Mixed signal oscilloscope for hobby purposes, 4k budget

[echen1024]

Oscilloscopes are not some new consumer crap. They are not released every year in a new iteration. A 10 year old scope is perfectly fine provided it has the specs and features you need.

[eurofox]

Oscilloscopes are not some new consumer crap. They are not released every year in a new iteration. A 10 year old scope is perfectly fine provided it has the specs and features you need.

+1 

[cio74]

That's good to know, been reading around how crap are Tek's compared to the mighty Agilent because are old technology which runs windows and not fast chips.  Or maybe some folks are too biased.

A Tek MSO3014 is any good, I can get one at a very good price.

Thanks.

[echen1024]

That's good to know, been reading around how crap are Tek's compared to the mighty Agilent because are old technology which runs windows and not fast chips.  Or maybe some folks are too biased.

A Tek MSO3014 is any good, I can get one at a very good price.

Thanks.

Agilent runs windows as well. I personally do not hate windows as much as others, but Tek is so slow because their GUI is on a Java VM and all that shit.

[cio74]

Tek runs Java VM on their scope? That could be slow and irresponsive. Seems like the good deal for that MSO3014 goes away.

[echen1024]

Tek runs Java VM on their scope? That could be slow and irresponsive. Seems like the good deal for that MSO3014 goes away.

Oh god. Don't get me started on the slow UI of Tek scopes. It is an absolute pain in the ass.

[G0HZU]

I think I'll just buy one then, I have also got the Agilent 34461A and I am pleased with it.

Sorry to appear a bit negative, but a $4k MSO and a 34461A are not tools I would have on a shopping list for setting up a bench for basic RF design. Especially for hobby ham stuff below 30MHz

For the cost of the MSO alone you could set up a pretty decent/complete RF workstation if you are prepared to buy lab grade gear from 15-25years ago. eg for that $4k you could easily end up with a workstation with various lab grade RF test gear that once graced the very finest RF labs in the world.

Alternatively, you could buy a chinese built MSO for $4k that will often be matched/outclassed for RF work by a 35-40 year old Tek 465 analogue scope that you can buy on ebay for $80.

[w2aew]

Tek runs Java VM on their scope? That could be slow and irresponsive. Seems like the good deal for that MSO3014 goes away.

The TEK 3000 series does not run windows, and the interface is quite snappy.  It's a real fine scope.

[echen1024]

Tek runs Java VM on their scope? That could be slow and irresponsive. Seems like the good deal for that MSO3014 goes away.

The TEK 3000 series does not run windows, and the interface is quite snappy.  It's a real fine scope.

Oh. Huh. never used the 3000 series before. Used their TDS7000 series before. It was horrendous.

[cio74]

I think I'll just buy one then, I have also got the Agilent 34461A and I am pleased with it.

Sorry to appear a bit negative, but a $4k MSO and a 34461A are not tools I would have on a shopping list for setting up a bench for basic RF design. Especially for hobby ham stuff below 30MHz

For the cost of the MSO alone you could set up a pretty decent/complete RF workstation if you are prepared to buy lab grade gear from 15-25years ago. eg for that $4k you could easily end up with a workstation with various lab grade RF test gear that once graced the very finest RF labs in the world.

Alternatively, you could buy a chinese built MSO for $4k that will often be matched/outclassed for RF work by a 35-40 year old Tek 465 analogue scope that you can buy on ebay for $80.

You are not negative at all you are actually right; just can't see myself spending that much money on 10 years old equipment, regardless how good it is 

[cio74]

Tek runs Java VM on their scope? That could be slow and irresponsive. Seems like the good deal for that MSO3014 goes away.

The TEK 3000 series does not run windows, and the interface is quite snappy.  It's a real fine scope.

I'll do a bit of research on this one, I can get a good deal, it has 16 digital, 4 analog, LAN, video out; pretty much anything I want.

A close call would be the Agilent DSOX2014A but it's 2000X series, no digital inputs and every option costs a small fortune? Please correct me if I am wrong.

Those are all within my budget, took me a bit to build the list

Brand   Model   Price   Channels   BW   Refresh   LCD   Resolution   Bandwidth   Sample   Memory            
Rigol   2072A   750   2   20 Mhz   50000   8   800 x 480   70 Mhz   2 GS   14 Mpts   USB Host   LAN      0.5v / div
Rigol   2102A   1000   2   20 Mhz   50000   8   800 x 480   200 Mhz   2 GS   14 Mpts   USB Host   LAN      0.5v / div
Rigol   2022A   1400   2   100 Mhz   50000   8   800 x 480   200 Mhz   2 GS   14 Mpts   USB Host   LAN      0.5v / div
Rigol   4014   2000   4   20 Mhz   110000   9   800 x 480   100 Mhz   4 GS   140 Mpts   USB Host   LAN   VGA Intf   2mv /div
Rigol   4024   2400   4   20/100 Mhz   110000   9   800 x 480   200 Mhz   4 GS   140 Mpts   USB Host   LAN   VGA Intf   2mv /div
Tektronix   MSO 3014   1700   4 + 16    100 Mhz   50000   9   800 x 480   100 Mhz   2.5 GS   5 Mpts   USB Host   LAN   VGA Intf   
Agilent   DSOX 2012A   1000   2      50000   8.5   800 x 480   100 Mhz   2 GS   0.1 Mpts   USB Host         
Agilent   DSOX 2014A   1600   4                                 
Agilent   MSOX 2012A   1600   2 + 16      50000   8.5   800 x 480   100 Mhz   2 GS   0.1 Mpts   USB Host         
Agilent   DSOX 3032A   2600   2      1000000   8.5   800 x 480   350 Mhz   4 GS   2 Mpts   USB Host         

[echen1024]

Why a MSO? Why not an independent Logic Analyzer + A DSO.

[cio74]

No particular reason, think it could be nice to have them all together, no need to power up a PC to check some digital?

[echen1024]

No particular reason, think it could be nice to have them all together, no need to power up a PC to check some digital?

A standalone LA, like a Tektronix TLA. Not a PC One. And cross trigger with your scope.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Agilent-HP-16702B-Logic-Analysis-System-w-1-Agilent-16717A-Module-/151155613543?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2331939f67 and a scope like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-54825A-500MHz-2GSa-s-oscilloscope-w-opt-015-and-100-/221339781612?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item3388e109ec

can cross trigger so you get a very powerful scope and a fantastic LA.

[w2aew]

Tek runs Java VM on their scope? That could be slow and irresponsive. Seems like the good deal for that MSO3014 goes away.

The TEK 3000 series does not run windows, and the interface is quite snappy.  It's a real fine scope.

I'll do a bit of research on this one, I can get a good deal, it has 8 digital, 4 analog, LAN, video out; pretty much anything I want.

A close call would be the Agilent DSOX2014A but it's 2000X series, no digital inputs and every option costs a small fortune? Please correct me if I am wrong.

Those are all within my budget, took me a bit to build the list

Brand   Model   Price   Channels   BW   Refresh   LCD   Resolution   Bandwidth   Sample   Memory            
Rigol   2072A   750   2   20 Mhz   50000   8   800 x 480   70 Mhz   2 GS   14 Mpts   USB Host   LAN      0.5v / div
Rigol   2102A   1000   2   20 Mhz   50000   8   800 x 480   200 Mhz   2 GS   14 Mpts   USB Host   LAN      0.5v / div
Rigol   2022A   1400   2   100 Mhz   50000   8   800 x 480   200 Mhz   2 GS   14 Mpts   USB Host   LAN      0.5v / div
Rigol   4014   2000   4   20 Mhz   110000   9   800 x 480   100 Mhz   4 GS   140 Mpts   USB Host   LAN   VGA Intf   2mv /div
Rigol   4024   2400   4   20/100 Mhz   110000   9   800 x 480   200 Mhz   4 GS   140 Mpts   USB Host   LAN   VGA Intf   2mv /div
Tektronix   MSO 3014   1700   4 + 8    20 Mhz   50000   9   800 x 480   100 Mhz   2.5 GS   5 Mpts   USB Host   LAN   VGA Intf   
Agilent   DSOX 2012A   1000   2      50000   8.5   800 x 480   100 Mhz   2 GS   0.1 Mpts   USB Host         
Agilent   DSOX 2014A   1600   4                                 
Agilent   MSOX 2012A   1600   2 + 16      50000   8.5   800 x 480   100 Mhz   2 GS   0.1 Mpts   USB Host         
Agilent   DSOX 3032A   2600   2      1000000   8.5   800 x 480   350 Mhz   4 GS   2 Mpts   USB Host

minor correction - the Tek MSO3014 is 100MHz on the analog channels, and has 16 digital inputs, not 8.

[cio74]

I have changed it, thanks.

Also have found that they run Linux as OS https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/equipment-running-windoze/msg210546/#msg210546

[cio74]

And in here owners of 2000 and 4000 series complaining about user interface being slow and not responsive https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/sci.electronics.design/qGnsKKjLLSw

I may end up getting a new DSOX2000 Agilent in the end.

[Frost]

I may end up getting a new DSOX2000 Agilent in the end.

If an Agilent DSOX, why not the DSOX3014A?
http://www.tequipment.net/AgilentDSOX3014A.asp?v=7233

[echen1024]

I may end up getting a new DSOX2000 Agilent in the end.

If an Agilent DSOX, why not the DSOX3014A?
http://www.tequipment.net/AgilentDSOX3014A.asp?v=7233

It's too expensive in Turkey.

[cio74]

Yeah, and very cheap here in the UK

Agilent DSOX3014A £3136
Agilent DSOX2014A £1550

Got prices mixed up, I was right first time, it's double the price. £2150 for the MSOX2014

[echen1024]

Shit. You are in the UK. I forgot. You weren't the Turkish person I was dealing with earlier.

[TopLoser]

Excellent price on the Agilent MSOX2024A here (limited offer)

http://uk.farnell.com/agilent-technologies/msox2024a-certiprime-refurbished/oscilloscope-4-8-channel-200-mhz/dp/2290620

[cio74]

Thanks, that's exactly where I am looking It seems to be a good time to get one.

[Rick]

I may end up getting a new DSOX2000 Agilent in the end.

If an Agilent DSOX, why not the DSOX3014A?
http://www.tequipment.net/AgilentDSOX3014A.asp?v=7233

It's too expensive in Turkey.

Anything listed on the Turkish version of Farnell's website is sold only with 18% VAT added, no customs duty, no shipping charges (above 50 €):
http://tr.farnell.com/agilent-technologies/msox2024a-certiprime-refurbished/oscilloscope-4-8-channel-200-mhz/dp/2290620

Their distributors are these guys http://www.brit.com.tr/

But I have never bought from them.

[cio74]

Ended up with a 4 channels Agilent DSO7000 series for $3k, I hope I made a wise choice...