Re: Advice on used oscilloscope

Hawker <Hawker{removethispart}@ashevillecommunity.org> wrote in
news:57vgknF2eq5hhU1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:

On 4/9/2007 2:28 PM, The digits of Jim Yanik's hands composed the
following:
Hawker <Hawker{removethispart}@ashevillecommunity.org> wrote in
news:57vaqqF2enlfkU1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:
Tek 2445A very nice 150Mhz analog - the 150Mhz version of the high
demand 2465B.

2445 "A" is NOT a version of the 2465 "B".
The B series came along AFTER the A version,and the B versions use a
mricoprocessor board incompatible with earlier versions,as it now
contains the readout board circuitry that used to be a separate
assy,and is SMD,not thru-hold components.

(FYI,the main PCB itself is the part that determines bandwidth of the
scope. the hybrid ICs are common to both 2445 and 2465
scopes,including later A and B versions.)


The 2445/65 series is the best analog scope TEK ever made.


So I guess In part I was wrong.
From the front they look the same, and I have some Tek literature
where
they advertise the 2445A and 2465B on the same cut *** essentially
calling the 2445A a lower bandwidth version of the 2465B. Perhaps, as
you say, the guts are very different inside, but the front cover looks
the same so given that and the literature I have I made my assumption.
Still it is a great scope if you don't need the bandwidth of the
2465B. I do find it interesting that you point out how they are not
related, then go on to group them in the same statements (same hybrid
ICs and that both not just 2465 is the best analog scope TEK ever
made)

Hawker


The B series has different software(along with the improved microprocessor
board),different front panel modes available.
I don't have the manuals anymore,or I'd be specific.

When TEK makes an "A" or "B" version of an instrument,it usually is a minor
upgrade,adding features,not any drastic circuit changes,and in the digital
age,that's all software. Some TDS scopes have all the options circuitry
onboard,but you need a special SW key to activate the options.

Of course,when they do make an "A" or "B" version,the older scope begins
it's Long Term Support Period;the countdown to "obsolescence" and end of
support.
Since TEK no longer has component level schematics in their "service"
manuals(AFAIK),that makes repair nearly impossible.TDS models are factory
service or module exchange only.(don't trust the "repair and return" option
for your assemblies,TEK often loses them.Then you're screwed.)

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
.