Electronics > Beginners
Is An Oscilloscope Practical
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soldar:

--- Quote from: Fungus on January 04, 2019, 04:53:47 pm ---Or get one of these.
--- End quote ---
You know, I realize that is not going to replace a real scope but I would find that useful very often because my scope is an old CRT type and very inconvenient to move. I already have more handheld instruments than I need but I might be looking at one of those.
Fungus:

--- Quote from: soldar on January 04, 2019, 05:56:12 pm ---
--- Quote from: Fungus on January 04, 2019, 04:53:47 pm ---Or get one of these.
--- End quote ---
You know, I realize that is not going to replace a real scope but I would find that useful very often because my scope is an old CRT type and very inconvenient to move. I already have more handheld instruments than I need but I might be looking at one of those.

--- End quote ---

There's a thread on those, here.

They're only good up to a few kHz but they're very portable and it's enough to show you the the shape of a generator/inverter's output.
dnwheeler:
When trying to decide between 2 and 4 channels, consider if you might want to do protocol analysis. Most digital scopes have the ability to decode serial protocols using multiple channels. SPI, for example, typically uses 3 or 4 channels (clock, MOSI, MSIO, and CS). Even I2C uses two. Having additional channels allows you to decode a serial signal and still be able to watch additional signals at the same time.


Don't forget that most digital scopes have a built-in signal generator, too.
james_s:
But if you want to decode SPI for example, a small logic analyzer is really a better tool for that job. If you're already poking around with a scope then it can be handy to be able to do that with the scope as well, but it's not really necessary when very cheap PC based logic analyzers are available.

I've never had a scope with a built in signal generator but I wouldn't place much value in that feature, it's unlikely to be as good as a separate signal generator. I like tools that focus on doing one task well rather than the "everything and the kitchen sink" approach.
Cactus:
I'm a almost a complete beginner I understand some of the basics but I rely on the knowledge of others to get me by as I learn. I own two scopes, the first one is a basic old analogue Beckman industrial 20mhz scope which i picked up for £30 the other is a labnation smartscope that i can connect to a pc and it cost significantly more. Many will have opinions about my choices but they suited me at the time. They are not necessarily a recommendation for you.

You are retired and you are looking to play around and learn a bit. Its a few months yet until I retire but I too was looking to learn and enjoy a new hobby. The enjoyment I got from using an old scope was worth every penny. The hour I spent chatting to the retired electronics engineer who I bought the scope from was worth far more than I paid him, and playing about with it taught me much about these mysterious devices.

Whether a  scope is practical for you I cannot say. But I would encourage you to buy one either new or used and have some fun with it and see where your interests take you.  If you find its not for you then sell it. If you buy a used scope wisely you might even make your money back if you sell. The most important thing is that you enjoy your retirement.


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