Re: Opinions on Oscilloscopes
- From: mike <spamme0@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 14:45:15 -0700
RR wrote:
Hi,
I'm in the process of teaching myself analog electronics. I figure that my understanding of components and circuits will be enhanced by being able to measure and view behaviour on a CRO.
Initially I'll be building low voltage circuits (9V, 12V) in both AC and DC. But I would like to be able to measure mains (I think I just a differential probe with any scope for this) later on.
My local ebay has two CROs that seem interesting and good value to me: - a McVan BWD826 - a Tektronix 475
I've read elsewhere on sci.electronics good opinions about BWD824 and Tek 465b.
Opinions on the above?
Also, my other option is to buy a real cheap new 10MHz unit from a local electronics store. A problem I see with it is that its minimum sensitiviy is 5mV (I notice that usually it's 1mV or less). But, I guess 5mV is probably small enough for my needs.
It's also single channel. For what I want to do, am I going to need 2 channels?
Opinions please?
Last question: if a scope says "Trigger Max. Input Voltage: 400V peak", does that mean it will handle 240VAC input (I think 240VAC RMS is 400VDC)? Would it still need a differential probe for this purpose?
tia, RR
It's my opinion that if you need two channels, you're not gonna be happy with a single channel scope.
The key to buying a scope is patience.
You can't hardly go wrong with a TEK 400 or 7000 series scope.
Prices run from "way too much" to "dirt cheap" depending on where/when
you buy one. Patience...
You can find good deals on EBAY, but you have to know the right questions to ask and hope the answers are honest. Anything that says,
"can't test it" is suspect.
Search out a ham radio operator. Go visit a ham club meeting. Those guys have spare scopes for their spare scopes in the attic. Ham radio swap meets are a great place to buy scopes.
Take someone with you who knows how to test a scope. It's not unusual to find a scope can put up a green worm, but has significant problems when it comes to actual use. Scopes are relatively easy to fix, until you get to a bad part that you can't get any more. Problem is that you usually need a scope to fix a scope.
There's no reason to EVER put 240VAC into a scope. You'll always be using at least a 10X probe. Worry about the probe specs, especially
on cheap probes.
I'm gonna repeat myself. Scope probes are designed to be insulating
and safe to use. Hanging random wires on 240VAC and stuffing that into a scope is a recipe for DEATH. Maybe not today, but eventually. Just don't do it.
mike
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