Author Topic: Donate an Oscilloscpe?  (Read 20444 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« on: November 10, 2015, 11:45:01 pm »
Hello Forum members. I read and use information from this forum and the eevblog channel a lot. I am a beginner and am wondering if anyone can send me a 2 channel analog calibrated oscilloscope.A Mhz range from 20-100 Mhz, I really don't care. Thank you so much. -Mr.Clark

P.S

If it isn't 2 channel or calibrated please still let me know I would be very happy to even get a broken old oscilloscope. Thanks.

« Last Edit: November 11, 2015, 02:19:12 am by n0b »
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2015, 01:15:34 am »
Why do you need a scope?
Alex
 

Offline retrolefty

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1648
  • Country: us
  • measurement changes behavior
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2015, 01:31:32 am »
What State/City are you in? Might make it easier if it's a local gift with no shipping costs involved.
 

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2015, 01:42:47 am »
I live in Idaho Falls Idaho, zip code 83404.
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2015, 01:43:38 am »
ataradov, I need a scope to begin to tinker around and learn electronics.
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline Dave

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1352
  • Country: si
  • I like to measure things.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2015, 01:51:43 am »
You don't need a scope for that.
<fellbuendel> it's arduino, you're not supposed to know anything about what you're doing
<fellbuendel> if you knew, you wouldn't be using it
 

Offline EEVblog

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 37740
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2015, 02:06:07 am »
You don't need a scope for that.

Yeah, but he wants a scope, it'll open his electronic eyes.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #7 on: November 11, 2015, 02:07:09 am »
ataradov, I need a scope to begin to tinker around and learn electronics.
You really don't. And you won't have much use for it until you are able to re-phrase "I don't really care what mhz." in a way that makes sense and technically correct.

Also, why do you need calibrated scope for tinkering?
Alex
 

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #8 on: November 11, 2015, 02:12:26 am »
Dave Jones! I watched your video that said to ask on the forum for a scope, and I guess that isn't a very good piece of advice, because even though I asked it in a nice way I end up getting dumped on.

I want a scope to start off in electronics and learn electronics.

Thanks.

-Mr.Clark
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #9 on: November 11, 2015, 02:15:53 am »
because even though I asked it in a nice way I end up getting dumped on.
The advice was to ask if you have a specific problem (or project) that you think you can't solve without a scope. Or you fee like you are at the level where scope will make a difference.

Asking just because you want one will appear rude. Especially specifying number of channels and requirement for calibration.

Lots of people have started without a scope and made a good progress.

Also, look on Craigslist.
Alex
 

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #10 on: November 11, 2015, 02:18:02 am »
Sorry if my intentions came out wrong, I guess I don't really care if it is calibrated, even if it doesn't work, that would be a nice project within itself.

I am sorry.

But I just watch Dave a lot and he often uses an oscilloscope and recommends getting one.
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #11 on: November 11, 2015, 02:26:08 am »
But I just watch Dave a lot and he often uses an oscilloscope and recommends getting one.
Dave has 30+ years of industry experience, so he knows why he needs a scope.

In any case, even if you manage to get something for free, the shipping fees will kill you (even within the US).

If you are just starting out, then start without a scope, you'll be fine. Cheap Harbor-Freight multimeter (that everyone likes to dump on) is not a bad investment if you are on a tight budget. Just don't stick into mains :)
Alex
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2015, 02:29:38 am »
And $20 will buy you UNI-T UT136B, which is a very nice multimeter that I personally use as a daily driver despite having much more expensive meters.
Alex
 

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #14 on: November 11, 2015, 02:33:22 am »
I am going to get a UNI-T UT61E for Christmas.
Well, there you go. That would be plenty for a lot of electronics-related stuff.
Alex
 

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #15 on: November 11, 2015, 02:57:52 am »
Would I have to have the same Mhz probes as I do Mhz on my oscilloscope?
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #16 on: November 11, 2015, 03:00:07 am »
Would I have to have the same Mhz probes as I do Mhz on my oscilloscope?
"Mhz probes" and "Mhz on my oscilloscope" are nonsense phrases. You will know that by the time you really need a scope.

And no, they are completely independent  parameters, but you need to know how different combinations will affect the result you observe.
Alex
 

Offline mtdoc

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3575
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #17 on: November 11, 2015, 03:51:49 am »
Jeez, give the guy a break. Nothing wrong with wanting an old, low bandwidth scope to use (or fix) as one is first learning. Not everyone needs to "walk five miles through the snow, uphill, to get to school" just because you may have started out that way. It's not like he's asking which $3,000 scope to buy... ::)

As Dave implied, being able to visualize voltage/time relationships will facilitate his learning - even when just starting out.

To answer your question nOb, the probes rated bandwidth should be greater or equal to the scope bandwidth. The inexpensive eBay p6100 scope probes  - usually $10 - $20 a pair are a good value and adequate for any sub 100 MHz scope.
 

Offline Dave

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1352
  • Country: si
  • I like to measure things.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #18 on: November 11, 2015, 04:06:06 am »
Fixing an old scope is definitely not something a beginner should attempt. The voltages used for driving a cathode ray tube are lethal and shouldn't be poked by someone who has no clue what they are doing.

By the way he worded his first message, it appeared as if he wanted a scope just to have a scope, because the Aussie said it's a good tool. If he started off by saying "I'm experimenting with this and that and would like to see how the circuit is behaving vs time", I'm sure he wouldn't get the response that he just got.
<fellbuendel> it's arduino, you're not supposed to know anything about what you're doing
<fellbuendel> if you knew, you wouldn't be using it
 

Offline mtdoc

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3575
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #19 on: November 11, 2015, 04:47:16 am »
Fixing an old scope is definitely not something a beginner should attempt.
Well yes and no - it depends on how-broke it is... In any case, plenty to learn by trying, even if unsuccessfull. I've seen beginners come on the Tek scopes forum with a "broken" Classic tek scope get walked through troubleshooting and repair and learn a ton in the process.
 
Quote
voltages used for driving a cathode ray tube are lethal and shouldn't be poked by someone who has no clue what they are doing.
Well you can't protect people from stupidity. Just because someone is new to electronics, doesn't mean they're clueless about the dangers of high voltages or too illiterate to read the warning stickers on the CRT.

But, i do agree that all things considered , it's best if a rank beginner starts with a working scope. If nothing else because it often takes a scope to fix a scope.

 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #20 on: November 11, 2015, 04:54:33 am »
In order to fix a scope you need to know how said scope is supposed to work in a first place. And if your questions is whether "MHz" on the scope must match "MHz" on the probe, you clearly don't know that.
Alex
 

Offline mtdoc

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3575
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #21 on: November 11, 2015, 05:04:23 am »
In order to fix a scope you need to know how said scope is supposed to work in a first place.

And having a 30 year old scope sitting in front of you, turning knobs and not being able to find a trace "it's broken!" And then turning to this or another forum or elsewhere for help, asking questions, etc is one path towards gaining that knowledge - a path many have taken, even if it isn't the one you took.  There's more than one "right" way to learn electronics.
 

Offline Shock

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4217
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #22 on: November 11, 2015, 05:51:54 am »
In order to fix a scope you need to know how said scope is supposed to work in a first place.

And having a 30 year old scope sitting in front of you, turning knobs and not being able to find a trace "it's broken!" And then turning to this or another forum or elsewhere for help, asking questions, etc is one path towards gaining that knowledge - a path many have taken, even if it isn't the one you took.  There's more than one "right" way to learn electronics.

In a perfect world that would happen, the reality is people come across that video and think oh cool I need one of those to do electronics. The scope sits in front of them and does nothing for a few weeks and they leave the forum just like all the majority of others that asked for free gear.

Most people are not self starters they are whimsical. I think it's much healthier to save up and buy a kit that will get your feet wet and show you what electronics is really like such as this. The bonus is after assembly you actually made something.

http://bit.ly/1RzsbiM DSO138 DIY Digital Oscilloscope Kit Electronic Learning Kit

If you don't have $30 to spend then hobby electronics is probably not for you, but you can still get a taste of it without spending any money at all, this circuit simulator combined with some of the links for education found on the net will teach you more about electronics than any old or broken oscilloscope will.

http://www.falstad.com/circuit/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/electronics-primers-course-material-and-books/
Soldering/Rework: Pace ADS200, Pace MBT350
Multimeters: Fluke 189, 87V, 117, 112   >>> WANTED STUFF <<<
Oszilloskopen: Lecroy 9314, Phillips PM3065, Tektronix 2215a, 314
 

Offline Shock

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4217
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #23 on: November 11, 2015, 06:59:17 am »
Another thing I'll add, you don't necessarily need a calibrated or "in calibration" instrument especially as a beginner, but a secondhand instrument that has recently been calibrated is a bonus.

Most electronics troubleshooting is about "go, no go" testing, so in the case of an oscilloscope seeing a signal or the correct type of signal is more important than absolute accuracy.

The most used and useful piece of test equipment I would say is the multimeter, followed by a variable bench power supply and I'd encourage you to focus your attention there.

Once you have those and a soldering iron and a little experience seeing if the hobby is for you, save up a few hundred dollars and go straight for an entry level DSO (digital storage oscilloscope) such as the Rigol DS1054Z for $375 with free shipping (tequipment.net).

Throwing any money into any old oscilloscope (which includes shipping them around) is dead money.
Soldering/Rework: Pace ADS200, Pace MBT350
Multimeters: Fluke 189, 87V, 117, 112   >>> WANTED STUFF <<<
Oszilloskopen: Lecroy 9314, Phillips PM3065, Tektronix 2215a, 314
 

Offline crispy_tofu

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1124
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #24 on: November 11, 2015, 07:15:58 am »
Have you tried looking at your local Craigslist or on eBay? There might be some cheap analogue scopes...  :-+
 

Offline xwarp

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 367
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #25 on: November 11, 2015, 07:22:32 am »
Jeez, give the guy a break.

No kidding.

Lot's of people new to different things join a forum asking about what they need to get started and not really knowing what they really need.

but what they DON'T need, is some asshat being an asshat.

 

Offline xwarp

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 367
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #26 on: November 11, 2015, 07:33:03 am »
........

How much are you willing to spend on shipping?

I have a couple, one of which that I might part with, but you have to cover shipping.

One is a pc based scope. Velleman PCs64i. You'll need either a laptop or desktop that has an available parallel port.

I'll even throw in a probe.

 

Offline tron9000

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 423
  • Country: gb
  • Still an Electronics Lab Tech
    • My Hack-a-day project page
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #27 on: November 11, 2015, 08:58:56 am »
In order to fix a scope you need to know how said scope is supposed to work in a first place. And if your questions is whether "MHz" on the scope must match "MHz" on the probe, you clearly don't know that.

 :palm: Right, give this guy some slack ok, he's a newbie and your berating him like a fully qualified engineer that should know better.

If I spoke to the students in the lab that way I'd have my P45 by the end of the day! pack it in!

To nOb, have you tried asking your local college for any hand me downs? Usually they have a clear out once in a while and its a good place to score some old, but useful kit. Ask to speak to the technical support department or lab support team, or whatever they are called, I'm sure they may be able to help or at least let you know if and when they'll be having a clear out.
Partsbox.io - orangise your parts!
"If you're green you can only ripen. If you're ripe you can only rot!"
 

Offline Monittosan

  • Regular Contributor
  • *
  • Posts: 146
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #28 on: November 11, 2015, 10:21:58 am »
Nob a Hacker space or just chatting with others with who are experienced in electronics will be a massive help!
Even try tracking down some old electronics magazines if you enjoy reading.
 

Offline EEVblog

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 37740
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #29 on: November 11, 2015, 11:47:49 am »
But I just watch Dave a lot and he often uses an oscilloscope and recommends getting one.
Dave has 30+ years of industry experience, so he knows why he needs a scope.
In any case, even if you manage to get something for free, the shipping fees will kill you (even within the US).
If you are just starting out, then start without a scope, you'll be fine. Cheap Harbor-Freight multimeter (that everyone likes to dump on) is not a bad investment if you are on a tight budget. Just don't stick into mains :)

Give the guy a break, he wants a scope, nothing wrong with that. In fact it should be encouraged, not discouraged.
 

Offline EEVblog

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 37740
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #30 on: November 11, 2015, 11:49:51 am »
Would I have to have the same Mhz probes as I do Mhz on my oscilloscope?
"Mhz probes" and "Mhz on my oscilloscope" are nonsense phrases. You will know that by the time you really need a scope.

A reminder that this is the beginner section, please do not discourage and disparage beginners in this manner, this is not the place for it.
 

Offline EEVblog

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 37740
  • Country: au
    • EEVblog
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #31 on: November 11, 2015, 11:51:52 am »
To answer your question nOb, the probes rated bandwidth should be greater or equal to the scope bandwidth. The inexpensive eBay p6100 scope probes  - usually $10 - $20 a pair are a good value and adequate for any sub 100 MHz scope.

Yes, you shouldn't need to pay more than $12 for a pair of them on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-100MHz-Oscilloscope-Scope-analyzer-Clip-Probe-test-leads-kit-for-HP-Tektronix-/371339453469
 

Offline nowlan

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 649
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #32 on: November 11, 2015, 01:01:33 pm »
Will passive probes work on any oscilloscope?
Ive seen active ones with chunkier box ends, with the extra pins to tell scope what value it is etc.
 

Offline Shock

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4217
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #33 on: November 11, 2015, 01:38:35 pm »
Will passive probes work on any oscilloscope?
Ive seen active ones with chunkier box ends, with the extra pins to tell scope what value it is etc.

There normally is a manual switch/button on the front of the scope or it's buried in the software menus on DSOs.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2015, 01:40:06 pm by Shock »
Soldering/Rework: Pace ADS200, Pace MBT350
Multimeters: Fluke 189, 87V, 117, 112   >>> WANTED STUFF <<<
Oszilloskopen: Lecroy 9314, Phillips PM3065, Tektronix 2215a, 314
 

Offline vk6zgo

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 7588
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #34 on: November 11, 2015, 02:12:05 pm »
Will passive probes work on any oscilloscope?
Ive seen active ones with chunkier box ends, with the extra pins to tell scope what value it is etc.

There normally is a manual switch/button on the front of the scope or it's buried in the software menus on DSOs.

Not common on analog 'scopes---------you either have to calculate the correction factor in your head,or in some cases,the X10 probe has a single extra pin which in conjunction with a metal ring around the BNC tells the 'scope to apply the X10 correction.

And of course,not all 'scopes have a v/cm display on the screen,in any case.
 

Offline n0bTopic starter

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 30
  • Country: us
  • Let the experiment be made.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #35 on: November 12, 2015, 12:10:06 am »
Quote
How much are you willing to spend on shipping?

I have a couple, one of which that I might part with, but you have to cover shipping.

One is a pc based scope. Velleman PCs64i. You'll need either a laptop or desktop that has an available parallel port.

I'll even throw in a probe.

Yeah  I personally messaged you and if the shipping cost is pretty cheap I might be interested.


Thanks for everyone's contributions.
Let the experiment be made.
 

Offline tec5c

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 423
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #36 on: November 12, 2015, 02:50:16 am »
In order to fix a scope you need to know how said scope is supposed to work in a first place.

Not necessarily true. It's all relative to the fault of the scope.

-1 @ataradov for every post of yours in this thread. Bad form.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #37 on: November 12, 2015, 02:57:59 am »
-1 @ataradov for every post of yours in this thread. Bad form.
Sorry if I offended anyone, it was not my intention.

My personal preference if I get stopped from trying something that is way out of my current capabilities. I'd like to be pointed in a right direction rather than be told that I'm a special snowflake and I can achieve anything I want if I try hard enough.
Alex
 

Offline Deathwish

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 1424
  • Country: wales
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #38 on: November 12, 2015, 03:05:58 am »
Sorry, just couldn't resist  :-DD
Electrons are typically male, always looking for any hole to get into.
trying to strangle someone who talks out of their rectal cavity will fail, they can still breath.
God hates North Wales, he has put my home address on the blacklist of all couriers with instructions to divert all parcels.
 

Offline tec5c

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 423
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #39 on: November 12, 2015, 04:22:27 am »
Hahahaha  :-+
 

Offline liquibyte

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 475
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #40 on: November 12, 2015, 04:47:43 am »
Some people insist that "mediocre" is better than "best."  They delight in clipping wings because they themselves can’t fly.  Heinlein

You never know, this guy might be the guy that invents flying cars because some kind soul donated a scope to him starting out.  I have an old Conar 255 you can have for shipping that I got in a trade from here.  I got the adapter so that BNC probes can be used but no probes as I currently use the ones I got but as Dave said you can get them inexpensively.  Let me know if you want it and we'll work it out.
 

Offline Shock

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4217
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #41 on: November 12, 2015, 06:05:15 am »
My personal preference if I get stopped from trying something that is way out of my current capabilities. I'd like to be pointed in a right direction rather than be told that I'm a special snowflake and I can achieve anything I want if I try hard enough.

Don't worry, what you said was perfectly sane, but the underlying message was lost on others.
Soldering/Rework: Pace ADS200, Pace MBT350
Multimeters: Fluke 189, 87V, 117, 112   >>> WANTED STUFF <<<
Oszilloskopen: Lecroy 9314, Phillips PM3065, Tektronix 2215a, 314
 

Offline tec5c

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 423
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #42 on: November 12, 2015, 07:53:20 am »
So before you ever used a scope, you knew the entire theory of operation inside and out?? I tend to think not... |O
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #43 on: November 12, 2015, 07:59:59 am »
So before you ever used a scope, you knew the entire theory of operation inside and out??
Absolutely not and I never said that. But by the first time I ever used a scope, I had an actual project at hand that I had a problem with. And my understanding of how the scope works was rather limited, but I at least had experience with electronics in general.

Additionally, I don't think that starting with an analog scope is a good idea. I know, I'll be crucified for saying that, but I just don't see the utility of an analog scope in a modern world.
Alex
 

Offline Deathwish

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 1424
  • Country: wales
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #44 on: November 12, 2015, 08:18:02 am »
Why assume anyone would crucify you for that comment ?, personally I think it is merely easier, or shall we say more likely the OP would be better of with an analog scope for free or minimum cost to learn basics on than the reality of someone sending him a digital one for nothing.

Something is better than nothing, or would you not agree ?. No not having a dig at you merely asking your opinion.
Electrons are typically male, always looking for any hole to get into.
trying to strangle someone who talks out of their rectal cavity will fail, they can still breath.
God hates North Wales, he has put my home address on the blacklist of all couriers with instructions to divert all parcels.
 

Offline xwarp

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 367
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #45 on: November 12, 2015, 08:20:45 am »
but I just don't see the utility of an analog scope in a modern world.

Funny........I thought the bid amounts on analog scopes on ebay were what people were willing to pay, not the sellers paying the bidders to take those old antiquated power hogs off their hands........

p.s. I've offered him a Tek Type 422 for the cost of shipping.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #46 on: November 12, 2015, 08:21:47 am »
Why assume anyone would crucify you for that comment ?
I feel like there are plenty of people here having nostalgia for analog scopes, forgetting how awful they actually are. And the grass was greener back then, of course :).

Something is better than nothing, or would you not agree ?
Knowing what I know right now and being in a position  to pick an analog scope for free, or one of those $30 DSO kits, I'd go for the kit.
Alex
 

Offline xwarp

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 367
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #47 on: November 12, 2015, 08:23:34 am »
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #48 on: November 12, 2015, 08:24:14 am »
Funny........I thought the bid amounts on analog scopes on ebay were what people were willing to pay, not the sellers paying the bidders to take those old antiquated power hogs off their hands........
This is either people, who really know what they are doing, or people with nostalgia.

I'm in the process of restoring to a working shape a 1985 Soviet PC. It is an utter piece of crap, but that the first thing I ever programmed, so I have warm feelings for it.
Alex
 

Offline Deathwish

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 1424
  • Country: wales
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #49 on: November 12, 2015, 08:26:33 am »
but I just don't see the utility of an analog scope in a modern world.

Funny........I thought the bid amounts on analog scopes on ebay were what people were willing to pay, not the sellers paying the bidders to take those old antiquated power hogs off their hands........

p.s. I've offered him a Tek Type 422 for the cost of shipping.

Personally I see those on ebay as of the following types.
1. beginners who have NO clue as to the real value of the item they are buying but just get caught with the woo factor and the thought they have a scope.
2. The collectors of older kit who love them and will pay over the odds to get that special one for their collection.
3. The older tech who is averse to digital but knows his way round an analog one like the back of his hand.

Most of the analog scopes on Ebay uk are massively over priced but then we always get screwed on the price of things here.
Electrons are typically male, always looking for any hole to get into.
trying to strangle someone who talks out of their rectal cavity will fail, they can still breath.
God hates North Wales, he has put my home address on the blacklist of all couriers with instructions to divert all parcels.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #50 on: November 12, 2015, 08:27:36 am »
one of these over a Tek analog?
Yes, any day of the week and no facepalming required.

I hate analog scopes. It is possible that it is because I mostly do MCU-based designs with rather limited actual analog stuff. And analog scopes are just not useful there, but it also happens to be majority of modern applications.
Alex
 

Offline xwarp

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 367
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #51 on: November 12, 2015, 08:27:55 am »
Funny........I thought the bid amounts on analog scopes on ebay were what people were willing to pay, not the sellers paying the bidders to take those old antiquated power hogs off their hands........
This is either people, who really know what they are doing, or people with nostalgia.

I'm in the process of restoring to a working shape a 1985 Soviet PC. It is an utter piece of crap, but that the first thing I ever programmed, so I have warm feelings for it.

So I can conclude you don't know what you are doing? (see bold text above)
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #52 on: November 12, 2015, 08:29:29 am »
So I can conclude you don't know what you are doing? (see bold text above)
Wrong. I know exactly what I'm doing, and I know that even crappiest DSO works better for my use than the best analog scope.
Alex
 

Offline xwarp

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 367
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #53 on: November 12, 2015, 08:33:05 am »
So I can conclude you don't know what you are doing? (see bold text above)
Wrong. I know exactly what I'm doing, and I know that even crappiest DSO works better for my use than the best analog scope.

Your use of an item doesn't dictate the usefulness or not, of that item, to anyone else.

Too bad there isn't an ignore option, you'd be first on my list.

Fellow is wanting to learn something new and you've done nothing more than shit in this thread every chance you can.
 

Offline ataradov

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11258
  • Country: us
    • Personal site
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #54 on: November 12, 2015, 08:40:31 am »
Too bad there isn't an ignore option, you'd be first on my list.
There is ignore option, look in your profile settings. You are welcome.
Alex
 

Online tautech

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 28379
  • Country: nz
  • Taupaki Technologies Ltd. Siglent Distributor NZ.
    • Taupaki Technologies Ltd.
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #55 on: November 12, 2015, 08:41:53 am »
So before you ever used a scope, you knew the entire theory of operation inside and out??
Absolutely not and I never said that. But by the first time I ever used a scope, I had an actual project at hand that I had a problem with. And my understanding of how the scope works was rather limited, but I at least had experience with electronics in general.

Additionally, I don't think that starting with an analog scope is a good idea. I know, I'll be crucified for saying that, but I just don't see the utility of an analog scope in a modern world.
:bullshit:
ANY scope is better than NO scope.
CRO's are what MOST OF US started with.
If I couldn't have a DSO, I'd have a CRO in a flash.
Avid Rabid Hobbyist
Siglent Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SiglentVideo/videos
 

Offline xwarp

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 367
  • Country: us
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #56 on: November 12, 2015, 08:44:03 am »
Too bad there isn't an ignore option, you'd be first on my list.
There is ignore option, look in your profile settings. You are welcome.

Appreciate that as most forums have the ability to click on the user's profile and select ignore.

And in the meantime, I'll withdraw my offer to the guy for the scope and you can send him one of those glorious $30 DSO's.
 

Offline crispy_tofu

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1124
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #57 on: November 12, 2015, 08:54:55 am »
 :palm: :palm: :palm:
sigh, can we just all move on or something
 

Online tggzzz

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 19501
  • Country: gb
  • Numbers, not adjectives
    • Having fun doing more, with less
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #58 on: November 12, 2015, 09:08:07 am »
Will passive probes work on any oscilloscope?
Ive seen active ones with chunkier box ends, with the extra pins to tell scope what value it is etc.

You have to ensure a *10 passive probe's compensation range encompassess the input capacitance of the scope.

A low impedance Z0 passive probe (which is actually a higher impedance than a *10 high impedance probe!) is usually better for frequencies >50MHz, but requires a 50? termination at the scope.

FFI see https://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/library-2/scope-probe-reference-material/
There are lies, damned lies, statistics - and ADC/DAC specs.
Glider pilot's aphorism: "there is no substitute for span". Retort: "There is a substitute: skill+imagination. But you can buy span".
Having fun doing more, with less
 

Online tggzzz

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 19501
  • Country: gb
  • Numbers, not adjectives
    • Having fun doing more, with less
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #59 on: November 12, 2015, 09:10:49 am »
Would I have to have the same Mhz probes as I do Mhz on my oscilloscope?

Roughly speaking, the bandwidth is limited by the performance of the lowest frequency component.

For a more accurate answer see the table in http://bristol.hackspace.org.uk/wiki/doku.php?id=oscilloscopeprobes
There are lies, damned lies, statistics - and ADC/DAC specs.
Glider pilot's aphorism: "there is no substitute for span". Retort: "There is a substitute: skill+imagination. But you can buy span".
Having fun doing more, with less
 

Offline Gyro

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9504
  • Country: gb
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #60 on: November 12, 2015, 09:46:34 am »
I promised myself that I would stay out of this thread but just one point and I'm out...

For a beginner just starting out, It is easier to understand what an oscilloscope does, inside and out (and I'm not suggesting a noob taking the lid off!) with an Analogue scope, what you see is what you get, it matches all the block diagrams and basic tutorials on the web.

I'm not arguing that digital scopes aren't more convenient for many (most?) tasks these days, but for a beginner experimenting in the analog domain - amplifiers, oscillators, 555 timers, any repetitive signals, and learning the basics of working in the time domain, triggering, scope probes, X-Y mode, Lissajous patterns, bandwidth etc, It really is a valuable learning tool that will give him a proper grounding for the future.

There's plenty of time for the OP to learn about menus, cursors, automatic measurements, variable persistence and all the bells and whistles. It's best for now to learn to properly interpret the trace on the screen. make your own voltage, time and rise time, phase measurements etc.

Edit: To address ataradov's persistent point: The purpose of the OP getting a scope is to learn how to use a scope!
« Last Edit: November 12, 2015, 09:55:20 am by Gyro »
Best Regards, Chris
 

Offline grumpydoc

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2905
  • Country: gb
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #61 on: November 12, 2015, 10:28:23 am »
I confess I don't really understand this, almost hatred, certainly belittlement of analogue 'scopes for hobby use.

Certainly a good modern DSO has lots of tricks up its sleeves that an analogue 'scope can't manage but for the bulk of hobby use anythiing from a Tek 464 up will be fine, and certainly better than no 'scope.

Is a 464 better than an entry level Rigol - probably not but you should be able to pick a decent one up for less money than the Rigol - even a DS1052E is £240 in the UK and you should get a reasonable 464 for less than half that which will free up funds for a decent multimeter, soldering station etc.

Quote
Some people insist that "mediocre" is better than "best."  They delight in clipping wings because they themselves can’t fly.  Heinlein

True - but, euqally, don't let "best" become the enemy of "good".

Quote from: crispy_tofu
:palm: :palm: :palm:
sigh, can we just all move on or something
Not a bad idea
 

Offline vk6zgo

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 7588
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #62 on: November 12, 2015, 11:04:37 am »
Why assume anyone would crucify you for that comment ?
I feel like there are plenty of people here having nostalgia for analog scopes, forgetting how awful they actually are. And the grass was greener back then, of course :).

Something is better than nothing, or would you not agree ?
Knowing what I know right now and being in a position  to pick an analog scope for free, or one of those $30 DSO kits, I'd go for the kit.

Read the specs:-

DSO138 DIY Digital Oscilloscope Kit Electronic Learning Kit

SMD is unsoldered and without instruction about how to solder the SMD.
This is the newest version 13804K (113-13801-050). (Update in 2015-09-01, CN warehouse at present not in EU&USA warehouse)

 Characteristics of indicators:

Maximum real-time sampling rate: 1Msps---about in step with the analog bandwidth
 Accuracy: 12Bit---good
Sampling buffer depth: 1024 bytes!!!
Analog bandwidth: 0 - 200KHz---about the same as a 1949 analog!
 Vertical Sensitivity: 10mV / Div - 5V / Div (1-2-5 progressive manner)------not spectacular
 Adjustable vertical displacement, and with instructions---ok
 Input impedance: 1M?--standard
Maximum input voltage: 50Vpp (1: 1 probe), 400Vpp (10: 1 probe---ok

 Coupling modes: DC / AC / GND--standard
The horizontal time base range: 10?s / Div - 50s / Div (1-2-5 progressive manner)----poor
[/b]
With automatic, regular and one-shot mode, easy to capture the moment waveform----good
 Available rising or falling edge trigger--standard
 Adjustable trigger level position, and with instructions--standard
 Observable previous trigger waveform (negative delay)----good
 Can freeze at any time waveform display (HOLD function)----good
 Comes 1Hz /3.3V square wave test signal source--standard

Note:
This is a DIY kit, need to have some basic electronic activity and ability, because of different levels of ability and technical, we can not guarantee that everyone can DIY success, but we are committed to do our best of after-sales service.

Apart from the storage function,even the cheapest analog oscilloscope on eBay.com.au--a Telequipment S31 Serviscope,(no bids,start price $2) would run rings round that kit in normal 'scope applications.

If you must have a fairly lousy DSO,such not very nice things as the Hantek 6022BE would be better than the kit!
 

Offline vk6zgo

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 7588
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #63 on: November 12, 2015, 11:27:25 am »
one of these over a Tek analog?
Yes, any day of the week and no facepalming required.

I hate analog scopes. It is possible that it is because I mostly do MCU-based designs with rather limited actual analog stuff. And analog scopes are just not useful there, but it also happens to be majority of modern applications.

Have you ever used an analog 'scope?
Do you have the first clue on how to use an analog 'scope?

I can understand someone preferring something like a DS1054Z,because they can do most of the things an analog 'scope can do,plus the things only a DSO can do,but to recommend what is basically a toy is another thing
 

Online tggzzz

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 19501
  • Country: gb
  • Numbers, not adjectives
    • Having fun doing more, with less
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #64 on: November 12, 2015, 12:38:07 pm »
Additionally, I don't think that starting with an analog scope is a good idea. I know, I'll be crucified for saying that, but I just don't see the utility of an analog scope in a modern world.

From that we can deduce:
  • probably you have considerable experience, unlike the OP
  • probably you have never taught beginners about scopes and how to use them

IMNSHO, analogue scopes are better for beginners to learn to use because all the controls are visible on the front panel (not buried deep in a menuing system), and the traces are more WYSIWYG with fewer traps for the unwary.
There are lies, damned lies, statistics - and ADC/DAC specs.
Glider pilot's aphorism: "there is no substitute for span". Retort: "There is a substitute: skill+imagination. But you can buy span".
Having fun doing more, with less
 

Offline Shock

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4217
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #65 on: November 12, 2015, 12:58:42 pm »
Noone is saying fans of analog oscilloscopes can't or shouldn't own them. But it's polite they wear a mark so potential beginners can identify their bias.
Soldering/Rework: Pace ADS200, Pace MBT350
Multimeters: Fluke 189, 87V, 117, 112   >>> WANTED STUFF <<<
Oszilloskopen: Lecroy 9314, Phillips PM3065, Tektronix 2215a, 314
 

Offline Gyro

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9504
  • Country: gb
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #66 on: November 12, 2015, 01:44:01 pm »
Not a bias, just simple logic:

1 - OP wants a scope cheap or donated
2 - No one is likely to donate a decent Digital Scope
3 - All the Digital scopes / kits in his price range are crap / toys - without exception!
4 - With luck he can find a decent quality Analogue scope either donated or ebay etc.

Therefore go with the decent Analogue scope - It's a no-brainer given the above!
Best Regards, Chris
 

Online tggzzz

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 19501
  • Country: gb
  • Numbers, not adjectives
    • Having fun doing more, with less
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #67 on: November 12, 2015, 03:24:58 pm »
Noone is saying fans of analog oscilloscopes can't or shouldn't own them. But it's polite they wear a mark so potential beginners can identify their bias.

Ditto digitising and digital scopes.

Personally I always to try to use an appropriate tool for the job at hand. Sometimes more than one tool is appropriate. Sometimes one tool is significantly superior. Sometimes there is only one appropriate tool.

Yes, you can use a hammer to insert screws - and (except for the last turn) professionals often do!
There are lies, damned lies, statistics - and ADC/DAC specs.
Glider pilot's aphorism: "there is no substitute for span". Retort: "There is a substitute: skill+imagination. But you can buy span".
Having fun doing more, with less
 

Offline Paul Price

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1419
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #68 on: November 12, 2015, 04:05:16 pm »
There are several advantages of an analog scope over a digital scope for the beginner.
1) It can be bought used for little $$$ or less.
2) It can be used for a voltmeter very easily to measure several points of a circuit in a few seconds, especially useful to see low-level voltages change at slow speeds in real-time display. Most digital scopes require the entire sweep time to complete before seeing the results or have only a limited range you can see a roll sweep, so for slow waveforms, it is  so easy, an analog scope requires no complex setup required for getting  instantaneous feedback watching slowly changing phenomena.
3)The waveform is not distorted by the resolution of the display or the very limited vertical dynamic range and slow recovery from overload of a digital scope.
4)An analog scope will not give you an erroneous display caused by aliasing/sampling errors.
5)Very rugged and usually easy to repair, it is easy for a beginner to have a slip of a probe on a input and change an expensive, impossible to repair digital scope into a box of spare parts. See how much easier it is to get a schematic for a Tek or HP versus a Rigol or some other crap Chinese digital scope you could just barely afford. I've learned more about electronics from reading the circuit descriptions and theory of operation of an old Tek scope than most of my work studying textbooks.

A slewing waveform or a ramp is displayed a linear continuous slew or a ramp and not as a step-function or a chain of dots.

In short, an analog scope allows very quick setup,  can easily function as a voltmeter, so just turn it on and you have a quick view of circuit action v. time without digitization noise at low levels, display resolution distortions, distortion of waveforms due to exceeding the small vert. dynamic range, delays in display v. circuit action and having to deal with a so hard to use because it is so complicated to setup instrument..it provides just instant feedback that is so helpful in  learning about electronics or even for a professional engineer or technician to do complex scientific study or engineering work.
« Last Edit: November 13, 2015, 02:14:03 am by Paul Price »
 

Offline vk6zgo

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 7588
  • Country: au
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #69 on: November 13, 2015, 12:41:07 am »
Noone is saying fans of analog oscilloscopes can't or shouldn't own them. But it's polite they wear a mark so potential beginners can identify their bias.

Most of the bias is on the part of the DSO proponents.
Mention getting a "cheap analog Oscilloscope",& they come out flailing:-

"Analog 'scopes are useless!"

"Secondhand analogs will always break down & are full of unobtainable parts!"

"They are too expensive for OLD analog,out of date technology!"

"But they're OLD!"

"I only look at digital stuff,so they are useless!"

"You mean I have to count squares?"

"They're so big!"

"What! no Auto button?"

" Did I mention that they're OLD!!"

"Who cares if my DSO reduces its sampling rate at long time/cm settings--nobody ever uses those settings!"

I could go on all day----"torn from the pages of EEVblog forums."

The facts are:
You can buy cheap secondhand analog Oscilloscopes --even on eBay.
(ignore the silly overpriced stuff)

If you can,look beyond eBay--'scopes are often available at Hamfests for $100-$150 for the popular Tektronix &
HP models,& very much less for less well known brands.

At Hamfests,people arrive with a certain amount of money in their pockets,& are more likely to spend larger amounts on a Transceiver,so Test Equipment tends to not be their priority.

"Just get a Rigol DS1054Z!"---hah!

US $375 is not "chicken feed" for many of us-------let alone $A600!!

Even a secondhand DS1052E on eBay.com.au went for $A362---for an outdated model.
Another one is $A500!

Modern DSOs can do just about everything an analog Oscilloscope can do,& more,but this level of performance has been a long time arriving.
Why else are there so many surviving analogs--why didn't they all disappear like the Dinosaurs as soon as the early DSOs appeared?



 

Online tggzzz

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 19501
  • Country: gb
  • Numbers, not adjectives
    • Having fun doing more, with less
Re: Donate an Oscilloscpe?
« Reply #70 on: November 13, 2015, 08:22:14 am »
Noone is saying fans of analog oscilloscopes can't or shouldn't own them. But it's polite they wear a mark so potential beginners can identify their bias.
Most of the bias is on the part of the DSO proponents.
Mention getting a "cheap analog Oscilloscope",& they come out flailing:-
<snip>

Nicely put :)

When, not if, the "digital good analogue bad" raises its head again, I may remember to point to that post!
There are lies, damned lies, statistics - and ADC/DAC specs.
Glider pilot's aphorism: "there is no substitute for span". Retort: "There is a substitute: skill+imagination. But you can buy span".
Having fun doing more, with less
 


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf