though.
Not too hard to get burned.
.

newbies like me got NO CLUE whatsoever about selecting a good used scope -

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

If you want new the decision is between the Instek and the Rigol. Me, i'd go with the Rigol, but do search around for opinions on both models.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Those are probably fine scopes but in the US Tektronix [and HP as #2] are far more common so easier to find, more parts available, and lots of how-to's online.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

newbies like me got NO CLUE whatsoever about selecting a good used scope -

Don't get one that says 'untested' or 'powered up but no testing done'.
Don't get one without a money-back return policy and a warranty that gives you long enough to fully test it.
Look for ones that show the screen with a clean signal [or at least a clean line] so you known the trace isn't fuzzy. [Sometimes that's bad adjustment, sometimes is a CRT tube on it's way out.]
-
If you are patient you can get a nice one for cheap.
-
BTW: If you're looking on eBay major holidays can be good deal days because all the competition is out 'playing' somewhere.
July 4 weekend is coming up.....
.

[tronxkid]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Don't get one that says 'untested' or 'powered up but no testing done'.
Don't get one without a money-back return policy and a warranty that gives you long enough to fully test it.
Look for ones that show the screen with a clean signal [or at least a clean line] so you known the trace isn't fuzzy. [Sometimes that's bad adjustment, sometimes is a CRT tube on it's way out.]
-
If you are patient you can get a nice one for cheap.
-
BTW: If you're looking on eBay major holidays can be good deal days because all the competition is out 'playing' somewhere.
July 4 weekend is coming up.....
.

I finally made up my mind to get Instek 1062A scope. I found some firmware problems with rigol and few complaints about ADC.

Instedk GDS-1062A 60Mhz, 500Ms per channel. I think it will be enough for troubleshooting Micro controllers and motherboards.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Looks like it will do it.
-
Throw us a review after you've had a chance to play with it.
.

[tronxkid]

Re: Recommend a Modest Scope

Looks like it will do it.
-
Throw us a review after you've had a chance to play with it.
.

Of course I will review it as soon as I get it.